Flooring ‘Revolution’ for Warehouse Robots

Hi-Level Mezzanines is launching Hi-Tile, an innovative robot-ready flooring system that meets the demands of the booming global logistics automation sector. Hi-Tile uses robust interlocking 7mm textured PVC tiles to create what it describes as the most durable, cost-effective flooring on the market.

Hi-Tile’s high point load, electrostatic resistance and anti-slip surface make it an ideal partner to robotics solutions. It is already in use by Geek+ Robotics and with Locus’ Directed Picking technology.

“The tile option is a great way to create a perfect floor very, very quickly,” says Simon Houghton of Geek+ Robotics.

“Hi-Tile is the cost-effective solution the market has been waiting for,” adds Chris Baxter, Hi-Level Mezzanines Sales Director.

Hi-Tile is being successfully used by clients including High Street retailers, supermarkets, 3PLs, specialist logistics firms and e-commerce wholesalers. Installations range from 200 to 9,000 sq m for warehousing, production, automation and robotics environments.

The right time

Launch of Hi-Tile comes at just the right time. The global logistics automation market was valued at £30.16 bn and is expected to reach over £93.11 bn by 2027, according to UK Manufacturing, which credits the demand for industrial robots as driving much of that growth. Warehouse automation experts expect to see an increase in adoption over the next five  years, driven by the ongoing labour shortage, a more integrated warehouse and the introduction of better and more affordable solutions.

Hi-Tile is not only half the price of steel plates on timber board, it is also moisture resistant so avoids the cracking and blistering seen with epoxy resin floors. Minimal subfloor preparation is required, so Hi-Tile flooring can be installed over uneven or damp slabs. With a 10-year wearability warranty, it is described by Hi-Level Mezzanines as an outstanding improvement on brittle phenolic (laminate) decking panels.

More advantages include a range of 11 colours so clients can demarcate particular areas of floor for walkways or storage areas, or for health and safety reasons. Hi-Tile is quick to install and easy to clean and maintain. Made of 100% recyclable PVC, it also has green credentials.

Created by Hi-Level Mezzanines’ structural engineers, the innovative Hi-Tile system was tested with a global robot provider in China – with 68,000 cycles on a 150kg payload – and a leading supermarket chain in the UK. Hi-Level Mezzanines then acquired sole rights to sell it for use with robotics on mezzanines in the UK and mainland Europe.