Telegram FMR Robots: Real Implementation Experience, Surprises, and Practical Tips
The market no longer asks whether robots are needed in warehouses. It asks how to implement them. In 2024–2025, X5 Group launched one of the largest pallet logistics automation pilots in Russia. We — YaCu Robotics — acted as the technology partner. Our FMR pallet carrier solutions entered real operation at the “Novaya Riga” distribution center. What follows is a timeline of events, insights, and advice for those just starting this journey.
1. How it started: from theory to practice
In summer 2024, we allocated a 1,000 m² area in the “Novaya Riga” warehouse, fenced it off, and launched the first robots. This was our “sandbox”.
Goal:
To verify whether robots can:
- Find a route from picking zones to docks.
- Transport pallets without tipping over.
- Avoid running into staff (half-joking… but not entirely).
First tests: everything worked perfectly in “sterile” conditions. But once autonomous pallet carriers entered the real warehouse — the fun began.
2. “Childhood diseases” of automation: what went wrong
Problem 1. Panic-prone robots
What happened: Sensors detected as obstacles:
- Orange height limiters at docks
- Shiny stretch wrap on pallets
- Flexible strip curtains in cold zones
Solution:
- Reconfigured logic: “If an object is yellow-orange, it’s not always an obstacle.”
- Added compressed-air sensor cleaning every 4 hours.
Problem 2. Wi-Fi collapsed
What happened: When 30 robots went live simultaneously, the corporate network failed:
- Robots consumed and broadcast Wi-Fi traffic
- Warehouse scanners (TSD) froze
Solution:
- Switched robots to wired connections
- Prioritized traffic: “Humans first, robots second”
Problem 3. Warehouse resistance
- Staff sabotaged robots: “They’re taking our jobs!”
- Forklift drivers “accidentally” removed barriers
Solution:
- Explained that robots remove routine, not jobs
- Installed protective barriers
- Held open discussions with staff
3. When robots became part of the team
After three months, barriers were removed and robots joined live operations. This required:
- WMS integration: Robots started receiving tasks directly
- Safety zones: Robots and humans learned to coexist
- KPI changes: Focus shifted to picking quality
Additional effect: 27% reduction in workplace injuries.
FMR vs AGV vs AMR
AGV follows fixed paths. AMR navigates autonomously. But neither fully describes pallet handling.
FMR (Forklift Mobile Robot) is an autonomous pallet-handling robot integrated with WMS and warehouse logic.
4. Practical advice
Don’t trust lab tests
Real warehouses are unpredictable. Test in real conditions.
Prepare staff early
If people don’t understand robots, they will resist them.
Budget for surprises
20% of issues are unpredictable. Plan for them.
Key takeaway
Robots are not a magic solution.
But with proper implementation, feedback, and adaptation, they deliver real efficiency gains and improve safety.
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