How Can Warehouse Operators Improve Efficiency by Embracing Robotics
Published on : Wednesday 08-05-2024
Discover how warehouse operators can embrace robotics and industrial automation solutions to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.
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It is no wonder that there is hustle and bustle in the warehouse operations. If you have ever wandered down the aisles of a warehouse, you must have seen how these things run smoothly. Robotics plays a vital role behind the scenes driving efficiency to new heights.
Robots can make things easier in modern warehouse operations by giving a new picture of traditional paradigms of brick-and-mortar stores. They become imperative as businesses grapple with the challenges posed by the dynamic nature of omnichannel fulfillment. Let us delve deeper into warehouse robotics to boost efficiency.
All about warehouse robotics
Warehouse robotics integrates automated systems, including robots and robotic devices, to perform various tasks within a warehouse or distribution centre. These tasks can range from material handling, such as picking and packing orders, to complex operations like inventory management and goods transportation within the facility.
Warehouse robotic systems can help operators address the challenges of omnichannel fulfillment, offering efficiency, precision, and scalability. As the demand for seamless and efficient order fulfillment has increased, the reliance on automation has become crucial. The demand for robots in warehouses such as articulated arms, AMRs, and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for heavy lifting and carrying operations is fueled by technological advancements in robotics and warehouse automation.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market of warehouse robotics is estimated to value US$12.99 billion by 2030 from US$4.86 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 13.8% during the forecast period.
Boosting efficiency: Why robotics for warehouse operations?
Warehouse robotics is important because:
It significantly improves efficiency by automating repetitive tasks that are time-consuming and require manpower. This efficiency converts into cost savings and improved productivity for warehouse operators.
It boosts accuracy by accurately identifying, picking, and placing items with precision. This reduces the occurrence of errors while improving order accuracy, leading to higher customer satisfaction levels.
It optimises the use of available warehouse space. Robots can navigate through tight spaces and stack items efficiently. This means warehouse operators can store more inventories without the need for costly expansions.
It can reduce the risk of injuries to human workers by handling heavy loads and performing tasks in hazardous environments. This can significantly improve workplace safety while creating a safer working environment for workers.
It can expedite order fulfillment by streamlining processes and minimising the time required for picking, packing, and shipping. This enables warehouse operators to meet tight delivery deadlines and handle peak demand periods more effectively.
Robotics systems can be easily scaled up to meet increasing demand. This scalability enables warehouse operators to adapt to changing business needs without investments in additional infrastructure or labour.
It provides valuable insights into warehouse operations. By analysing data on inventory movement, order patterns, and workflow efficiency, robotics systems allow warehouse operators to identify areas for improvement and optimise their processes further.
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Replacing repetitive tasks with warehouse robotics
Implementing smart motion and integrating robotics systems into warehouse operations represents a strategic move towards the emerging needs and challenges of the logistics and supply chain industries. This transformative shift possesses significant benefits for businesses as well as consumers.
- Improved Efficiency
- Mitigating Labour Shortages
- Cost Savings, and
- Scalability.
Businesses that engage in labour-intensive activities require warehouse robotics systems in order to substantially lessen labour costs by automating repetitive tasks.
The processes where robotics systems are suitable:
- Robots are suitable to implement one specific task, such as palletising or item picking and placing.
- Robots are better at handling product variation with hardware and software are continuously improving.
- Robots can handle a capacity of 300 to 1000 picks per hour, depending on the task.
- A robot arm such as a gripper can usually handle a reach of 2×2 metres.
- Robots can help businesses drive more RoI.
The need and use of robotics can vary depending on the nature of the industry. Different industries have their degrees of labour intensity and operational requirements, which influence the applicability and necessity of automation.
For instance, industries relying heavily on labour-intensive activities like case picking in e-commerce or order fulfillment in retail can find implementing robotics solutions more conducive. In these settings, robots can be beneficial in reducing the reliance on human labour and enhancing overall efficiency by performing repetitive tasks.
Top warehouse automation companies in India and Abroad
The warehouse automation market has experienced exponential growth over the years, which is significantly driven by technological advancements from industry players. There are many warehouse automation and material handling companies that have witnessed consistent growth such as Bastian Solutions and AutoStore.
Here is the list of some of the top warehouse automation and material handling companies in India:
- Warehousing Express Logistics Pvt. Ltd. (WELPL) (Gurgaon, Haryana)
- Warehouzez (Bangalore, Karnataka)
- Mahindra Logistics (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
- Ware IQ (Bengaluru, Karnataka)
- Stockarea (Chennai, Tamil Nadu)
- iFuture Robotics (Bangalore, Karnataka)
- Kengic Intelligent Equipment (Gurugram, Haryana)
- Alstrut India Private Limited Source (Chennai)
- Falcon Autotech (Noida, Uttar Pradesh), and
- Daifuku Intralogistics India Private Limited (Hyderabad, Telangana).
Let us now have a look at some of the top automated material handling companies around the world:
- Dematic (Georgia, United States)
- Vanderlande (The Netherlands)
- KNAPP (Austria)
- SSI SCHAEFER (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- WITRON (Parkstein, Germany)
- Element Logic (Kløfta, Norway)
- Swisslog (Buchs, Switzerland)
- stow Group (Belgium)
- Murata Machinery (Kyoto, Japan), and
- Siasun Robotics (China).
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How can warehouse operators embrace robotics?
Whether you are in the industry or looking to explore this field, you probably must think of how you can embrace automation for your warehouse management and material handling processes.
The first and foremost thing you must be clear about is to evaluate your needs. You should understand your current and future warehouse needs before investing in an automation or robotics solution.
Other considerations for you as a warehouse operator should be:
- Setting clear objectives
- Choosing the right technology
- Planning for integration
- Training your team
- Monitoring performance and optimisation
- Fostering an innovation culture, and
- Staying informed with trending technologies.
In conclusion, embracing robotics offers significant opportunities for warehouse operators to revolutionise their operations, driving efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness to new heights. As the demand for faster order fulfillment continues to surge, Industrial Automation believes that the strategic integration of robotics and warehouse automation solutions is crucial.
References:
1. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/getting-warehouse-automation-right
2. https://www.netlogistik.com/en/blog/unlocking-efficiency-the-role-of-warehouse-robotics-in-reshaping-modern-commerce
3. https://www.shiplilly.com/blog/robots-reshaping-warehouses-when-automation-takes-over/
4. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/
5. https://www.bastiansolutions.com/
6. https://www.autostoresystem.com/investors/annual-report-2022
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