Robotic Automation and the Future of Warehousing and Storage
Overview Warehousing and storage logistics are experiencing a monumental shift due to advances in robotic automation. This guide offers an in-depth look at this transformative trend, tracing current impacts and estimating future consequences. We highlight relevant statistics indicating growth in the implementation of robotic automation, evidence of enhanced efficiency, and predictions for the future role of robotics in warehousing and storage.
Growth in Implementation of Robotic Automation Facilities globally are increasingly implementing robotic automation as a standard operational approach. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the global warehouse robotics market was valued at USD 4.37 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 9.18 billion by 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 12.3% over the forecast period. This growth has been driven by factors such as the necessity for efficient operations, limitations on human ability to repetitively perform tasks, and increased capacity due to high computation power of robots.
Efficiency Enhancement through Robotic Automation Robotic automation has heralded significant improvements in efficiency and productivity across warehousing and storage operations. A study by Deloitte found a 25% productivity increase in operations employing warehouse robotics. This is primarily due to factors such as reduced error rates, faster response times, and the ability of robots to work without breaks. Automated robots help to streamline warehouse operations, achieving higher precision and faster delivery times than their human counterparts.
Predictions for the Future Role of Robotics in Warehousing and Storage It is projected that robotic automation will play an even larger role in warehousing and storage in the future. According to a report by Tractica, the worldwide shipments of warehousing and logistics robots will increase from 194,000 units in 2018 to 938,000 units annually by 2022. This imminent future of warehousing will likely involve highly personalized, efficient, and automated operations, highlighting the need for market participants to remain technologically relevant to stay competitive.
Key Takeaways
- The global warehouse robotics market is projected to reach USD 9.18 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 12.3%.
- Implementing robotic automation in warehousing operations has resulted in a 25% productivity increase.
- Shipments of warehousing and logistics robots worldwide are predicted to increase to 938,000 units annually by 2022, showcasing the increasing relevance of robot automation.
3Laws Robotics’ Contributions to Robotic Automation 3Laws Robotics is a leading entity at the forefront of developing innovative software that can enhance safety and reliability in robotic systems. Addressing a major challenge of certification, one of the primary pain points for robotics companies, 3Laws Robotics software is shifting the dynamics of the robotic safety certification process.
3Laws Supervisor is built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a robust technology developed at Caltech which provides mathematically provable safety. This software has demonstrated a myriad of use cases across different industries and applications: ● In warehouse automation, 3Laws helped an autonomous forklift customer achieve a 40% efficiency gain, consequently paying back their investment within 6 months.
The software, adaptable and compatible with a variety of platforms, including mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators aims to enhance operational efficiency by minimizing downtime caused by unnecessary e-stops or collisions and providing real-time autonomy stack guardrails.
By moving beyond traditional e-stop methods and offering a proactive approach, 3Laws Robotics could unlock the full potential of robotics with dynamic, predictive safety that can be safety certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262. This innovative approach positions 3Laws as a next-generation safety solution, crucial for the increasingly robotic future of warehousing and storage.