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[[File:RoboTrainStation.gif|thumb|700x560px|right|''This gif shows how robots can load or unload chests in a train station. The train  delivers items that are filled into [[active provider chest]]s and then put into the [[requester chest]]s to be loaded onto belts.'' Logistics robots are ideal in train stations, since very high item throughput on a short distance is needed.]]
[[File:RoboTrainStation_small.gif|thumb|420x336px|right|''This gif shows how robots can load or unload chests in a train station. The train  delivers items that are filled into [[active provider chest]]s and then put into the [[requester chest]]s to be loaded onto belts.'' Logistics robots are ideal in train stations, since very high item throughput on a short distance is needed. Click [https://wiki.factorio.com/File:RoboTrainStation.gif here] for a larger image.]]


A [[Logistic network]] is a series of different logistics chests and [[Logistic robot]]s all covered by one or more connected [[Roboport]]s.  
A [[logistic network]] is a series of different logistics chests and [[logistic robot]]s all covered by one or more connected [[roboport]]s.  


Depending on the type and configuration of the chests and area of the [[Robotic network]] the robots will transport items between these chests as a power-hungry alternative to moving items manually, or by [[Belt transport system|belts]] or [[Railway]]. However, robots offer much higher mobility, since they can fly over obstacles in a beeline.
Depending on the type and configuration of the chests and area of the logistic network the robots will transport items between these chests as a power-hungry alternative to moving items manually, or by [[Belt transport system|belts]] or [[railway]]. However, robots offer much higher mobility, since they can fly over obstacles in a beeline.


The player character can also act as [[Requester chest]] in the [[Logistic network]], allowing them to 'request' various items be kept at a set limit within their personal inventory. After [[Research|researching]] [[Character logistic slots (research)|Character logistic slots]], they can configure an amount of items; and [[Logistic robot]]s will start to move the specified items from the network to the character's inventory.
The player character can also act as [[requester chest]] in the logistic network, allowing them to 'request' various items be kept at a set limit within their personal inventory. After [[Research|researching]] [[Character logistic slots (research)|Character logistic slots]], they can configure an amount of items; and [[logistic robot]]s will start to move the specified items from the network to the character's inventory.
 
Do not mix up logistics network and [[circuit network]]. They share common components, but are otherwise disconnected and do not exchange any information. Also, do not mix up logistic network with construction network or combinations of the two called [[Robotic network]].
 
== Achievements ==
{{Achievement|you-have-got-a-package}}
{{Achievement|delivery-service}}
{{Achievement|logistic-network-embargo}}


== Items ==
== Items ==
Line 20: Line 13:
!Description
!Description
|-
|-
| {{imagelink|roboport|Roboport}} || Center of the [[Robotic network]] in which the [[Robots]] operate. Roboport coverage defines the area of the logistic network. Robots need to periodically return here to recharge.
| {{imagelink|Roboport}} || Central component of the logistic network in which the robots operate. Roboport coverage defines the area of the logistic network. Robots need to periodically return here to recharge.
|-
|-
| {{Imagelink|Logistic robot|Logistic robot}} || Moves items between Logistic Chests.<sup>1</sup>
| {{Imagelink|Logistic robot}} || Moves items between logistic chests.<sup>1</sup>
|-
|-
| {{Imagelink|Active provider chest|Active provider chest}} || Logistic Chest: Pushes stored items into the logistic network.<sup>2</sup>
| {{Imagelink|Construction robot}} || [[Repair pack|Repairs]] broken or replaces destroyed entities. [[blueprint|Builds]], [[deconstruction planner|deconstructs]] and [[upgrade planner|upgrades]] entities on command.
|-
|-
| {{Imagelink|Passive provider chest|Passive provider chest}} || Logistic Chest: Places stored items at the logistic network's disposal.<sup>2</sup>
| {{Imagelink|Active provider chest}} || Logistic chest: Pushes stored items into the logistic network.<sup>2</sup>
|-
|-
| {{Imagelink|Storage chest|Storage chest}} || Logistic Chest: Stores items currently not requested. Supplies stored items to the Logistic network.<sup>2</sup>
| {{Imagelink|Passive provider chest}} || Logistic chest: Places stored items at the logistic network's disposal.<sup>2</sup>
|-
|-
| {{Imagelink|Requester chest|Requester chest}} || Logistic Chest: Will be filled by [[Logistic robot]]s until the configured amount is reached, or the chest becomes full. Can request multiple different types of items.<sup>2</sup>
| {{Imagelink|Storage chest}} || Logistic chest: Stores items currently not requested. Can be filtered to only store one type of item. Supplies stored items to the Logistic network.<sup>2</sup>
|-
|-
| {{Imagelink|Buffer chest|Buffer chest}} || Logistic Chest: Functions as both a [[requester chest]] and [[passive provider chest]].<sup>2</sup>
| {{Imagelink|Requester chest}} || Logistic chest: Will be filled by [[logistic robot]]s until the configured amount is reached, or the chest becomes full. Can request multiple different types of items.<sup>2</sup>
|-
| {{Imagelink|Buffer chest}} || Logistic chest: Functions as both a [[requester chest]] and [[passive provider chest]].<sup>2</sup>
|}
|}


