Robotic Automation and the Future of Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage
Overview
This information guide explores the flourishing intersection of robotic automation and refrigerated warehousing, focusing on the evolving technological developments that are set to transform the future of cold storage. As automation technology advances, cold storage facilities are adopting robotics systems to enhance productivity, health & safety measures, and overall efficiency. A projected growth rate of 12.28% in the cold chain market from 2020 to 2025 and an anticipated rise in the robotics market to $417 billion by 2025, highlights the increasing integration of these two sectors.
Enhancing Productivity through Robotics
In refrigerated warehouses, manual labor can be challenging due to the harsh cold conditions, thereby influencing the increasing adoption of robotic automation. According to Meticulous Research, the global warehouse robotics market is projected to reach $7.47 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 12.4%. Automation of cold storage facilities allows for quicker and more accurate picking and packing of goods. Additionally, robotic systems can operate 24/7, free from the physical and time constraints experienced by human operators. As such, the integration of automation significantly reduces errors and improves productivity.
Health and Safety Advancements
Utilizing robotic systems in refrigerated warehouses can greatly improve health and safety standards. Cold environments present a unique set of challenges and risks for human employees. The rate of work accidents in refrigerated environments is considerably higher than in other storage facilities, with an estimated 34% of injuries and illnesses reported in 2019 related to cold stress. By implementing automation and robotics in these settings, it contributes towards lowering the incident rate and enhances worker safety.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings
Automating cold storage facilities not only boosts productivity and safety but importantly offers economic benefits. Maintaining refrigerated warehousing can be significantly more expensive than standard warehousing due to the high maintenance and energy costs. Thus, increasing operational efficiency is crucial. Robotic automation lowers labor costs in the long term, with case studies indicating that customer's utilizing autonomous forklifts achieved a 40% efficiency gain and a 6-month payback period. Moreover, by reducing product damage and error rates, cost savings are generated across the whole supply chain.
Key Takeaways
- The cold chain market is projected to grow at a rate of 12.28% from 2020 to 2025.
- The global warehouse robotics market is projected to reach $7.47 billion by 2027.
- The adoption of robotic automation enhances productivity, health & safety measures, and economic efficiency in refrigerated warehouses.
- Autonomous forklifts led to a 40% efficiency gain for customers, boasting a 6-month payback period.
Introducing 3Laws Robotics: A Solution for Refrigerated Warehousing Automation
3Laws Robotics, a cutting-edge software development company, is spearheading innovation in warehouse automation, offering solutions that improve safety, reliability, and efficiency in robotics systems. Addressing challenges related to certification, a notable pain point for robotics companies, 3Laws has developed 3Laws Supervisor, robust software that provides demonstrable safety features and system robustness, aiding in certification processes.
3Laws' technology is adaptable, compatible with mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators, and can work with ROS and ROS2. Among its many applications, warehouse automation stands out, with an autonomous forklift customer noting a 40% efficiency gain and a 6-month payback period.
3Laws' innovative safety solution pushes beyond traditional e-stop methods, offering a proactive approach to safety that unlocks the full potential of robotics and has the potential to be safety certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262. With real-time guardrails for autonomy stacks, 3Laws allows robots to operate closer to their peak capabilities while maintaining safety, thereby revolutionizing the future of refrigerated warehousing and storage.