AI and Robotic Automation in Warehouses
AI and Robotic Automation in Warehouses:
The Future of Supply Chain Technology
Authored by: Elizabeth Baca
The warehouse industry is transforming with the advancement of AI and Robotic Automation. We use this advantage of mobile robotic fulfillment systems, drones, and other automated warehouse robotics, to better business; picking, packing, fulfillment, shipping, and more.
By using AI and Machine Learning to learn, adapt, and improve the warehouse environment and industry, we have already seen massive changes for the better.
How AI and Robotic Automation Are Changing the Warehouse Industry
Undoubtedly, AI and Robotic Automation are changing the game in warehouses. These technologies can complete tasks quicker and more accurately, leading to significant benefits for warehouse operators.
For example, according to The Robot Report, Amazon has used robots in its warehouses since 2012, when it acquired Kiva Systems. Last year, they announced a new autonomous mobile robot (AMR), Proteus. Proteus can pick up carts and move them across the warehouse to employees or other robotic cells, reducing the amount of walking Amazon workers need to retrieve items. The AMRs do not need to remain in safety zones/spaces and can work freely among Amazon Employees. They have also made the advancement of Cardinal, a robot that can read the packaging labels and place them in the appropriate areas. This robot can even turn, lift, and pick up to 50 lbs!
Walmart has also been working aggressively on its automation in recent years. According to Tech Crunch, they partnered with Symbiotic Systems to optimize inventory with High-speed robots and software. They have seen similar results to Amazon, reporting that the robots have helped to reduce errors by up to 50%.
In addition to increased productivity and accuracy, robots can reduce costs. A study by the McKinsey Global Institute found that the use of robotics and automation in the warehouse industry could save up to $500 billion per year by 2030.
Alongside optimization and accuracy, we are noticing improvements in warehouse safety and environmental impact. (Keep an eye out for a future post on how AI and robotic automation keep warehouses safer and improve the environment.)
How to Stay Relevant with AI and Robotic Automation
As these technologies are being developed and improved, we expect to see more innovative and efficient ways to use them for productivity gains, accuracy improvements, and cost savings for warehouse operators.
How can we better prepare for the future of robotics and automation?
• Staying current on the latest trends in AI and Robotic Automation. Several resources are available to help supply chain professionals stay current on the latest trends in robotics and automation, including industry publications, trade shows, and conferences.
• Investing in training and education: As AI and Robotic Automation become more sophisticated, it will be crucial for supply chain professionals to have the skills and knowledge necessary to work with these technologies.
• Partnering and hiring technology professionals to help implement robotics and automation solutions to get the most out of these technologies. These partners can provide expertise, experience, and resources to help supply chain professionals get the most out of these technologies.
The future of AI and Robotic Automation in warehouses is bright. If you haven’t already implemented these practices, it might be time to assess where in your business you can optimize.
In the next post, we will dive into which companies, types of robotics, and automation are leading the way!