Warehouse automation is the implementation of robots in the workplace. There are many ways to go about it and it can range from relatively simplistic and minimal to complex programming with processes running on almost fully automated.
While the implementation of robots in the workplace seems to be an ongoing debate of the good it does versus the disservice to humans and the job market, facts show that warehouse automation helps to subsidise and to replace labour shortages, faulty inventory processes and issues surrounding warehouse space and layout.
Then there is Cobotics, where these robots known as Cobots don’t fully replace staff’s duties, but instead are designed to work in collaboration with people where they have the ability to scan their surroundings to detect potential collisions and altercations to human’s work.
Additionally, with online shopping becoming steadily more popular across multiple platforms and genres, it is no wonder that businesses turn to companies like https://www.mobile-industrial-robots.com/ to get the job done.
With retail sales skyrocketing, warehouse operators are desperate to streamline warehouse processes whilst cutting costs to mitigate the need for more skilled staff, B2C and B2B services, and warehouse space.
These days, warehouses are moving away from being a platform for storage and more into a holistic space where services can be conducted in a way can incorporate a multi-process strategy. Without further ado, here are some ways that warehouses are implementing AI in their workspace.
- Drones. Drones are synced to a cloud-based system that are used to communicate inventory needs and processes inside a warehouse. Warehouse drones can also help in additional ways such as scanning inventory and “automate procedures like cycle counting”.
- Cleaning. Automated robots are laden cleaning equipment with sensors to tackle anything from general upkeep to toxic spillage.
- Forklifts. While you may recognize this or have seen is already, robotic forklifts are making their way up the robotic warehouse food chain as their ability to load and move inventory saves on valuable time and energy by human staff.
- Data. The more robots are used to scan inventory and keep track of movements in the warehouse to a cloud-based system, the easier it gets to process large data sets and continue to optimize warehouse operations.
- Supply chain. Warehouses may use robots to satisfy the demand of their services which can often be on-demand and flexible services. An example of this would be a 1 day fast shipping offered by online retailers.