Drones and the Future of Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing
Overview
The evolution of drones has significant implications for the future of material handling equipment manufacturing. The rapidly growing industry is forecasted to reach $43.5 billion by 2027, and drones are playing a crucial role in this expansion. They are facilitating automated operations, improving efficiency, and potentially reducing labor costs. This guide examines critical statistics and benefits related to drones' application in material handling and how 3Laws Robotics’ innovative software can support these use-cases, enhancing safety and reliability.
The Rise of Drones in Material Handling
The global drones market is expected to grow from $27.1 billion in 2021 to $43.5 billion by 2027, attesting to their increasing popularity and utility in various industries, including material handling equipment manufacturing. By 2024, experts predict that 30% of operational processes will incorporate robotic process automation (RPA) in some form, enhancing efficiencies and reducing labor costs. Drones are playing a significant part in this shift, streamlining processes in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants.
Impact on Efficiency and Cost
Using drones can increase warehouse efficiency by as much as 50%, as they can be programmed to perform repetitive tasks at pace, freeing up workers for more complex roles. Meanwhile, research suggests that automation, including drone technology, can reduce labor costs by up to 20%. Drones can carry out hazardous tasks, reducing safety-related expenses and potential injury-related downtime.
Safety Considerations
Despite the undeniable benefits, drones bring about new safety considerations. An ISO standard aims at providing safety measures for drones weighing up to 25 kg. The EU has laid down a risk-based approach to drone operation regulation, considering factors like the drone's operational environment, its kinetic energy, and, importantly, the reliability of its control system. Adherence to these safety regulations is crucial to realizing the full potential of drones in material handling.
Key Takeaways
- The global drones market is expected to grow significantly, reaching $43.5 billion by 2027.
- By 2024, 30% of operational processes will incorporate robotic process automation.
- Use of drones can lead to a 50% increase in warehouse efficiency and a potential reduction in labor costs by 20%.
- ISO and EU regulations emphasize the importance of safety measures in drone operations.
About 3Laws Robotics
3Laws Robotics is developing innovative software to enhance the safety and reliability of robotics systems, including drones. The company is committed to addressing the certification challenge, a significant barrier for many robotics companies. The company's software, 3Laws Supervisor, offers robust safety features and system robustness proof, potentially easing the certification route.
Based on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a technology developed at Caltech, 3Laws Supervisor provides mathematically provable safety. This software can be used across various industries and applications such as warehouse automation, where it helped a client achieve a 40% efficiency gain and a 6-month payback period. It also allows safe human-robot interaction and efficient navigation in dynamic environments.
With an emphasis on operational efficiency, 3Laws minimizes downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions. By providing real-time autonomy stack guardrails, robotics systems, including drones, can operate closer to their peak capabilities while maintaining safety.
3Laws' software boasts compatibility with a wide range of platforms and popular robotics middleware such as ROS and ROS2. As a proactive next-generation safety solution, it transcends traditional e-stop methods to deliver dynamic, predictive safety that can potentially attain safety certification for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262 standards.