(1) Default capacity is 1 item per robot. This can be increased by researching [[Worker robot cargo size (research)]].
<sup>(1)</sup> Default capacity is 1 item per robot. This can be increased by researching [[Worker robot cargo size (research)]].


(2) Logistic chests can also be connected to the [[Circuit network]] with [[red wire]] or [[green wire]].
<sup>(2)</sup> Logistic chests can also be connected to the [[circuit network]] with [[red wire]] or [[green wire]].


== Use ==
== Usage ==


To start with, just use passive provider- and requester chests. Place the passive provider chests at the output [[inserters]] of [[assembling machine]]s and requester chests at the input (let them request the needed items). Place a [[Roboport]], which covers these chests with the inner orange area. Place some logistic bots. The robots will fly out of the top hatch and will begin to work. You can now limit the number of produced item either with the [[Stack#Stack limitation|stack limitation]]-feature.
To start with, just use passive provider- and requester chests. Place the passive provider chests at the output [[inserters]] of [[assembling machine]]s and requester chests at the input (let them request the needed items). Place a [[roboport]], which covers these chests with the inner orange area. Place some logistic bots in the roboport. The robots will fly out of the top hatch and will begin to work. You can now limit the number of produced item with the [[Stack#Stack limitation|stack limitation]]-feature.


Logistic network is very capable for creating more and more complex items in a relatively small factory-area. Low complexity and high volume activities over longer distances (like smelting) can (and should) be left using belts or railway network.  
The logistic network makes it possible to create complex items in a relatively small factory area, but its throughput is limited by how many robot charge points (roboports) exist in the network.


[[File:Roboport_network_gui.png|thumb|right|200px|Supply area 50x50 tiles (orange); Construction area 110x110 tiles (green)]]
[[File:Roboport_network_gui.png|thumb|right|200px|Supply area 50×50 tiles (orange); Construction area 110×110 tiles (green)]]
The basic thing needed for item transportation are [[Roboport]]s. When placing the port and hover over it, notice an orange and a larger green area.
The basic thing needed for item transportation is [[roboport]]s. The roboport shows the orange logistic coverage and the green construction coverage when held in the cursor or hovered after placing.


* The orange zone is the Logistic Network area. This is also the maximum distance for connecting two roboports.
* The orange zone is the logistic network coverage. This is also the maximum distance for connecting two roboports.
* The green zone is the Construction area.
* The green zone is the construction area.


''For more info on the specifics of how [[roboport]]s work, check the page dedicated to them.''
=== Expanding the logistic network ===


=== Expand the logistic zone ===
There can be many separate logistic networks. Two roboports are in the same network only if they are connected, so if their logistic areas are touching. Visually this is represented by a dashed yellow line connecting them.
To prevent roboports from linking, the player needs to build them far enough away from each other so that the orange zones don't touch.


There can be many separate logistic networks. Two roboports are in the same network only if they are connected, as described above.
Bots do not fly migrate from one network to another, unless their home network is destroyed in some way, for example when all roboports are removed or out of power.
Visually this is represented by a dashed yellow line connecting them.
To prevent roboports from linking, the Player needs to build them far enough away from each other so that the orange zones don't touch.


Bots do not fly from one network into another, unless requiring a recharge. Robots will never "nest" in a different network.
== Mechanics ==


=== Losing bots ===
=== Losing bots ===


Logistics robots are a priority target of biters, and will prioritize attacking them over many objects in the vicinity of the robots. Destroyed robots will not be replaced, unless automatic control of the robot creation system is used.
Worker robots are a priority target of biters, and the [[enemies]] will prioritize attacking them over many objects in the vicinity of the robots.


