Over 85% of UK fulfilment warehouses are expected to have some level of automation by 2030, according to Impact Express.
That’s a huge shift in a relatively short space of time.
When businesses start planning automation, the conversation is usually the same.
“Which robots should we choose?”
“How many do we need?”
“What’s the return on investment?”
All important questions.
But there’s one that rarely gets asked…
What about the floor?
The One Thing Every Robot Has In Common
No matter who makes the robot or what software it’s running, every single one depends on the same thing.
The floor beneath it.
It might sound obvious, but it’s surprising how often flooring is treated as just another finishing trade. In reality, it’s part of the environment that allows automation to perform reliably, day after day.
A traditional warehouse floor might be perfectly acceptable for forklifts and foot traffic.
That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable for thousands of autonomous journeys every day.
Small Issues Become Big Problems
A slight bump. A worn area. Poor traction. A build-up of static.
Individually, they don’t seem like much.
But when a robot is travelling the same route hundreds of times a day, those small imperfections are repeated over and over again. Eventually, they can affect navigation, increase vibration, accelerate wheel wear and create unnecessary maintenance.
The robot is often blamed.
In reality, it’s the environment it’s working in.
We’ve Seen It First-Hand
We’ve spent since 2018 working alongside automation providers, integrators and end users to create environments designed specifically for autonomous operations.
Across projects that have now exceeded 50 million robot cycles, one thing has become very clear.
The floor isn’t just something robots drive on. It’s part of the automation system.
That’s why we don’t just look at the resin surface. We look at everything beneath it too. From vibration control and dimensional stability to ESD protection and long-term durability, every layer plays a part in how reliably a warehouse performs over the years.condition.
Our view is simple. If businesses are prepared to spend millions on automation, it makes sense to invest in the environment that supports it.
Because the most successful automated warehouses won’t just have the best robots.
They’ll have floors designed to help those robots perform at their best.
FAQs: Why Flooring Matters
1. Why is warehouse flooring important for automation?
Warehouse flooring plays a critical role in the performance and reliability of automated systems. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) rely on smooth, durable and consistent surfaces to navigate accurately. Poor floor quality can increase vibration, reduce traction, accelerate wheel wear and lead to higher maintenance costs. Investing in a floor designed specifically for automation helps maximise uptime and extend the life of robotic equipment.
2. What type of floor is best for an automated warehouse?
The best flooring for an automated warehouse is one that has been engineered for robotic traffic rather than traditional warehouse use. This typically includes a dimensionally stable subfloor, appropriate surface flatness, ESD protection where required, excellent traction and a high-performance resin finish. A complete flooring system helps ensure reliable robot operation over millions of cycles while reducing maintenance and operational disruption.
3. How can warehouse floors affect robot performance?
Warehouse floors directly impact robot accuracy, efficiency and longevity. Uneven surfaces, cracks, poor traction and electrostatic discharge (ESD) can all affect navigation, increase vibration and contribute to premature wear of wheels and components. Designing the floor as part of the overall automation strategy helps create a safer, more reliable environment that supports long-term robotic performance.