The logistics industry and warehousing face unprecedented challenges in the 21st century. These challenges include the growing demand for e-commerce, rising labor costs and labor shortages, a potential second round of hyperinflation, and the need for long-term sustainability. To overcome these challenges, many businesses that specialize in logistics and warehousing are turning to robotic automation as an enabler of efficiency and cost stabilization.
What makes robots a better option?
By 2025, over 4 million commercial robots are expected to be installed in more than 50,000 warehouses worldwide. Robotic automation can offer many benefits for the logistics industry, such as:
- Improving productivity and accuracy: Robots can work faster, longer and more accurately than humans, especially in repetitive, laborious and tedious tasks. Robots can pack and unpack boxes, sort and move materials, and load and unload vehicles, with minimal errors and downtime 24/7.
- Enhancing safety and ergonomics: Robots can reduce the risk of injuries and accidents for human workers, by taking over the heavy lifting, handling hazardous materials and operating in harsh environments. Robots can use computer vision and Lidar to navigate autonomously and avoid collisions.
- Optimizing space and resources: Robots can better use the available space and resources in warehouses and distribution centers, by using vertical storage, dynamic layouts, and smart allocation. Robots can interact with conveyor systems, AS/RS Buffer Systems and AGVs/AMRs to transport items across different areas of a warehouse.
- Increasing flexibility and scalability: Robots can adapt to changing demands and economies by using modular design and collaborative features. Robots can work safely alongside humans and switch between tasks and roles depending on their needs.
Robotic automation is no longer exclusive to only the largest logistics companies. Automation is more attainable than ever for smaller operations to invest capital in and ultimately get a return on investment. However, around 80% of current fulfillment centers lack any type of automation. But, according to a recent survey by Peerless Research Group, 23% of logistics companies are already using robotics in their operations, and another 21% are planning to do so in the next three years.
In what areas can robots help?
Warehouse robots are the backbone of modern warehouse management. Some of the areas robots have proven to be integral to logistics include:
- Trailer and container unloading: These robots can automatically unload containers and pallets from trailers, using AGVs and conveyors. Automation can reduce the labor count and time required for this task, as well as the physical strain and injury risk for human workers.
- Stationary piece-picking: These robots can pick individual items from shelves or bins, using cameras, scanners or RFID tags. They can increase the speed and accuracy of order fulfillment, as well as the utilization of storage space.
- Mobile piece-picking: Autonomous robots can move around a warehouse and pick items from different locations. The robots can improve the flexibility and scalability of order fulfillment, as well as the collaboration between humans and other automation systems.
- Case Packing and Packaging: These robots can assemble, pack and label items according to specific customer orders, using high-speed vision, part manipulation and labeling systems. They can enhance the quality and speed of production, as well as the efficiency and consistency of the product packaging.
Robotics is not only transforming the logistics industry but also creating new opportunities and challenges for logistics companies, workers, customers and society. They automate the movement and tracking of inventory within warehouses, reducing the need for costly human labor. Over the last few decades, innovation in robotics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things has paved the way for what we now call smart warehouses.
What can MWES do for my logistics operation?
Robotic automation is a powerful tool that can take logistics and warehousing to the next level. Robotics create new opportunities and value propositions for logistics companies and customers alike. This is where Midwest Engineered System’s decades of experience designing and integrating complex and safe robotic automation into warehouse operations of all types. We have the expertise and we will work with you in the planning, integration and final evaluation. By working with MWES, your logistics business can leverage robot automation which will give you a competitive edge in the market today.
Contact us today, if you are looking to elevate your warehousing and logistics operation with robotic automation.
