Operations managers and facility managers looking for an intralogistics robot quickly encounter the same problem: The model range extends from small tabletop vehicles to heavy industrial carriers—but which device is suitable for which load, which route, which environment? This guide categorizes the available robot classes according to payload and application scenario and helps with the initial selection.
Why load capacity is not the only criterion
A robot's payload is the most obvious selection parameter. But it's not enough on its own. Three other dimensions determine whether a device functions properly in operation:
- Route type: Short in-house routes on one floor differ fundamentally from multi-story transport with elevator integration.
- Environment: A device that navigates easily in an office or hotel corridor may be unsuitable in a warehouse with forklift traffic — and vice versa.
- Interaction mode: Does the robot need to dock at a station, open a drawer, pick up a cart, or simply move a flat platform?
The combination of these four factors (load, distance, environment, interaction) determines the correct robot class.
Class 1: Tabletop transport — small loads, structured environments
The lowest load class moves items that fit on a flat platform: files, laboratory samples, medications, meals, office supplies. Load capacities are typically in the single-digit to low double-digit kilogram range.
Typical device: AutoXing JunoBot AX6113. The JunoBot It is designed for tabletop transport — it autonomously travels to a destination, waits for the item to be picked up, and returns. Areas of application include restaurants, office buildings, medical practices, and small hotels. For more detailed specifications, please refer to [link/reference]. SEBOTICS Refer to the official data sheet, as load capacity and dimensions vary depending on the configuration.
When this class is appropriate:
– Fixed, recurring transport routes on one floor
– Low individual load, but high transport frequency
– Environments with regular passenger traffic (no heavy goods vehicles)
– Clean, smooth floors without ramps or thresholds
Limits: No lifting function, no trolley or pallet handling. Unsuitable for outdoor areas or busy logistics areas with irregular traffic.
Class 2: Wagon and container transport — medium loads up to ~200 kg
This class addresses the most common intralogistics needs in buildings: moving laundry carts, cleaning carts, roll containers, or supply carts. The weight ranges from a few dozen to approximately 200 kg.
Typical device: AutoXing Juno Lift. The Juno Lift has an integrated lifting mechanism that allows it to drive under, lift, and autonomously transport standard trolleys—without requiring an employee to physically move the trolley. The specified load capacity is up to approximately 200 kg. Application areas include hotels (laundry logistics, room service trolleys), hospitals (food transport, sterile supplies), and larger office complexes (mail and material supply).
What distinguishes the Juno Lift from the tabletop class:
– Autonomous loading and unloading of trolleys (no manual docking assistance required)
– Integration with elevators for multi-story operation possible
– More robust sensors for busier environments
When this class is appropriate:
– Standardized trolleys or roll containers available in the company
– Multi-story logistics with elevator integration required
– Businesses with high transport frequency (e.g. 50+ trips per day)
– Sufficiently wide aisles for the vehicle plus trolley
Limits: The trolleys must be compatible (height and clearance). Uneven floors or ramps with a steep gradient can limit their usability.
Class 3: Heavy transport — loads up to ~300 kg and more
For classic intralogistics in warehouses, production and industry, there are transport robots that move loads at the level of light to medium pallet classes.
Typical device: T300 (Intralogistics, load capacity up to ~300 kg). The T300 moves heavy loads autonomously and is designed for structured storage and production environments with clear aisles, defined pick-up and drop-off points, and manageable mixed operation with people or vehicles.
Differences compared to the middle class:
– Higher payload, more powerful drives, more robust housing
– Designed for ground contact with load bearing (sled, beam) — no underrunning of the carriage
– Typically for purely logistics/production environments, not for public areas
When this class is appropriate:
– Intralogistics in warehouses, manufacturing facilities or distribution centers
– Loads between 150 and 300 kg per trip
– Defined routes without spontaneous obstacle traffic
– No public traffic on the main routes
Limits: The T300 is not a forklift replacement and does not operate in high-bay racking environments. For pallet transport in the traditional sense (lifting to shelf height), specialized AMR/AGV systems of other classes are required.