Bots are not destroyed when running out of energy, but will be reduced to 20% of their speed, which gives them the chance to recharge eventually and a chance for the player to notice the problem.
Robots may run out of charge on longer journeys which will reduce their flying speed to 20% of their normal speed. Robots that run out of charge will fly to the closest recharge point instead of their original target. This means that they may depart from the original route and even go into the opposite direction, depending on where the closest charging point is.


Pay attention to robotic networks which form some kind of U-shape (where the shortest way between two chests goes over an uncovered area): if a bot runs out of charge in this area, and cannot return fast enough to a roboport, the bot will be significantly slowed and as a result the logistics network will frequently slow down, with large groups of bots slowly flying over the uncovered area.
When the charging-queue for the bots gets too long, the bots (and their loads) will slow down. Generally, a roboport can charge between 50 and 70 bots per min, 4 at a time, but are not very efficient at charging large queues of bots and can quickly become overworked.
 
Robots may run out of charge on longer journeys. When the charging-queue for the bots gets too long, the bots (and their loads) will slow down. Generally, a roboport can charge between 50 and 70 bots per min, 4 at a time, but are not very efficient at charging large queues of bots and can quickly become overworked. Place more roboports near the first one to share the load.


=== Negative numbers ===
=== Negative numbers ===
It is possible to notice negative numbers on the 'Logistic Network'-Screen when looking at network storage. Contrary to common belief, this is intended.
It is possible to notice negative numbers on the 'Logistic Network'-Screen when looking at network storage or opening the logistic networks GUI the with {{Keybinding|L}}.


The logistic network numbers report items in provider and storage chests, ''minus the amount of items scheduled to be picked up by robots.'' When negative numbers are shown, it means that more items are being requested than are available in the network. There is a deficit. This can be a problem, or intended, depending on the player's choice. The negative value is just to explain why items aren't being delivered. For example, a deficit of 20 iron plates would look like this:
The logistic network numbers report items in provider and storage chests, ''minus the amount of items scheduled to be picked up by robots.'' When negative numbers are shown, it means that more items are being requested than are available in the network. There is a deficit. This can be a problem, or intended, depending on the player's choice. The negative value is just to explain why items aren't being delivered. For example, a deficit of 20 iron plates would look like this:
Line 81: Line 73:


The delivered number of items in the requester chest can be higher than requested. This depends on the researched [[Worker robot cargo size (research)|Worker robot cargo size]]-bonus, since bots will always take as much as they can carry if an unlimited amount is available.
The delivered number of items in the requester chest can be higher than requested. This depends on the researched [[Worker robot cargo size (research)|Worker robot cargo size]]-bonus, since bots will always take as much as they can carry if an unlimited amount is available.
=== Choosing the post for charging ===
Normally a robot flies to the nearest roboport to recharge. If the queue on that roboport is too long, they eventually choose another port. This is specified by the ratio of <distance to different roboport in tiles> / <queue size of robots waiting>.
Currently, to choose the more distant roboport, the distance must be at most <Number of robots in the queue and on the way> / 2. So, to choose a roboport that is 10 tiles more distant, it has to have 20 less robots waiting in the queue.


== Priorities of robots ==
== Priorities of robots ==
Line 86: Line 83:
This overview reflects the priorities in which order the chests are filled/emptied.
This overview reflects the priorities in which order the chests are filled/emptied.


The logistic network looks for orders by the chests in this order:
Logistic robots on the logistic network look for orders by the chests in this order:


* A ''requested'' item is first looked up in the active provider chests, then in the storage chests, then the passive provider chests. So, the active provider chests are emptied first, then the storage chests, then the passive provider chests.
* A requested item is first ''looked up'' in the player's trash slots, then in active provider chests, then in the storage chests and buffer chests (only for character logistic slot requests), then the passive provider chests. So, the active provider chests are emptied first, then the storage chests and buffer chests, then the passive provider chests.
* If robots are free and there is space left in storage chests, and there are unrequested items in an active provider chests, the items are moved from active provider to a storage chest.
* For the storage chests, the bots search for one storage which has the same item already. If that can't be found, they choose the first storage chest with a free slot from the list, which is sorted by the order they were built in. [https://www.reddit.com/r/factorio/comments/5udwkd/hey_devs_this_is_the_one_thing_that_really_bugs/ddwbr94/] This is to avoid having storage chests with different items inside, allowing greater organisation.


Storage chests will be filled with items from active provider chests, and from construction robots that have had their orders cancelled while they were carrying items.
* Requests are ''assigned'' first for player logistics, then for requester chests, then for buffer chests.


