Robots in Self-Storage?

AZStorageGuy

Robotics is finding its way into every industry.  Self storage included.  Like all industries where this is happening, I think the best approach is to hone your human skills as much as you can.  Do what robots can't do, then you probably won't be replaced by one.

What do you think?  Can your site be managed by a robot like this one?

I know mine can't.  It's all outdoor.  Between weather (heat, rain, wind) and rough driveways, it wouldn't last a week.

Version 2.0 or 3.0 better come equipped with military-grade, desert-tested hardware!

Sue_C

Those are valid points @AZStorageGuy, thanks for sharing.

ThriftyStorage

I can not see it!

AZStorageGuy

For now, I can only see this working in a "controlled" environment: indoor, quiet, no terrain or elements to deal with.

I wonder if they'll have one with an optional water bottle dispenser.

PhilR

Can it tidy up or sweep the units/corridors out?

AZStorageGuy

@PhilR, you mean like this:

https://youtu.be/CFDkPutOIYg

PhilR

Haha I'm sure we could find someone who could attach it to the storage robot. Not quite sure if humanity is ready for 'Robot Service' as yet lol.

holly_fiorello

I have a roomba at home that I LOVE. Does anyone use it in their storage facility? 

DerekBrett

 This is how the robo-apocalypse starts!

ThriftyStorage

Pretty soon we'll be extinct!!!

Lori

Not a fan at all.  

Orkocean

Come up with a automated cleaning robot for storage, that I'd be for lol. As far as dealing with customers, unless you're a hermit wanting to live on an island by yourself people typically crave interactions with others. And a good or bad interaction with an employee can be the difference between the money being spent as your business or anothers.

AZStorageGuy

I see these as add-ons, like the self-service kiosks.  Robotic Assistant to the Humanoid Manager.

Orkocean

We bought a facility that had a kiosk at it, we figured we'd give it a shot since all the customers supposedly used it with the previous owner. After we got it setup for us and turned back on no one would use it. After talking to customers who would come in they would comment the only reason they used it before was because no one was ever in the office, now that we kept it staffed properly no one ever would use it. But just like anything in the industry what works in one area fails in another so there could be some market areas that would thrive with having these.

AZStorageGuy

@Orkocean, you're right.  Robots are no one-size-fits-all solution. 

Even Amazon needs humans to keep the robots on task. 

Sue_C

Speaking of kiosks, Walmart brings us ..."one step closer to never having to interact with another human being." Read about it here.