Worker safety is a top priority when lifting and moving heavy loads. But in a competitive market, leaders are under pressure to increase efficiency at the same time. One way to strike a balance between these two priorities is to invest in a robotic dolly.
Similar to a manual skate or dolly, a robotic dolly is a tool for moving heavy loads from one place to another with minimal manpower. However, while dollies and skates must be towed, a robot is propelled by its own battery power source.
There are several key benefits to using a moving robot for heavy loads:
Reduce Workplace Hazards with a Robotic Dolly
Moving heavy cargo or unusually shaped loads can be risky without the right strategy. It can be especially challenging if the move must be executed in a tight space. Workers may find it difficult to maneuver a large load, the manpower required, and bulky equipment around obstacles and small openings, especially if the load is heavy.
A tight squeeze can be much easier to navigate with a moving robot. Industrial robots can bear tremendous weight, reducing the need for manpower to be close to the load. With a human operator guiding the remote-controlled robot from a distance, there is no risk of someone pinching a finger or getting stuck as they attempt to navigate narrow passages.
Additionally, remote-controlled robots are battery-powered. Without power cords running across the floor, the risk of tripping is dramatically reduced and allows for easy movement through a facility or on a job site.
The Impact of Robotics on Warehouse Operations
A robotic dolly can boost the efficiency of any operation where moving heavy loads is a daily activity. This includes warehouses, shipping facilities, and production settings.
Moving a heavy load with manpower alone requires a large team and tremendous energy and time. However, with the right system of jacks, it takes a small team to safely lift and secure a heavy load onto a robotic dolly.
Once the load is secured, the robot can be controlled remotely by a single operator, who is free to walk around the load while steering and serve as their own spotter. Other team members are free to focus on other tasks in the meantime. The entire process is far less strenuous than a manual moving endeavor, leaving team members with more energy for more projects throughout the day. As a result, leaders can deploy their workers more efficiently and accomplish more with a smaller team.
Using an industrial robot also eliminates the need to own and store a towing vehicle, which can be a significant space saver for operations with a smaller footprint.
Moving Robot Maintenance and Repairs
Like any piece of mechanical equipment, a moving robot requires routine but very minimal maintenance. This may include lubricating roller bearings every few months and replacing rollers after several years. Being proactive about maintenance and repairs can extend the robot’s service life.
Why Choose GKS?
GKS has leveraged the best of German engineering to create a premium line of robotic dollies. GKS robotic dollies offer an easy to use remote-control and can travel up to twenty feet per minute. Our industrial robots are powered by lithium-polymer batteries, which means you can go longer between charges without having to worry about hoses or power cords blocking the path of travel. The robot’s battery pack is located at the front of the load so battery switch out can occur easily when loaded.
You can choose between three different models based on your needs, with our largest dolly rated for loads up to 40 tons. All GKS robotic dollies are backed by a warranty of two years or 900 operating hours. Our U.S.-based service team in Springfield, Ohio can help you choose the right robot for your needs and advise you on maintenance and more.
To learn more about GKS moving robots, talk to a member of our team.