=== Order of movement ===
{| class="wikitable"
The bots fulfill '''all requests with the same priority'''. The algorithm looks for the next free robot, then the next request in the queue and after giving orders to the robot, this request is put at the end of the queue, so that first all other requests are done.
! Source Priority
| {{icon|Character logistic trash slots (research)}}  {{icon|active provider chest}}  {{icon|storage chest}}  {{icon|buffer chest}}<sup>1</sup>  {{icon|passive provider chest}}
! Target Priority
| {{icon|Character logistic slots (research)}} {{icon|requester chest}} {{icon|buffer chest}}
|}
 
<sup>(1)</sup> Player logistic slots only, same priority as storage chests
 
Storage chests will be filled with items from active provider chests, from robots that have had their orders cancelled while they were carrying items, and from the player's logistic trash slots. Furthermore, items deconstructed by construction robots will be placed into storage chests.
 
* To place items into storage chests, the bots search for a storage chest that already stores items of the same type, then for one which has its filter set to the item type. If that can't be found, they choose the first storage chest with a free slot from the list, which is sorted by the order they were built in. [https://www.reddit.com/r/factorio/comments/5udwkd/hey_devs_this_is_the_one_thing_that_really_bugs/ddwbr94/] This is to avoid having storage chests with different items inside, allowing greater organisation.


=== Distance ===
=== Distance ===
When looking to pick up requested items from multiple chests of equal priority, bots will always choose the closest one. [https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=40329&p=238918#p238901] This is however only true when an item is being requested, not when an item is sent away. [https://gfycat.com/HatefulUnlawfulErmine] In the case of items being sent into the logistics network distance does not matter, and the rules laid out above matter instead.
When looking to pick up requested items from multiple chests of equal priority, bots will always choose the closest one. [https://forums.factorio.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=40329&p=238918#p238901] This is however only true when an item is being requested, not when an item is sent away. [https://gfycat.com/HatefulUnlawfulErmine] In the case of items being sent into the logistics network distance does not matter, and the rules laid out above matter instead.


== See also ==
== Achievements ==
* [[Robotic network]]
{{Achievement|you-have-got-a-package}}
* [[Roboport]]
{{Achievement|delivery-service}}
* [[Logistic robot]]
{{Achievement|logistic-network-embargo}}
* [[Construction robot]]


[[Category:Logistic network]]
[[Category:Logistic network]]

Revision as of 11:30, 31 August 2019

This gif shows how robots can load or unload chests in a train station. The train delivers items that are filled into active provider chests and then put into the requester chests to be loaded onto belts. Logistics robots are ideal in train stations, since very high item throughput on a short distance is needed. Click here for a larger image.

A logistic network is a series of different logistics chests and logistic robots all covered by one or more connected roboports.

Depending on the type and configuration of the chests and area of the logistic network the robots will transport items between these chests as a power-hungry alternative to moving items manually, or by belts or railway. However, robots offer much higher mobility, since they can fly over obstacles in a beeline.

The player character can also act as requester chest in the logistic network, allowing them to 'request' various items be kept at a set limit within their personal inventory. After researching Character logistic slots, they can configure an amount of items; and logistic robots will start to move the specified items from the network to the character's inventory.

Items

Entity Description
Roboport.png
Roboport
Central component of the logistic network in which the robots operate. Roboport coverage defines the area of the logistic network. Robots need to periodically return here to recharge.
Logistic robot.png
Logistic robot
Moves items between logistic chests.1
Construction robot.png
Construction robot
Repairs broken or replaces destroyed entities. Builds, deconstructs and upgrades entities on command.
Active provider chest.png
Active provider chest
Logistic chest: Pushes stored items into the logistic network.2
Passive provider chest.png
Passive provider chest
Logistic chest: Places stored items at the logistic network's disposal.2
Storage chest.png
Storage chest
Logistic chest: Stores items currently not requested. Can be filtered to only store one type of item. Supplies stored items to the Logistic network.2
Requester chest.png
Requester chest
Logistic chest: Will be filled by logistic robots until the configured amount is reached, or the chest becomes full. Can request multiple different types of items.2
Buffer chest.png
Buffer chest
Logistic chest: Functions as both a requester chest and passive provider chest.2

(1) Default capacity is 1 item per robot. This can be increased by researching Worker robot cargo size (research).

(2) Logistic chests can also be connected to the circuit network with red wire or green wire.

Usage

To start with, just use passive provider- and requester chests. Place the passive provider chests at the output inserters of assembling machines and requester chests at the input (let them request the needed items). Place a roboport, which covers these chests with the inner orange area. Place some logistic bots in the roboport. The robots will fly out of the top hatch and will begin to work. You can now limit the number of produced item with the stack limitation-feature.

