qubiqAIA practical outline for simulation, fault testing and acceptance checks.
Warehouse robots and grid systems are usually tested by the vendor, under the vendor’s conditions. Before go-live, it is worth asking a different question: what happens on our site, on a bad day?
Start with the pass criteria
Write down throughput, accuracy and availability targets, and the safety conditions that must hold, before any testing. Agree them with the vendor in writing so results are not argued afterwards.
Simulate your site, not a generic one
Model your layout, order profile and peak days. Look for congestion points, charging bottlenecks and the order mixes that cause the worst queueing.
Inject faults deliberately
- Lost network connection to part of the floor
- A blocked aisle or a dropped tote
- Emergency stop while fully loaded
- Power loss and controlled restart
- Software update rolled back mid-shift
Check the human side
Review zoning, access procedures, how staff recover a stuck unit, and whether the training matches what really happens. Many incidents occur during maintenance and recovery, not normal operation.
Keep the evidence
A signed test report, the checklist and the open issues list protect you later. Requirements differ by jurisdiction, so check them with your safety adviser.