Development of a User-Friendly Web Application for Autonomous Warehouse Robotics Management

Underautomated or underdigitized intralogistics processes lead to inefficiencies and decreased profits. Existing warehouse robotics software is often overly complex and designed for tech-savvy users, impeding efficient control and optimization of goods flow, particularly in small and midsize facilities. Challenges include managing driverless forklift systems in confined spaces with functional constraints, such as navigating near fire exits without default automatic stops, which requires manual intervention. Additionally, the lack of intuitive, targeted solutions for SMB customers results in missed automation opportunities and lower operational efficiency.

A mid-sized automation machinery manufacturer seeking to enhance their warehouse robotics solutions with an accessible web interface to support SMB customers.

• Design and develop a web application with an intuitive interface for warehouse operators and managers to efficiently monitor and control autonomous forklift systems.
• Implement real-time updating of robot missions and statuses, ensuring rapid decision-making and operational responsiveness.
• Create a flexible architecture capable of managing multiple robots, supporting both centralized and decentralized control models.
• Enable role-based access control, differentiating functionalities for basic operators and high-level managers to simplify daily operations.
• Develop features for creating, programming, queuing, and managing robot missions, including order modification, mission history, and status tracking.
• Build an embedded monitoring dashboard to visualize robot status and maintenance needs proactively, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
• Ensure optimal performance, with interface response times of less than 0.4 seconds, across common browsers, facilitating seamless user experience.

• Web-based interface accessible via major browsers with consistent look and feel.
• Support for managing multiple robots, including configuration of preplanned routes and mission scheduling.
• Real-time mission tracking and status updates every second.
• Role-based access control with distinct permissions for basic users and authorized managers.
• Functionality for creating, editing, queuing, and prioritizing robot missions with confirmation and notification mechanisms.
• Mission statuses including Active, Queued, Completed, and Deleted, with ability to modify or cancel queued operations.
• History log with filtering options for mission analysis by date/time.
• Embedded dashboard displaying robot health metrics and maintenance alerts.

• Robot operating system (OS) interfaces for real-time data exchange and command execution.
• Sensors and hardware modules for robot status monitoring and diagnostics.
• Authentication and role management systems for access control.
• Notification systems for mission updates and maintenance alerts.

• Browser compatibility across Chrome, Safari, Edge with consistent UI.
• Response time for user actions within 0.4 seconds to ensure seamless experience.
• System scalability to support multiple robots and concurrent users.
• High availability and fault tolerance to prevent system downtime affecting operations.
• Data security measures for sensitive operational and mission data.

The deployment of the web application aims to reduce operational bottlenecks, improve control and monitoring of autonomous warehouse robots, and facilitate efficient management for SMB clients. Expected outcomes include faster mission execution, proactive maintenance, and minimized manual interventions, leading to increased productivity and cost savings. The project also supports scalability for future multi-robot management scenarios, enhancing overall automation capabilities and enabling the client to reach a broader market segment.