by Warehousing Automation
Warehouses are deploying various kinds of robotics and autonomous vehicles to automate processes like replenishing inventory, fulfilling orders, sorting products and transporting goods within the warehouse. Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) help in transporting goods between storage areas to picking stations. These robots use technologies like computer vision, sensors and facility maps to navigate around safely without colliding into obstacles or humans. They can autonomously transport inventory directly from receiving docks to storage racks or designated inventory locations. This eliminates the need for forklifts and lifts the workload off human workers.
Many warehouses are also automating order fulfillment processes using goods-to-person order picking systems. In these systems, robots bring the storage bins or shelves containing the ordered items directly to human pickers instead of the other way round. This significantly reduces the walking distance and effort for human pickers to locate and collect items, allowing them to focus only on the picking task. Some advanced systems have even eliminated human pickers by using robotic arms to pick items directly from bins or shelves and sort them for final packaging.
Inventory management is another area undergoing automation. Technologies like computer vision, IoT sensors and RFID/barcodes help track inventory levels in real-time. When inventory falls below a threshold, automated replenishment requests are triggered. Logistics Automation mobile robots then transport additional inventory from storage to the concerned picking areas. This streamlines inventory flow and ensures items are always available for order fulfillment.
Transportation and Logistics Automation
Self-driving trucks are revolutionizing long-haul freight transportation. Companies like TuSimple, Embark and Plus are developing and testing Logistics Automation trucks for commercial use. A driver or operator will likely monitor these trucks from a remote location initially. Fully driverless trucks without human intervention are expected on roads in the next 5-10 years.
While long-haul trucking provides the opportunity for full automation, short-haul operations within city limits involve more complex driving scenarios. Startups like Nuro and Gatik are developing low-speed, low-capacity autonomous vans and box trucks for short-haul deliveries in geo-fenced urban areas. Groceries, packages and food are common cargo for such last-mile deliveries.
Ports and intermodal facilities too are automating cargo handling. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) transport shipping containers between yards and vessel berths. Stacker cranes with computer vision now load and unload vessels autonomously. Drones assist with cargo monitoring and inspections. All these solutions improve terminal throughput and productivity while reducing workload and risks for human employees.
In the air, autonomous cargo drones are being tested for transporting shipments over shorter distances that are not economical for ground vehicles. Startups like Draganfly and Skycart are developing drones that can carry 5-50 pounds of payload for 10-50 mile routes. Drones hold promise for medical deliveries to remote communities as well as for supporting disaster response efforts. However, regulations need to evolve before widespread commercial operations.
Automated Process Optimization
Advanced analytics are optimizing supply chain network operations and processes. Machine learning algorithms can detect patterns and predict demand more accurately based on historical sales data. This helps suppliers and manufacturers better align production to current demand instead of relying on historical averages or manual forecasts. As a result, out-of-stocks and excess inventory carrying costs go down.
Predictive algorithms also determine the optimum inventory levels that must be stocked at each distribution center while accounting for factors like transportation times and costs. Dynamic replenishment triggers ensure inventory availability without over-stocking. Route optimization software routes delivery vehicles in the most efficient sequence that minimizes distance, fuel usage and carbon footprint.
Automated planning and scheduling tools factor in dynamic factors like traffic conditions, variable transit durations, and unpredictable disruptions. They generate robust plans that can adapt in real-time and avoid delays. Advanced analytics also pinpoint bottleneck areas and opportunities to improve operational efficiency across the supply chain network. Overall, these tools empower data-driven decision-making for optimized end-to-end operations.
Regulatory Challenges Ahead
While the potential of logistics automation is massive, regulatory frameworks have not kept pace in most countries and markets. Safety remains a paramount concern, especially for autonomous vehicles operating in unstructured public spaces. Strict testing, certification and oversight processes will be needed to address risks.
Warehouses will need to modify designs and allocate dedicated lanes or zones for autonomous machinery to avoid accidents. Facilities will also require advanced technologies like safety sensors, computer vision systems and network connectivity to enable safe co-existence of robots and humans.
Autonomous trucks bring the challenge of assessing a driver-less vehicle’s ability to handle unpredictable traffic conditions, analyze risks and make decisions ethically with no human on board. Similarly, regulations need to define operational limits and clearance processes for cargo drones and delivery robots.
As benefits of automation outweigh costs in coming years and proven safety is demonstrated, regulations will evolve to relax restrictions and enable widespread adoption while protecting public interest. The transition thus may occur gradually through regulated pilots and limited commercial rollouts in controlled environments. Overall, collaborative effort between regulators, operators and technology providers will be crucial to accelerate safe logistics automation.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Priya Pandey
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