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How to Optimize Your Totes for Warehouse Automation

Custom industrial crate designed for automation and optimized storage.

Robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) is changing the game for warehouse and distribution centers. Improving efficiency and decreasing costs, these automation systems are redefining operations. The industry is changing rapidly, with companies collaborating to develop new automation systems, and warehouses everywhere appear to be eager to adopt them. 

But a system is only as good as its weakest link. 

Not all totes are designed to be compatible with RaaS systems, meaning you could invest in all this new equipment, but not see the benefits because your outdated totes are slowing things down. 

If you’re investing in upgraded warehousing systems, incorporating RaaS and other automations, you must also upgrade your totes.

WHY AUTOMATION-READY TOTES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR RaaS AND AMR’S

Automation is booming, and these new technologies offer significant advantages to warehouse and distribution center operations. Think:

  • High efficiency
  • Round-the-clock fulfillment
  • Improved safety
  • Cost reduction

It’s no wonder that operations across North America are quickly adopting these technologies—it’s simply smart business. However, the wrong totes can nullify your investment in automated systems, so it’s essential to ensure your totes are Raas and AMR compatible.

COMMON TOTE PROBLEMS THAT DISRUPT AUTOMATED SYSTEMS

Think all totes are created equal? Well, unfortunately, that’s not the case. The market is flooded with tote models creating warehouse inefficiencies, with standard-sized totes leading to problems like poor stackability, a lack of drainage, and incompatibility with technological advancements, among other issues. 

Totes that aren’t designed for automation can create major issues, such as:

  • Conveyor jams from non-standard dimensions
  • Dropped loads due to poor fit or instability
  • Misalignment with AMR grippers or lifting systems

Know what these problems require? Human intervention, which defeats the purpose of investing in new tech. If you’re going to move your warehouse to AMR/RaaS, you have to invest in updating your totes.

KEY FEATURES OF WAREHOUSE TOTES BUILT FOR AUTOMATION

For seamless integration with modern robotics, totes need to meet specific performance standards. These include:

  • Standardized footprints that align with conveyors and robotic platforms
  • Rigid construction and consistent stack geometry to prevent shifts during transport
  • Smooth surfaces and reinforced edges for reliable robotic gripping
  • RFID compatibility for real-time inventory tracking
  • Proper weight distribution to match AMR payload and lift tolerances (e.g., ABB’s P603 model handles up to 1,500 kg with stability sensors)

Well-designed totes do more than carry product—they enhance system performance. Tote design directly influences your line’s efficiency, error rate, and maintenance downtime. When bins are optimized, your systems are too.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOTES FOR YOUR AUTOMATED WORKFLOW

Your totes should be designed with automation in mind. Fully customizable options allow you to tailor totes to the specific needs of your business regarding size, drainage, weight load, and other requirements, and of course, ensuring they are optimized for advancing technology. Rollerplast totes are designed to:

  • Withstand industrial use and high-frequency handling
  • Fit automation systems with exacting precision
  • Integrate seamlessly with RFID and inventory management platforms

If you are considering updating your warehouse or distribution centre to incorporate AMR and RaaS, we’re here to talk to you about your business needs and create a custom solution for upgrading your totes to be compatible with your new automated system.