Preparing the published article.
Mobile Robot Battery Strategy: Opportunity Charging vs Battery Swap
The choice determines fleet size, floor space and peak electricity demand.
Compare the two models
| Model | Advantages | Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Opportunity charging | Simpler, no manual handling | More robots or chargers, peak demand |
| Battery swap | Smaller fleet, continuous operation | Handling equipment, safety, battery stock |
| Hybrid | Balances peak and fleet size | More complex scheduling |
What drives the decision
- Shift pattern: one shift per day favours charging; three shifts favour swapping or fast charging.
- Peak electrical capacity available at the site.
- Space for charging stations in a busy layout.
- Battery chemistry and its tolerance for partial charging.
Ask for the energy model
Request a simulation of charging behaviour at your throughput, including the coldest and busiest periods. Sites that estimate energy from average consumption usually discover their peak demand when the fleet is largest, which is exactly when the electricity bill arrives.