Distribution Bots: Should I or Shouldn't I...

[Silvador]

OK, so, I unlocked the distribution logistics tech and I've slapped a few on top of my regularly used building storage boxes, so my little fidget spinners come and top my up with smelters and conveyors and whatever, every time I walk past. That's all cool, but...

I thought of using these DisBots to supply some of my other constructions and quickly realised I'm going to end up with 2, 3, or 4 boxes with these things on top of them, all over the place. While it does save on the length and spaghetti of conveyors, I found myself wondering if this was the "right" way to do it.

So, I wanted to ask how other people use their DisBots outside of supplying Icarus, before PLS has been established.

[Coops]

I have maybe 10 boxes. They can take the place of logistic towers to supply an item to your factories. without using belts. Also to top off your inventory. You are using them as intended, but as I learned, It best not to think small in this game.

[Rekal]

The problem with the early game bots is the limited range, the abysmally low throughput for links, and the extra power draw. I personally don't see the need to use them early game for any kind of actual automated factory link. Even the restocking ability seems like a gimmick to me early on because of the limited range.

The PLS isn't too far off so I don't bother using them until much later game when their upgrades make them a bit more useful. Belts are cheap and power free so I don't mind flinging them around everywhere considering how easy it is to actually do so.

If you want to use the Distribution Bots earlier because you can, nothing wrong with that. Just be aware of their early limitations.

[Coops]

Limited range is indeed a problem early, You can increase the range to where they are useful. But that might not be until you get to the logistic towers anyway.

[josmith7]

There are one or two spots I've used them instead of a PLS (or to supplement a PLS by bringing in 1 extra ingredient without plopping down a 2nd PLS); but generally I use them in 4 ways.

1 - to resupply Icarus (or remove excess material when I'm still in the early game hand clearing phase) -- range is an issue early game though.

2 - to let me grab from the box anywhere on the planet (no need for drones for that). Very nice to drop atop the storage boxes of my starting mall. I can grab more belts without getting back into drone range or walking all the way over to the box.

3 - hooking my starting mall up to ILSs for exporting material - I've already got distributors on the mall storage, so I can just drop receiving versions next to my ILS array to get those buildings into the interplanetary logistics network.

4 - low bandwidth distribution - I've used them to avoid devoting an ILS slot to receiving warpers; put a distributor box next to one ILS to fly in warpers then belt them between nearby ILS. Or I used them to move antimatter fuel rods around a water world to power each little island I'd built for mining (though now I tend to use advanced miners and wind turbines instead)

[Silvador]

hand clearing? o.O

[XLjedi]

Originally posted by Coops:

Limited range is indeed a problem early, You can increase the range to where they are useful. But that might not be until you get to the logistic towers anyway.

It is possible to create a simple drone relay station to extend their range without the upgrade. I have used it a few times as a temporary measure.

I went crazy with the fidget spinners on one play thru. There were so many flying around it felt like the planet was infested. So, my vote is, give it a try and see what tricks you learn from it.

[robfilrhijar]

They are very versatile, and can do a a good job of tidying up a mall and removing a lot of spaghetti. Some people use them for moving proliferation which i find handy, i have used them for moving sciences also. The limited range early is something you need to be aware of when planning your logistics but when you keep that in mind it is easy to get the more complex things to craft,done by bots.

[Tikigod]

If used correctly they can be extremely effective even early game.

I think the problem some people have with them is they try to use them in a more Factorio way, as a means to mass transport goods along a long bus chain.

And that's not really what Logistic bots are for in DSP.

Where Logistic bots shine is making more modular production blocks function like finely designed clockwork, with inputs and outputs feed between blocks and moving production away entirely from the concept on central belts and long winding sprawls of factories and instead into compact blocks that make 1 item and output it back into a box for logistic bots to take to another compact block that might call for that item.

If that's not really your thing and you're very much lodged firmly in the Factorio-approach or death.... then logistic bots have very little use as Logistic drones and ships fill that niche.

[Marakith]

I use them primarily within my mall for supplying mecha, and for within the mall itself supplying other parts of the same mall to keep the mall compact. I also use them for transport of blueprint outputs to input of the next blueprint elsewhere (output of blueprint making super mag-ring for example, or processors if nearby other blueprints), but always use the ILS/PLS for longer distance of large quantities of raw goods (iron/copper/sulphur etc).
If the item needed/supplied is only going to be needed in small quantities they are perfect for quick/fast transport without belt spaghetti.

[Marakith]

Just to add... my biggest annoyance, the "bots" inside the distributers do not get copied as part of a blueprint, so you have to manually place these along with every blueprint placement... I find this the biggest drawback with their mass deployment.

[Rekal]

Originally posted by Marakith:

Just to add... my biggest annoyance, the "bots" inside the distributers do not get copied as part of a blueprint, so you have to manually place these along with every blueprint placement... I find this the biggest drawback with their mass deployment.

Screenshot is for something else but it has the element I want to show you. A little TIL tidbit for you: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2868975683
If you look at the Distribution Bot icon on the Logistic Distributor screen, you can see that little arrow in the upper right corner? If you click that it'll turn white. That will tell your blueprints to auto fill with bots from your inventory when placed.

I don't remember if I read that in an update or the in game help but it also works for Logistic Drones and Vessels in PLS and ILS. Cheers!

[XLjedi]

Originally posted by Marakith:

Just to add... my biggest annoyance, the "bots" inside the distributers do not get copied as part of a blueprint, so you have to manually place these along with every blueprint placement... I find this the biggest drawback with their mass deployment.

Rekal has the answer to your biggest drawback... that arrow is the key!

[Marakith]

Very nice, thanks!

[shakeOnIt]

Even if you don't use them, the extra inventory space is very helpful.

I had hundreds of hours before distribution bots and I have hundreds more with them.

I just wish they could act as construction bots for my blue prints...

[HO ANU]

I dont use it for that. I use Interstellar logistic stations and those other drones to transport it over the planet.