How to Choose the Right Robot System for Your Business

Across the UK, industries are under increasing pressure to enhance efficiency and agility in a changing marketplace. Retailers and e-commerce operators are competing on speed and accuracy of fulfilment; food and beverage manufacturers face strict hygiene standards and shifting consumer demand; pharmaceutical businesses must uphold rigorous compliance while scaling production; and manufacturers across the board are dealing with skills shortages and rising costs.

In this tough landscape, robotic systems have become a reliable and practical solution to today’s operational challenges. But with so many types of robotic automation available, how do you know which is right for your business? The answer depends on a number of key factors, including the range of products, throughput needs, business goals, and how you plan to integrate automation into existing workflows. Making the right decision at the outset is critical, which is why many turn to an expert system integrator who can deliver a robust and future-proof solution to ensure a wise investment.

Types of Robot Systems

There are many different types of robotic systems available today, both for large-scale and complex operations, alongside smaller, more niche operations in the SME market. Here is a selection of the most commonly used robots across UK industry:

AMR AND AGV APPLICATIONS SUITABLE FOR MATERIALS HANDLING OPERATIONS.png

Robot Palletiser

Pick and Place

Industrial Robots

Industrial robots continue to be the workhorses of modern manufacturing. Typically floor-mounted and programmed for repetitive, high-speed, high-precision tasks, they are well-suited to applications such as material handling, welding, painting, and assembly. For manufacturers, they offer productivity gains on large-scale, consistent processes and can be enhanced with computer vision for quality assurance and inspection tasks.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) & Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

AGVs and AMRs are increasingly common in warehouse operations and distribution centres. AGVs follow fixed routes, ideal for predictable operations, while AMRs can dynamically navigate around obstacles, using Intelligent Automation and mapping technology. Both are highly adept at order fulfilment, movement of inventory, and optimising automation products within warehouses.

Palletisers and Depalletisers

Palletising robots are designed to stack products, boxes, or containers onto pallets in a stable and space-efficient manner. Depalletisers, by contrast, unload items from pallets for further processing or distribution. These systems are widely used in food & beverage, e-commerce fulfilment centres, and manufacturing, where large volumes of uniform goods need to be moved quickly and consistently. Robotic arms provide repeatable, safe handling of heavy loads, improving productivity and workplace safety.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

Cobots are designed to work safely alongside humans, unlike traditional industrial robots, which need to be separated from workers. They’re easier to program and redeploy, making them ideal for SMEs and industries with changing product lines. In retail and e-commerce packaging or food handling, cobots automate repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on more value-added roles.

Delta Robots

Recognisable by their spider-like arms, Delta robots excel at high-speed pick-and-place operations. They are particularly common in food packaging and pharmaceuticals, where hygiene and precision are essential. Integrated vision systems can further enhance their accuracy when sorting or inspecting products.

SCARA Robots

SCARA robots are compact, fast, and accurate, making them well-suited for small-part assembly. Electronics manufacturers and pharmaceutical labs often use SCARA robots for delicate processes, where precision is vital.

Specialised Robots

Some industries require specialised robots with tailored capabilities. In food and beverage, washdown-rated robots withstand rigorous cleaning processes. For the pharmaceutical sector, cleanroom robots are designed to meet strict levels to ensure zero contamination.

How Applications Differ by Industry

With an array of robotic solutions available, it’s important to select the type of robot that is best suited to your industry requirements, to ensure it delivers optimum efficiency and flexibility. Here, we highlight different types of applications within key industry sectors:

Retail & E-commerce

Automation in retail are driven by the need for speed, accuracy, and scalability. Robots are typically used for packaging, order picking, and inventory management tasks. AMRs and AGVs help optimise fulfilment centres, while cobots can be deployed to assist with packaging and returns processing.

Food & Beverage

Food and beverage manufacturing prioritises hygiene and product integrity at every stage of production. Robots used in this sector must be robust, easy to clean, and fully compliant with food safety standards. Delta robots excel at high-speed sorting and packaging, while robot palletisers manage repetitive tasks without compromising the quality of the packaging.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing in the UK faces global competition and labour shortages, making robotics essential for maintaining operational efficiency. Industrial robots take on heavy-duty tasks such as welding and assembly, while AGVs and AMRs keep materials moving smoothly through the facility, boosting productivity and minimising downtime.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals demand precision and strict compliance with regulations. Cleanroom-rated robots are widely used for packaging, lab automation, and medical device assembly, while SCARA robots deliver high-accuracy performance. Cobots add flexibility for small-batch production, supporting efficiency and adaptability in pharmaceutical operations.

Key Decision-Making Criteria

Choosing the right robotic automation solution requires careful evaluation of business needs and operational requirements, with the key considerations for designing and implementing an efficient and effective robotic system typically including:

Business Objectives

Are you aiming to reduce costs, increase throughput, improve quality, or add flexibility through digital transformation?

Task Complexity

Is the task highly repetitive and structured, or adaptive and variable? Machine Learning and artificial intelligence may support more complex decision-making.

Scalability

Can the system grow with your business and adapt to new product lines or peaks in demand?

Space Optimisation

Can the system be deployed within your existing floor space, or will it require layout changes? Compact, modular robots may be more suitable for smaller warehouses or production facilities.

Safety & Compliance

Does the system need to meet industry-specific safety regulations or food hygiene standards?

Integration with Existing Systems

How will it integrate with existing automated processes, software robots, or platforms such as WMS or ERP?

Workforce Considerations

How easily can employees learn and work alongside the system, and what retraining will be required?

Total Cost of Ownership

Beyond purchase price, factor in installation, training, maintenance, and ongoing support of the robot system.

The Benefits of Working with an Expert System Integrator

Even the most advanced robotic system will struggle to deliver true value if it hasn’t been properly designed, installed, and integrated. This is where a specialist system integrator can make all the difference, by offering:

Tailored Solutions

They assess your workflows and recommend the right robotic solutions or automation products for your specific needs.

Cross-Industry Expertise

Integrators bring insights from multiple sectors, helping you avoid common pitfalls and ensuring your digital transformation strategy aligns with industry best practice.

Risk Reduction

They ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, reducing implementation and operational risks across your warehouse operations.

Seamless Integration

Robotic arms, software robots, and other robotic automation technologies are configured to work with your existing systems, avoiding costly disruptions.

Training & Support

Employees are trained to operate and maintain the robotic systems, with ongoing support to optimise and enhance their effectiveness throughout the lifecycle.

Future-Proofing

Solutions are designed with scalability and evolving artificial intelligence and Machine Learning technologies in mind, protecting your investment and offering valuable flexibility for changes in future operations.

Choosing the Right Robotic System for Long-Term Success

From e-commerce warehouses to food and pharmaceutical production, the right robotic system can increase productivity, improve safety, and strengthen resilience. The key is to align your choice of robot system with your business objectives, operational environment, and workforce capabilities.

With so many options available, the decision can be complex. However, by partnering with an expert system integrator, businesses can make informed choices, reduce risks, and ensure their investment delivers long-term value and adaptability.