Industrial Robotics in Logistics : possibilities to utilise collaborative robotics in 3PL operations
Parkkinen, Ismo (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025073123761
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025073123761
Tiivistelmä
This thesis aimed to investigate the use of collaborative robotics in the kitting process within a warehouse operation at DHL Supply Chain Finland Oy, where kitting plays a crucial role in the overall operation. The company's 2025 and 2030 strategic periods emphasise digitalisation and the opportunities it presents. The study also aimed to gather information on industrial robotics, understand their potential for improving operations, and analyse the necessary changes and their impacts. The practical goal was to introduce new technology to the office by testing robotics on-site.
The research was conducted using a multi-method approach, incorporating both qualitative and intervention research methods. At the beginning of the research project, three research questions were defined and explored through the study of collaborative and industrial robotics, screwdriving and packaging automation, market offerings, and kitting processes, alongside a pilot trial conducted in the company's facilities. Qualitative data collection involved document analysis, literature review, and process observation. At the same time, interventional research methods were used in the pilot trial to test practical applications, evaluate results, and propose new process solutions.
Findings indicate that collaborative robotics is suitable for automating screwdriving and packaging tasks with minimal process changes. The market offers a range of collaborative robots, tools, and supporting equipment for these processes. The pilot trial revealed that further research and investment are needed for implementation and adoption, which were identified as key areas for development.
In conclusion, automating screwdriving and packaging with collaborative robotics is feasible, but additional research and investment are required from both the company and its customers. The Proof of Concept (PoC) approach used in the pilot trial assessed general applicability, though testing conditions were not fully optimised.
The research was conducted using a multi-method approach, incorporating both qualitative and intervention research methods. At the beginning of the research project, three research questions were defined and explored through the study of collaborative and industrial robotics, screwdriving and packaging automation, market offerings, and kitting processes, alongside a pilot trial conducted in the company's facilities. Qualitative data collection involved document analysis, literature review, and process observation. At the same time, interventional research methods were used in the pilot trial to test practical applications, evaluate results, and propose new process solutions.
Findings indicate that collaborative robotics is suitable for automating screwdriving and packaging tasks with minimal process changes. The market offers a range of collaborative robots, tools, and supporting equipment for these processes. The pilot trial revealed that further research and investment are needed for implementation and adoption, which were identified as key areas for development.
In conclusion, automating screwdriving and packaging with collaborative robotics is feasible, but additional research and investment are required from both the company and its customers. The Proof of Concept (PoC) approach used in the pilot trial assessed general applicability, though testing conditions were not fully optimised.