Robotic Automation and the Future of General Warehousing and Storage
Overview
Factory warehouses are steadily integrating robotics automation within their operations, predicting a major shift in the general warehousing and storage sectors. As per McKinsey, robotics automation could drive a productivity increase of up to 20% in warehouse operations. Moreover, the warehousing and logistics robot market is predicted to reach a valuation of $30 billion by 2025. Another study conducted by MHI and Deloitte found that 80% of surveyed supply chain professionals believe robotics and automation to be a major disrupter, currently and potentially.
Role of Robots in Warehousing and Storage
The role of robots in warehousing and storage has changed significantly with advancement in technology. Robots have moved to carrying out crucial warehouse tasks that traditionally needed human labour. Every year, the usage of robots in warehouses increases by 15% (BCG, 2018). Inventory sorting, packaging, and transportation are a few examples of areas where robots excel.
Savings and Efficiency
Robotic automation can result in considerable savings in warehouse operations. According to a KPMG report, these robots have the capability to cut 70% of labour costs. In addition, they can work non-stop and boost productivity by at least 30%. A report by Tractica also indicates a steep rise in the global market for warehousing and logistics robots, from $1.9 billion in 2016 to an estimated $22.4 billion by the end of 2021.
Warehouse Safety and Accuracy
Warehouse robots improve not only efficiency but also safety and accuracy. Fetch Robotics states that robots can decrease warehouse mistakes by as much as 80%. They can also reduce accidents and injuries, potentially saving companies billions of dollars in compensation each year.
Impact on Workforce and Labour
Implementation of robotics in warehousing might effect on the labor market. A report from Oxford Economics suggests that every robot that’s deployed displaces 1.6 manufacturing jobs on average. However this does not necessarily mean an increase in unemployment rates, as it can result in jobs moving to other sectors and an increase in jobs requiring human interaction and creativity.
Key Takeaways
- Robotics automation can increase warehouse operation productivity by up to 20%.
- The market potential for warehousing robots predicted to rise to a staggering $30 billion by the end of 2025.
- Warehouse robots can reduce labour costs by up to 70% and increase productivity by 30%.
- Adoption of robots into the workforce could lead to job displacement, averaging 1.6 jobs per robot.
Introducing 3Laws Robotics
3Laws Robotics is taking robotics software to new heights, fostering innovation with the goal of enhancing safety and reliability within robotic systems. 3Laws Supervisor, built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs) technology from Caltech, offers mathematically provable safety features. This robust software can potentially ease certification processes, which are currently significant hurdles in the robotics industry.
3Laws' technology has proven its worth across various industries and applications. In warehousing automation, an autonomous forklift customer experienced a 40% efficiency gain, achieving a 6-month payback period. When it comes to human-robot interaction, 3Laws ensures safe and uninterrupted operations, meeting the growing demand for collaborative robotics solutions. Their reactive collision avoidance capabilities also enable robots to effectively navigate dynamic environments.
3Laws actively contributes to operational efficiency by curbing downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions. With real-time guardrails for autonomy stacks, robots can operate at near-peak capability while maintaining safety. The software is adaptable and compatible with a wide range of platforms, including mobile robots, drones, cars, and manipulators. It can also work seamlessly with popular robotics middleware like ROS and ROS2.
3Laws is the future of safety solutions, far exceeding conventional e-stop methods by providing dynamic, predictive safety that's certifiable for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.