The logistic network makes it possible to create complex items in a relatively small factory area, but its throughput is limited by how many robot charge points (roboports) exist in the network.

Supply area 50×50 tiles (orange); Construction area 110×110 tiles (green)

The basic thing needed for item transportation is roboports. The roboport shows the orange logistic coverage and the green construction coverage when held in the cursor or hovered after placing.

  • The orange zone is the logistic network coverage. This is also the maximum distance for connecting two roboports.
  • The green zone is the construction area.

Expanding the logistic network

There can be many separate logistic networks. Two roboports are in the same network only if they are connected, so if their logistic areas are touching. Visually this is represented by a dashed yellow line connecting them. To prevent roboports from linking, the player needs to build them far enough away from each other so that the orange zones don't touch.

Bots do not fly migrate from one network to another, unless their home network is destroyed in some way, for example when all roboports are removed or out of power.

Mechanics

Losing bots

Worker robots are a priority target of biters, and the enemies will prioritize attacking them over many objects in the vicinity of the robots.

Robots may run out of charge on longer journeys which will reduce their flying speed to 20% of their normal speed. Robots that run out of charge will fly to the closest recharge point instead of their original target. This means that they may depart from the original route and even go into the opposite direction, depending on where the closest charging point is.

When the charging-queue for the bots gets too long, the bots (and their loads) will slow down. Generally, a roboport can charge between 50 and 70 bots per min, 4 at a time, but are not very efficient at charging large queues of bots and can quickly become overworked.

Negative numbers

It is possible to notice negative numbers on the 'Logistic Network'-Screen when looking at network storage or opening the logistic networks GUI the with L.

The logistic network numbers report items in provider and storage chests, minus the amount of items scheduled to be picked up by robots. When negative numbers are shown, it means that more items are being requested than are available in the network. There is a deficit. This can be a problem, or intended, depending on the player's choice. The negative value is just to explain why items aren't being delivered. For example, a deficit of 20 iron plates would look like this:

Iron plate.png
-20

Receiving more items than requested

The delivered number of items in the requester chest can be higher than requested. This depends on the researched Worker robot cargo size-bonus, since bots will always take as much as they can carry if an unlimited amount is available.

Choosing the post for charging

Normally a robot flies to the nearest roboport to recharge. If the queue on that roboport is too long, they eventually choose another port. This is specified by the ratio of <distance to different roboport in tiles> / <queue size of robots waiting>.

Currently, to choose the more distant roboport, the distance must be at most <Number of robots in the queue and on the way> / 2. So, to choose a roboport that is 10 tiles more distant, it has to have 20 less robots waiting in the queue.

Priorities of robots

This overview reflects the priorities in which order the chests are filled/emptied.

Logistic robots on the logistic network look for orders by the chests in this order:

  • A requested item is first looked up in the player's trash slots, then in active provider chests, then in the storage chests and buffer chests (only for character logistic slot requests), then the passive provider chests. So, the active provider chests are emptied first, then the storage chests and buffer chests, then the passive provider chests.
  • Requests are assigned first for player logistics, then for requester chests, then for buffer chests.
Source Priority
Character logistic trash slots (research).png
Active provider chest.png
Storage chest.png
Buffer chest.png
1
Passive provider chest.png
Target Priority
Character logistic slots (research).png
Requester chest.png
Buffer chest.png

(1) Player logistic slots only, same priority as storage chests

Storage chests will be filled with items from active provider chests, from robots that have had their orders cancelled while they were carrying items, and from the player's logistic trash slots. Furthermore, items deconstructed by construction robots will be placed into storage chests.

  • To place items into storage chests, the bots search for a storage chest that already stores items of the same type, then for one which has its filter set to the item type. If that can't be found, they choose the first storage chest with a free slot from the list, which is sorted by the order they were built in. [1] This is to avoid having storage chests with different items inside, allowing greater organisation.

Distance

When looking to pick up requested items from multiple chests of equal priority, bots will always choose the closest one. [2] This is however only true when an item is being requested, not when an item is sent away. [3] In the case of items being sent into the logistics network distance does not matter, and the rules laid out above matter instead.

Achievements

You-have-got-a-package-achievement.png You've got a package

Supply the player by logistic robot.

Delivery-service-achievement.png Delivery service

Supply the player with 10k items delivered by logistic robots.

Logistic-network-embargo-achievement.png Logistic network embargo

Win the game without building any active provider, buffer or requester chests.