China
Introduction: Digital Transformation Driving Warehouse Upgrades
With the rapid digital transformation of global manufacturing and retail sectors, traditional warehousing models are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. In China, the development of e-commerce, smart manufacturing, and supply chain management has accelerated the widespread adoption of the "smart warehouse" concept. According to a 2023 report by iResearch, the Chinese intelligent warehousing market has surpassed RMB 150 billion and is expected to reach RMB 280 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14%.
As a high-tech enterprise specializing in industrial automation and intelligent mobile robots (AMRs), Hangzhou System Tech Co., Ltd. is committed to providing customers with efficient, flexible, and intelligent warehousing solutions through its independently developed IoT systems, AMR controllers, and integrated wheel technology.
This article will explore current trends in smart warehousing, combined with Hangzhou System Tech’s technical achievements, focusing on how IoT systems and key AMR components are evolving and being applied in modern warehouse environments.
1. Development Trends in Smart Warehouses
1. Increasing Automation
Manual operations such as picking, transportation, and sorting that were once common in warehouses are being gradually replaced by automated equipment. According to McKinsey, by 2025, more than 60% of medium- to large-sized distribution centers globally will deploy some form of automation, with Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) playing an increasingly prominent role.
2. System Integration and Platform-Based Operations
Modern smart warehouses emphasize interoperability and unified scheduling across subsystems. The IoT platform has become the central hub connecting sensors, actuators, robots, and management systems. A platform-based architecture not only enhances system scalability but also improves real-time data collection and analysis capabilities.
3. AI and Edge Computing Empowering Intelligent Decision-Making
With AI algorithms and edge computing capabilities, warehouse systems can perform dynamic path planning, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance, significantly improving overall operational efficiency and safety.
4. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Green logistics has become a global consensus. In smart warehouse construction, low-energy designs, energy recovery mechanisms, and lightweight materials are gaining increasing attention.
2. Application of Hangzhou System Tech's IoT System in Smart Warehouses
1. Building a Unified Data Hub
Hangzhou System Tech's self-developed System IoT Platform integrates device access, data acquisition, remote monitoring, task scheduling, and data analytics. Supporting multiple communication protocols including MQTT, Modbus TCP, and HTTP, it is compatible with mainstream PLCs, sensors, and AMR devices. With high concurrency processing capabilities and excellent openness, it serves as the backbone of smart warehouse operations.
In smart warehouse scenarios, the System IoT Platform enables:
- Real-time monitoring of AMR status, battery level, and task progress
- Centralized control of environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and lighting
- API interfaces for integration with upper-level systems like WMS and MES, enabling automatic order dispatching and closed-loop task management
2. Support for Multiple Terminal Devices
The System IoT system supports the connection of various terminal devices, including but not limited to:
- AMR robots (autonomous navigation type)
- AGVs (fixed-path type)
- RFID readers
- Temperature and humidity sensors
- Vision recognition modules
Unified platform management significantly reduces system integration complexity and improves operation and maintenance efficiency.
3. Edge Computing Enhances Response Speed
Equipped with built-in edge computing modules, the System IoT Platform can process certain data and logic decisions locally, reducing reliance on cloud services and minimizing response time—especially beneficial in unstable network environments or latency-sensitive applications.
3. Key Roles of AMR Controllers and Integrated Wheel Technology
1. High-Performance AMR Controller: The Brain Behind Intelligent Mobility
Hangzhou System Tech's System AMR Controller series is a high-performance embedded control system specifically designed for mobile robots. Its main features include:
- Support for SLAM mapping and localization navigation algorithms
- Built-in ROS middleware, compatible with mainstream navigation frameworks
- Multiple IO interfaces supporting LiDAR, IMU, encoders, emergency stop buttons, and more
- Support for industrial bus protocols such as CANopen and EtherCAT for seamless integration with servo drives and sensors
- Industrial-grade protection rating (IP65), suitable for complex working environments
Currently, this controller has been widely applied in intelligent handling scenarios across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, and electronics assembly, helping customers achieve unattended or minimally manned operations.
2. Integrated Wheel Technology: Highly Integrated Drive and Control
Developed in collaboration with partners, the AMR integrated wheel drive unit from Hangzhou System Tech combines brushless motor, reducer, encoder, and driver into one compact unit. It offers advantages such as structural compactness, easy installation, and low maintenance costs.
Using CAN bus communication, the integrated wheel supports speed, position, and torque control modes, making it adaptable to various AMR chassis structures. Some typical performance parameters are as follows:
In practical applications, the integrated wheel solution significantly reduces system complexity, improves overall reliability, and lowers commissioning time and labor costs.
4. Real-World Case Studies
Case Study 1: Internal Logistics Automation Upgrade for an Automotive Parts Manufacturer
Project Background:
The client is a well-known domestic automotive parts manufacturer whose original warehouse relied on manual forklift transportation, resulting in low efficiency and safety risks.
Solution Implemented:
- Deployment of 10 AMR units equipped with Hangzhou System Tech's AMR controllers
- Use of the System IoT platform for task scheduling and status monitoring
- Adoption of integrated wheel drive units for rapid deployment and stable operation
Results Achieved:
- Transportation efficiency improved by 40%
- Accident rate reduced by 90%
- Annual labor cost savings of approximately RMB 1.2 million
Case Study 2: Smart Sorting System for an E-commerce Regional Distribution Center
Project Background:
The client is a leading domestic e-commerce platform, facing immense sorting pressure during Double 11 events.
Solution Implemented:
- Deployment of 20 AMR units equipped with vision recognition for automatic parcel sorting
- Seamless integration with the WMS system via the System IoT platform
- Use of System IoT edge computing nodes for local fast response
Results Achieved:
- Sorting accuracy reached 99.8%
- Peak sorting efficiency increased to 3,000 parcels per hour
- Continuous 24/7 operation achieved
5. Future Outlook: Continuous Innovation to Empower the Smart Warehousing Ecosystem
Facing ever-evolving market demands and technological advancements, Hangzhou System Tech will continue to invest heavily in research and development in core areas such as IoT platforms, AMR controllers, and integrated drive components. Over the next three years, we plan to:
- Launch a new generation of IoT gateways supporting 5G + edge AI
- Develop higher-integration AMR controller modules
- Optimize the integrated wheel product line to cover more load capacities and application scenarios
- Strengthen collaborations with universities and research institutions to promote domestic innovation in core technologies
We firmly believe that only through technological innovation and deep integration can we truly create value for our customers and contribute to the high-quality development of the global smart warehousing industry.
Conclusion
Smart warehouses are not only an inevitable trend in modern logistics but also a critical tool for enterprises to enhance competitiveness. Hangzhou System Tech Co., Ltd. will continue to uphold the philosophy of “technology-driven and service-first,” leveraging our extensive experience in IoT systems, AMR controllers, and integrated wheel technology to provide customers with smarter, more reliable, and more efficient solutions.
Let us move forward together and embrace the new era of smart logistics!
Company Profile:
Hangzhou System Tech Co., Ltd. was established in 2010 and is a national high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, development, and production of core components for industrial automation, IoT systems, and intelligent mobile robots. Headquartered in Hangzhou Economic & Technological Development Zone, the company has a complete R&D, testing, and production system. Its products are widely used in smart manufacturing, intelligent logistics, and smart city applications.
Website: www.aicontrolsys.com
Email: sales@aicontrolsys.com
