AutoMech WayBot

What it does

AutoMech WayBot is a compact autonomous robot designed for small-scale industries and warehouses. It smartly follows predefined paths, picks and lifts storage bins at stations, and returns to the home position to drop them, reducing manual handling.

Your inspiration

Inspired by the challenges of manual material handling in small-scale warehouses, we developed AutoMech WayBot a compact, low-cost robot that automates pick-and-place tasks. While companies like Amazon Robotics, GreyOrange, and Fetch Robotics use advanced Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for large warehouses, such systems are unaffordable for smaller setups. AutoMech Rover brings similar smart navigation, lifting, and transport capabilities to small-scale industries, improving efficiency while reducing labor dependency.

How it works

We developed a functional prototype of AutoMech WayBot, an autonomous robot designed to perform material handling tasks such as picking, lifting, and transporting storage bins in small-scale warehouses or industrial setups. The robot follows a predefined path using IR sensors that detect colored lines on the floor. When it reaches a designated pickup station, it activates a scissor-lifting mechanism which we designed and 3D printed to raise the storage bin. This lifting system is compact, lightweight, and efficient for the task. The entire system is controlled by an Arduino microcontroller that handles movement, sensor inputs, and lifting commands. The robot can run in automatic mode, navigating and operating independently, or be controlled manually if needed. Once it picks up the bin, it returns to the home location and lowers the lift to drop the item safely.

Design process

We began by identifying the problem of manual material handling in small-scale industries. Inspired by high-end AGVs and AMRs used by companies like Amazon Robotics and GreyOrange, we aimed to create a simplified, affordable solution. The first step was conceptualizing a robot that could follow a predefined path and lift storage bins. We decided to use IR sensors for navigation and a scissor-lifting mechanism for vertical movement. We designed the scissor lift part by part using CAD software, ensuring proper dimensions, stroke height, and load support. The lift parts were then 3D printed using lightweight materials to reduce weight and improve compatibility with the chassis. Next, we designed the robot frame structure in CAD, considering the load of up to 80 kg and the space needed for wheels, motors, electronics, and the scissor lift. After printing and assembling the lift, we mounted it onto the bot and integrated the Arduino-based control system. Extensive testing helped us fine-tune the lift’s motion, motor torque, and sensor alignment. The result is a working prototype—AutoMech Waybot capable of navigating, lifting, and placing storage bins autonomously.

How it is different

AutoMech WayBot stands out by offering a low-cost, compact, and scalable alternative to expensive warehouse robots typically used in large-scale industries. While most AGVs and AMRs require advanced sensors, complex programming, or infrastructure changes, our design uses simple IR-based path following and a Bluetooth-enabled manual override to keep the system accessible and affordable. The lifting mechanism is uniquely designed using custom CAD modeling and 3D-printed scissor lift parts, which makes it lightweight, modular, and easy to replicate. The bot structure is optimized for small-scale use, while maintaining stability and simplicity. Its dual-mode operation (manual and autonomous), minimal wiring, and ease of maintenance make it ideal for small warehouses or industries that cannot afford high-end automation but still need smart solutions.

Future plans

We plan to develop a fully functional product version of AutoMech WayBot, capable of carrying up to 80 kg with a stronger, more durable design. The robot will feature an inductive wire tracking system for precise navigation and connect via radio frequency (RF) to a central control unit. This control system will be integrated with a mobile or desktop application, allowing users to assign tasks and monitor multiple bots. These upgrades aim to provide a scalable, affordable automation solution for small-scale industries and warehouses.

Awards

Our project AutoMech Rover was officially introduced at Ignite 2025, tech fest held on 14th June 2025 at CSMSS Chhatrapati Shahu College of Engineering, in association with the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) and the Department of Electrical Engineering (VLSI).