Selection based on route type and surroundings
Load capacity and equipment class alone are not sufficient. The following overview combines environment type with the appropriate class:
| Surroundings | Typical load | Recommended class | Example device |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel / Office / Practice | Small items, trays | Tabletop | JunoBot AX6113 |
| Hotel / Clinic / Administration | Cart, laundry, meals | Carts up to ~200 kg | Juno lift |
| Warehouse / Production | Heavy roll containers, pallets | up to ~300 kg | T300 |
| Several floors | Any | Each class with elevator integration | Juno Lift (confirmed) |
Other transport robots from the AutoXing Juno series — including Juno Plus and Juno Max — cover additional configurations and can be classified according to the requirements profile.
Infrastructure requirements — something that is often underestimated
Autonomous transport robots require a prepared environment. Clarifying these factors before the pilot operation prevents surprises.
Ground quality: Smooth, level floors without deep joints or loose coverings. Ramps with a gradient exceeding 5–8% are a disqualifying factor for many models.
Aisle widths: Each device has a minimum passage cross-section. Class 2 devices with carts require significantly wider corridors than the robot body alone.
Elevator integration: Multi-story operation requires a technically compatible elevator control system. Not all elevators can be integrated without modification.
Wi-Fi coverage: Autonomous robots communicate with a central fleet management system. Seamless Wi-Fi coverage (ideally a dedicated network) is mandatory.
Mapping: The operating environment is mapped before rollout. Any structural changes made after mapping require remapping.
SEBOTICS conducts a site survey before every project to check these points and identify risks early on — more information on the page Robots for logistics and intralogistics.
Mixed fleets: when multiple classes make sense
In larger organizations, a single robot class often cannot cover all transport tasks. A hospital, for example, has simultaneous needs for transporting medications and small items (tabletop robots) and for laundry logistics (trolley transport up to 200 kg). A coordinated mixed fleet with unified fleet management is technically feasible and common practice.
However, the effort increases: two device types mean two maintenance cycles, two SLA structures, and potentially two manufacturer interfaces. Anyone planning a mixed fleet should take this into account during the pilot phase and consider system integration from the outset.
Conclusion: Selection path in three steps
- Define the load: How heavy is the typical single load — under 20 kg, up to 200 kg or up to 300 kg?
- Check the route and surroundings: Single-story or multi-story building? Public area or purely logistics area? Floor quality?
- Compare model with site survey: Only after a concrete site check can the model and configuration be definitively determined.
More about Transport robot overview and you can find the available models directly on sebotics.com /.
FAQ
Can a transport robot overcome stairs?
No. Autonomous transport robots are designed for flat surfaces and gentle ramps. Multi-story operation is achieved via elevators, which the robot autonomously controls and operates—provided that elevator integration is in place.
How long does it take to set up a transport robot?
This depends on the size and complexity of the environment. After the site survey and mapping of operations, a simple system can be ready for use within a few days. For more complex environments with elevator integration or mixed fleets, the setup phase takes several weeks.
Do transport robots also work at night or without personnel?
In principle, yes — autonomous transport robots can operate unmanned, provided the environment is adequately secured. Many companies use this capability for night or weekend shifts to decouple transport tasks from daytime operations.
How much does a transport robot cost?
Exact prices depend on the model, configuration, integration effort and chosen procurement model (purchase, leasing, RaaS). SEBOTICS Prices are provided upon request after a qualification interview — a general figure without knowledge of the specific requirements would not be reliable.
Which robot is suitable for transporting laundry in a hotel?
The Juno Lift is designed for the autonomous transport of trolleys and is well-suited to hotel environments with laundry logistics. Requirements include compatible trolleys, sufficiently wide corridors, and a stable Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Next step: Needs assessment with SEBOTICS
If you want to find out which model suits your business, we'll start with a brief initial consultation. In 30 minutes, we'll clarify the load, route, surroundings, and possible next steps.
Book a qualification interview