Warehouse robots, software and automation. Designed to work together.
Warehouse robotics solutions for UK operations
Warehouse robotics can help move goods, bring stock to picking stations and support inventory checks. The right solution depends on the work you need to automate, the products you handle and how your warehouse operates.
Keymas combines warehouse software, automation design and integration expertise to connect robots with the wider operation. We help UK businesses plan systems around their stock, people, storage and material flows, from a focused automation project to a more connected warehouse.
This page brings together the main warehouse robotics applications. For mobile transport robots, explore our dedicated autonomous mobile robots for warehouses page.
CTU robots and goods-to-person picking
Goods-to-person systems bring stock to an operator at a workstation, reducing the need to walk between storage locations. Container transfer unit (CTU) robots can retrieve and transport totes or containers between suitable storage and picking areas as part of this process.
The robot, storage layout, workstation and software need to work as one system. Keymas can plan the flow from order release and stock retrieval to picking confirmation, container return and replenishment.
Reduce operator travel: bring required stock to a defined picking position.
Coordinate order fulfilment: connect tote movements with warehouse tasks and priorities.
Support picking accuracy: combine software instructions with barcode scanning and suitable pick-to-light or put-wall equipment.
Plan for growth: assess storage capacity, robot workload and workstation throughput together.
The choice of system depends on your SKU profile, container dimensions, order patterns and available space. Explore our automated picking systems for the wider picking process.
Warehouse inventory robots and stock-checking drones
Robotics can also support inventory verification. Warehouse stock-checking drones scan visible pallet identifiers and storage locations, helping teams review stock records and investigate discrepancies.
In a tethered arrangement, an AMR moves through the aisle while the drone scans higher racking. Scan information can be passed into warehouse software for comparison and review. Suitable labels, visibility, aisle access and exception handling are important parts of the design.
Pallet identification and storage-location checking.
Scheduled stock checks and cycle counting.
Review of missing, unexpected or unreadable identifiers.
Warehouse robotics covers several different applications. Start with the operational problem, then select the equipment and software that can solve it.
Autonomous mobile robots
AMRs support internal transport between picking zones, packing stations, replenishment areas and conveyor transfer points. They are useful where flexible transport is needed between defined locations.
Storage automation coordinates the retrieval and return of stock within a suitable racking or storage system. Equipment selection depends on load type, storage density, access requirements and throughput.
Robots can work alongside conveyor systems, sortation and manual workstations. Plan the pickup and drop-off points, capacity and exception processes so each handoff supports the next stage of the operation.
A robot needs more than a movement instruction. The operation also needs to know which stock is required, where it should go, whether the move completed and what to do if a location or workstation is unavailable.
K-Store WMS connects inventory, warehouse tasks and operational information. As part of a planned integration, the software can exchange tasks and status information with robot or fleet-control systems, coordinating the physical movement of stock with its warehouse record.
Task coordination: connect order and replenishment requirements with robot missions.
Stock visibility: record completed movements and review inventory exceptions.
Operational control: bring picking workload, activity and outstanding issues into view.
Business integration: connect warehouse information with ERP and other business systems.
K-Store Picking Control Dash showing example operational data. Select the screenshot to enlarge.
We start with your layout, products, order volumes and working practices. The assessment considers travel distances, peak demand, storage capacity and existing systems before defining the robotics and integration scope.
Assess the operation: identify bottlenecks and agree the outcomes to measure.
Design the system: plan equipment, workstations, material flows and software interfaces.
Validate the solution: review capacity, site suitability and integration requirements.
Implement and support: commission the system, test normal and exception workflows and plan ongoing support.
Warehouse robotics questions
Can we add robotics to an existing warehouse?
Often, but suitability depends on the building, floor, aisles, storage, traffic and existing processes. A site assessment identifies the changes needed before equipment is selected.
What determines the cost of a warehouse robotics system?
Robot type and quantity, storage and workstation requirements, software integration, commissioning and support all affect cost. A useful business case compares the full project scope with the operational improvements it is designed to deliver.
Can robots work with our existing WMS?
Integration depends on the available interfaces and required workflows. Keymas can assess the connection between your WMS, robot fleet software and other automation, or plan a solution around K-Store.
