Who knew the word ‘Robots’ having a literal meaning ‘forced labor’ would give birth to an entirely new branch of technology called Robotics (application of Robots). And then that particular branch would ensure every possible way to add comfort and leisure in human lives. All this has got to an extent where Robotics and Automation are full of surprises. One such prospect is Warehouse Automation, where Robots and Machines play a significant role in managing the warehouse.
Warehouse Automation almost takes care of everything from inventory arrival to departure for delivery by using technology-backed machines and robots to perform tasks. Not only this, but the miraculous idea is equally making waves with Logistics and Supply Chain Automation altogether. Even the Logistics Automation Market has grown over the years with the prediction of reaching $88.9 billion worth by 2026.
Importance of Robots in Warehouse Automation
Among the handful of growth indicators, the staggering growth of eCommerce is the biggest factor favoring the increase of warehouse automation. Needless to say, the idea of eCommerce counts on the marketplaces big time such as Amazon and eBay leading right from the front. Given the fact, 50,000 warehouses will get commercial robotics updates by 2025.
Consequently, this growth will cater to the popularity of eCommerce over time as the culture of the warehouse ensures smooth order fulfillment without last-minute troubles. The idea of automating businesses by applying robotics has proven its mettle, not only for warehouses but for supply chain and logistics as well.
Though it’s quite early to make a call, still Robots are performing fairly well when it comes to inventory management, order fulfillment, and other chores at the warehouse.
What Tasks Robots and Machines Perform in Warehouses?
Robots and Machines have played a pivotal role in aligning things at warehouses. It has turned out to be a handy solution in eliminating human errors while managing vast inventory. As of now, robots and machines are performing almost all the tasks at warehouses, which hints at only robots centralized warehouses are around the corner.
These robots take care of all the work at warehouses from security to picking and then packing the products. Not only this but these man-made machines are also tasked to sort the product and store the inventory at their designations.
Types & Functions of Robots – Warehouse Automation in 2021
Automated Guided Vehicles
These wheel-based robots are computer-controlled and often managed by the operator or a driver. They are ideally used for the transportation of products from one place to another within the warehouse. Regarded as one of the first types of warehouse robots, they use floor sensors, magnetic tracks, and wires for movement purposes.
Autonomous Mobile Robots
They are key when it comes to autonomously transport the load to long distances within the warehouse. Unlike AGVs, AMRs build a great understanding of their surroundings and take decisions such as rerouting if they experience any kind of hurdle while doing all this process. They are also well-suited to analyze the information provided on the batches and sort them accordingly.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
These kinds of robots are widely used in the logistic automation market as well. In short, they are drones without any human pilot assistance to keep track of the stock levels and perform other surveillance as well. Generally, they are equipped with RFID scanners to directly update it to the warehouse management system as well. Furthermore, they are also used to carry lightweight freight at shorter distances.
Final Say
Warehouse automation has simplified the complex tasks in an efficient manner. If you’re someone associated with logistics, warehouse automation, and transportation, hiring a robotics engineer can turn tides for you.
