Robotics and AI: The Future of the Warehouse

Overall, robotics and AI hold immense potential for improving the future of warehouses, yet before committing significant resources to either technology, companies should undertake a thorough assessment of their warehouse operations.

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AI is all the rage these days, triggering a ‘gold rush’ mentality. 70% of large companies globally are planning to use or are already using AI in their supply chain processes. Meanwhile, the automation market is also booming and is projected to reach $41B by 2027. As a result of this growth, most workers are worried automation will cost them their jobs and 40% feel negatively towards it. 

However, the real future lies in collaborative partnerships, with AI and robotics not replacing humans, but instead supporting their daily tasks and overall warehouse operations.  

AI and data accuracy can help improve forecasting and manage inventory in the warehouse, while robotics can free frontline workers from physically demanding and time-consuming tasks. Specifically, functions of robotics such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs), alleviate frontline workers from tedious, physical operations. This powerful pairing of robotics and AI reduces burnout, skyrockets productivity and ensures accuracy. 

Let’s dive into how this duo works, its benefits and the impact they could have on warehouse operations down the line. 

The Power of the Human-Robot Relationship  

Robots undoubtedly hold immense potential for transforming frontline operations, as they can efficiently handle strenuous activities and free workers to prioritize higher-value tasks. For example, AMRs and AGVs can transport pallets of goods across the warehouse or retrieve specific items from high shelves, reducing the physical strain on workers and increasing overall productivity. These vehicles and systems can also automate tasks such as order picking and inventory scanning.

This assistance is especially crucial as companies continue to struggle to fill the gaps on their frontlines. 37% are citing labor shortages as a supply chain disruptor, and the dwindling workforce is making it increasingly difficult to distribute physical tasks among employees. Because of this, companies need to lean on robotics to unburden their workers from physically demanding tasks and enable them to focus on activities that only humans can add value to.

In the past couple of years, many businesses have started to realize these benefits. Only 8% of companies now don’t have plans to use robots, compared to the 40% that didn’t have plans in 2022.  

Going Further with Advanced Capabilities

Robotics technology still has a way to go before it can remove all physical workload off of frontline workers. While robots excel at helping in repetitive, physically demanding jobs like lifting and moving, they struggle to complete other tasks. For instance, manipulating and identifying objects with varying shapes, sizes and textures—a common challenge in cluttered environments with varying lighting—remains a hurdle for robotic systems in the warehouse.  

Fortunately, as warehouses await these advancements, they can leverage solutions to augment robotics in the interim. AMRs, AGVs, drones and other automation systems and tools use cameras to guide and scan barcodes. When coupled with smart data capture, or the ability to capture data intelligently from barcodes, text, IDs, and objects, these automated devices can measure or recognize objects to ensure proper shelf management, checking pallet locations and monitoring for out-of-stocks throughout the day so the management system and shelf inventory are always up to date. As a result, stock is available when or where it is needed for frontline employees.

More Productivity Gains with AI

In a recent survey, Gartner found that the top-performing supply chain organizations have invested in AI and machine learning to optimize processes. While robotics has a more transformative and visible effect on the lives of frontline workers, AI is becoming a crucial partner for warehouse management, especially in 3PL, manufacturing and retail. The technology has enabled them to automate demand forecasting, order management, and supply planning–essential capabilities for warehouse operations.

However, inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to poor decision-making. For example, data focused on specific areas leads to overfitting, meaning the model will struggle to adapt to new scenarios. As a result, organizations must assess their data health to ensure the AI and ML systems that would be contingent upon that data are accurate.

Warehouse Companies Must Assess Current Operations

Overall, robotics and AI hold immense potential for improving the future of warehouses, yet before committing significant resources to either technology, companies should undertake a thorough assessment of their warehouse operations. This includes evaluating their workforce's skills, readiness for technological integration, and the warehouse's suitability for automation to understand operational challenges and opportunities. Only then can they wisely invest in the best AI and robotic solutions that will best fit their current needs. 

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