Hikrobot is a global product and solution provider specialising in machine vision and mobile robotics.
Intelligent robots
Through its work in robotics, Hikrobot provides customers worldwide with leading mobile robot products and solutions. The company has been developing intelligent warehouse robot systems since 2015. With a focus on mobile robotics, it has introduced a portfolio that includes Latent Mobile Robots (LMR), Conveyor/Heavy-Duty Mobile Robots (CMR/HMR) and Forklift Mobile Robots (FMR). These products are widely used in consumer electronics, automotive, manufacturing, e-commerce logistics, 3PL, food and pharmaceutical operations. Hikrobot's intelligent robot solutions help simplify intralogistics flows, reduce costs and improve logistics processes.
Software platform
The Hikrobot software platform architecture is built around iWMS 1000 (Intelligent Warehouse Management System) and RCS 2000 (Robot Control System). iWMS 1000 integrates seamlessly with higher-level systems to deliver efficient, cost-effective intelligent warehouse management. RCS 2000 creates the map model and dispatches different types of robots. The two systems work together to connect the entire logistics process and coordinate a wide variety of transfer scenarios seamlessly.
Hardware products
- Latent mobile robot (LMR)
The latent mobile robot (LMR) is a leading mobile robot product distinguished by its lifting mechanism. LMR offers optimised motion performance and advanced safety protection.
- Forklift mobile robot (FMR)
The forklift mobile robot (FMR) focuses on the automated transfer of standard containers and pallets. It supports high-precision laser SLAM navigation, visual navigation and other positioning technologies.
- Conveyor/Heavy-duty mobile robot (CMR/HMR)
The conveyor/heavy-duty mobile robot (CMR/HMR) family includes conveyor and lifting variants. Its highly configurable mechanisms meet automated docking requirements across different operating scenarios.
Accessories include charging and battery-swap stations that enable rapid charging without manual intervention.
- Carton transfer unit (CTU)
The carton transfer unit (CTU) can transport or store single and multiple cartons. It provides accurate inbound and outbound handling within high-density storage operations for efficient picking.
Intelligent intralogistics solution
As manufacturing models evolve, mobile robots are being adopted as intelligent logistics equipment across a broad range of industries. Mobile robots not only meet transfer requirements throughout the logistics process but also support the flexible integration of different functional modules. Integrated with WMS/MES, Hikrobot's solution can deliver intelligent warehouse management. As a leading provider of mobile robotics products and services, Hikrobot offers practical intelligent solutions for different industries and uses artificial intelligence to drive the transformation of intralogistics.
Industry solutions
- Consumer Electronics
Hikrobot's intelligent and flexible robotic solutions are widely used in consumer electronics manufacturing. Plant-wide material transfer management can become unmanned, automated and information-driven.
Challenges
Complex technological processes: Transforming raw materials into finished products involves several distinct processes. The logistics flow of equipment and materials must be evaluated carefully.
Strict environmental requirements: Production-line processing requirements are highly demanding. Equipment must be antistatic and resistant to corrosion caused by acids, alkalis, gases and liquids.
Diverse production equipment: Processes and equipment vary widely, making equipment positioning and communication more complex.
Solution
Hikrobot has developed different mobile robots to address a broad range of processing requirements. External equipment operating through the iWMS/RCS/WCS system can be integrated easily. Plant-wide unmanned material transfer and sequence management can be implemented. Automated production and digital inventory management are improved significantly, supporting well-organised operations.
- New Energy
Manufacturing renewable-energy equipment such as photovoltaic products or lithium batteries involves short production cycles and a wide variety of processing environments. Hikrobot provides a flexible, integrated automation solution tailored to sector-specific requirements.
Challenges
Wide variety of materials: Many different material and container types must be handled.
Complex environment: Operations involve diverse process flows.
Fast production cycle: Production lines operate at high speed within limited space.
Solution
Using a customised positioning camera, Hikrobot can manage the on-site arrangement of machines and the many associated material and container types. This technology enables high-precision material transfer.
- E-commerce/Retail
As order volumes grow rapidly, the e-commerce and retail sector faces intense demand for fast delivery. Traditional logistics and warehousing methods are under increasing pressure. To manage the logistics peaks created by events such as Black Friday and Singles' Day, companies urgently need stable and reliable intelligent systems.
