Who needs to make this decision?

Pilot teams with changing warehouse workflows

You want to see whether one platform can switch between handling, picking and transport without major changes to your existing warehouse, which is designed for people.

Businesses with clearly defined transport processes

You’re comparing humanoid robotics with AMRs and other specialist automation because repeatable movements of materials are central to the tasks you have in mind.

Safety and integration teams preparing for a pilot

Before a mobile system is used alongside employees in the warehouse, you need to assess its operating area, interfaces, foreseeable disruptions and safeguards.

What should you consider when choosing?

Your task list will determine which technologies to compare in a pilot. An integration partner can then help you assess the chosen solution within your specific warehouse process.

Humanoid multi-purpose platform

Consider it if: You want to trial several different handling and picking steps in the same environment, which is designed for people.

Weigh up: Potential flexibility is no substitute for evidence that the platform can handle your specific tasks. Fraunhofer IML emphasises that the technology is still at an early stage of development.

AMRs and specialist automation

Consider them if: Repeatable material transport and fixed handovers are the priority, rather than changing picking and gripping tasks.

Weigh up: A specialist transport solution won’t automatically handle the manipulation tasks that could be central to a humanoid pilot.

Criterion What to check before buying Who should pay particular attention
Changing tasks Ask for the planned sequence of gripping, picking and handovers to be demonstrated using the exact model and a suitable gripper. If different orders come through the warehouse, I want to know whether the same platform can handle the workflows I have in mind. Around 33% of buyers put this flexibility first.
Safe integration Start the risk assessment before selecting and purchasing equipment. Define routes, interventions and safe shutdown procedures for the specific area. Where employees and robots share an area, I need a robust safety plan in place before the pilot. Safe integration is the top priority for around 27% of buyers.
Standardised transport Separate transport missions from gripping tasks, and compare loads, handover points and traffic conditions for both solutions. If the main task is moving containers or trolleys between fixed points, I need a transport process I can clearly assess. Around 20% of buyers prioritise this flow of materials.
Operational availability Test the charging or battery-swap plan, as well as fault handling and restart procedures, within the planned shift pattern. A pilot is only useful to me if charging breaks and blockages can be managed during operations. Operational availability comes first for around 20% of buyers.

What can make a pilot more difficult?

  • Assuming a humanoid is the right choice for standard transport

    A humanoid platform may be at its best when switching between tasks. That alone isn’t a reason to choose one for a mostly repetitive transport mission.

    Break down the target process into transport, gripping, picking and exceptions. Compare the solutions against the same list of missions and acceptance criteria.

  • Treating CE marking as approval for the warehouse area

    Under section 3 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, CE marking does not replace a risk assessment for the specific workplace use.

    Start the assessment before selecting and purchasing equipment, involving the people responsible for workplace safety, integration and warehouse operations.

    If necessary safeguards are identified late, changes to the area and repeat assessments could delay the pilot.

  • Leaving charging and fault handling until after selection

    A planned workflow doesn’t tell you how the system will be safely paused and restarted if it needs charging, becomes blocked or loses communication.

    Include charging or battery-swap times, status messages, manual interventions and safe restart procedures in your pilot tests.

    Charging points take up space, while faults and safe interventions can reduce the proportion of time the system is available for use.

  • Assuming a supplier demonstration will work the same way in your warehouse

    A single pilot won’t show how a model performs with different loads, routes, interfaces or faults. Fraunhofer IML also describes the market as young and diverse.

    Ask for demonstrations using the containers and tasks you have in mind, and set criteria for completed missions, required interventions, shutdown and restart procedures.

Which suppliers are useful points of reference?

NEURA Robotics

NEURA Robotics describes 4NE1 as a humanoid platform and reports on a pilot using EWM to support picking at BITZER’s warehouse.

  • For teams with similar order workflows, the reported pilot offers a starting point for assessing how the system might connect with their own processes.
  • A supplier and partner’s account of a single pilot does not prove that its performance or safety approval will apply to other warehouses.

Apptronik

Apptronik positions Apollo for material handling and changing workflows in existing warehouse environments.

  • The manufacturer says it is designed to work with existing trolleys, shelving, conveyors and workstations. You can assess whether these are suitable for your own process.
  • You’ll need to confirm the scope of integration, safety documentation and performance for the specific model and planned site.

Agility Robotics

Agility Robotics reports that its humanoid platform Digit is being used to move containers at GXO.

  • The reported workflow offers a practical reference point for assessing repeatable handling tasks.
  • The manufacturer’s claims about this deployment can’t be applied to other loads, workflows or warehouses without further assessment.

Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR)

Mobile Industrial Robots offers AMRs as a specialist alternative for internal transport and material handling.

  • Its product range is relevant to businesses whose tasks can be defined as transport missions.
  • An AMR won’t automatically replace the gripping or picking steps you need. Traffic rules, charging and safety still need to be assessed for each site.

Related products from Joybuy

Relevant products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is CE marking enough to use a robot alongside employees in a warehouse?

No. Under section 3 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, CE marking does not replace a workplace risk assessment. This must also take account of the warehouse area concerned, work equipment and the safeguards required.

When should you start the risk assessment for a warehouse pilot?

Under section 3 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, it should begin before you select and purchase the work equipment. Take the intended use, workflows and work organisation into account.

When is an inspection needed before first use?

If the safety of the work equipment depends on how it is assembled or installed, section 14 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health requires it to be inspected by a competent person before it is used for the first time. This includes checking that it functions safely and that its safeguards are effective.

Which EU machinery rules apply in October 2026?

For a pilot in Germany in October 2026, the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC remains relevant. According to the European Union, Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will generally apply from 20 January 2027. Check with the manufacturer and integrator which conformity documents are required for the machine’s specific status and integration.

What should you check before approving a pilot?

Ask for the manufacturer’s information and instructions needed for your risk assessment, along with the conformity documents relevant to the machine’s specific status. Also document the safety, integration, charging and fault-handling plans for the proposed setup, and confirm whether an inspection under section 14 of the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health is required.