Challenges
Large orders with complex composition: Total order volumes are high and the SKU composition of individual orders is complex.
Wide SKU variety: Operations manage many SKU types and large overall inventories.
Fluctuating business volumes: Fast-moving products reach peak demand during sales periods.
High throughput: Picking efficiency and accuracy requirements are demanding.
Solution
AMR goods-to-person operation enables efficient replenishment and accurate picking. Artificial intelligence algorithms optimise routing and batching strategies to reduce the number of picking movements. The solution can be combined with technologies such as pick-to-light (PTL) and dual picking stations for higher throughput.
- Automotive
Hikrobot provides safe and reliable mobile robot solutions that improve logistics efficiency and reduce labour costs. The system can be applied to operations such as pressing, welding and assembly in vehicle manufacturing plants. Through its software platform, the integrated solution enables connected production data flows, agile manufacturing and lean management.
Challenges
Fast production cycle: Automotive manufacturing requires demanding production schedules and exceptional reliability.
Diverse components and suppliers: A broad supplier base and many similar component variants can make sequencing errors increasingly common.
Limited storage space and rapid logistics flows: Widespread adoption of the JIT model leaves restricted storage space in the factory, increasing operational complexity.
Safety risks: Handling heavy components creates occupational safety risks.
Solution
With robots including LMR and FMR introduced into the operation, workers and components remain separated throughout the process. Robots transfer components automatically from platforms to the production line. RCS and iWMS are enhanced to suit industry requirements and support different operating modes, including production-cycle triggers, call buttons and PDAs. The solution reduces the risk of production interruption caused by manual operating errors and helps maximise JIT performance.
- Apparel
Hikrobot understands the challenges facing the apparel industry, including large order volumes, seasonal fluctuations and demanding picking-throughput requirements. Whether an operation handles clothing, footwear, accessories or other fashion products, Hikrobot provides tailored solutions for optimum warehouse distribution.
Challenges
Large SKU portfolios and order volumes: Major fashion businesses may manage anything from several hundred to millions of SKUs, while their store networks and e-commerce operations continue to expand.
Diverse components and suppliers: Seasonal fluctuations and promotions affect warehouse throughput.
Large inventory: Substantial stocks of out-of-season products must be accommodated.
Demanding picking requirements: Operations require high picking efficiency, accuracy and storage capacity.
Solution
The mobile robot solution introduces rack-to-person and carton-to-person concepts. It is suitable for picking individual packages, hanging garments, shoe boxes and accessories. Configurable processes support both accurate order fulfilment and returns handling.
- Manufacturing
Deliver intelligent integration for manufacturing operations, including raw-material receiving, inspection, storage, order preparation, material delivery, material returns, rework, finished-product storage and loading.
Challenges
Fast turnover and high volume: Large order quantities, diverse component formats and packaging, and short production cycles must all be managed.
Labour-intensive operations and low automation: Predominantly manual work results in lower productivity and quality.
Restricted production-line space: Less space is available for production lines, while high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and stable delivery must still be maintained.
Difficult human-machine interaction: Large numbers of people on the shop floor create demanding safety requirements.
Delivery planning is difficult: Fluctuating market demand leads to excess inventory and high storage-capacity requirements.
Solution
The Hikrobot logistics solution introduces LMR and FMR and integrates them with lifts, height-measurement devices, stackers, palletisers and other equipment. By connecting with nine information systems—including U9, SCM and MES—the Hikrobot system links automated storage seamlessly with production.
- Food and Pharmaceuticals
Food and pharmaceutical operations are subject to strict time constraints and frequent production changeovers. Efficient and flexible mobile robots provide a robust solution that meets these requirements while supporting production safety and regulatory compliance.
Challenges
Diverse business types: Operations include wholesale distribution, hospital deliveries and retail pharmacies.
Varied order formats: Order structures, storage methods and picking modes differ considerably.
Strict batch control: Rigorous batch tracking and expiry-date management are required.
Multiple zones: Robots must operate across different environmental zones and multiple floors.
Solution
The solution supports multiple warehouses and multiple owners. Segregated permission management and rule configuration can be applied for different operating models. Integration with AS/RS, high-bay racking and other systems enables automated transfer and seamless coordination. The solution also supports multiple temperature zones and cross-floor management.
