The future of robotics and automation in warehousing holds tremendous promise
Published on : Sunday 05-05-2024
Alex Chatha, Director Smart Buildings and Cities, ARC Advisory Group.
What are some of the latest advancements in material handling technology that have significantly improved efficiency in warehouse operations?
The material handling industry is advancing rapidly with the help of technology, especially in warehouse operations. Companies are using these technologies to improve safety, productivity and efficiency. Automation and robotics have been changing the material handling industry for a long time and will continue to do so in the near future. The use of drones, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) has increased in recent years. These can handle materials with remarkable efficiency and accuracy, thus reducing reliance on manual labour. Robotics plays a key role in warehouse material handling, especially in the automation of picking and packing processes. Sophisticated robotic systems that use computer vision and machine learning algorithms can move around shelves, recognise items, and perform accurate picking tasks. This not only speeds up order delivery but also reduces errors, resulting in customer satisfaction and lower operational costs.
One of the more promising technology trends in robotics in recent years has been the emergence of collaborative robots or cobots. Cobots are machines that assist human workers in material handling tasks and are designed to be safe and simple to work with, enabling a harmonious combination of human and robotic actions. Collaborative robots can support the workforce in the warehouse, production line, or construction site relieving them of many heavy unergonomic and tedious tasks. Additionally, they can add automation to parts of a production line with minimal changes to the existing automation equipment.
Can you provide examples of how optimising warehouse layout and flow paths can enhance material handling efficiency?
Warehouse operations are vital for businesses to satisfy customer needs, lower expenses, and maintain a competitive edge in today’s unpredictable market. The efficiency of material handling can be improved only by properly planning and designing the warehouse layout and flow paths. This means placing products strategically, arranging storage spaces, and creating workflows to reduce travel time. Using automation technologies, such as warehouse management systems (WMS), conveyor systems, and robotic solutions, can boost material handling efficiency. Warehouse optimisation is a continuous process that involves ongoing improvement. Regularly evaluating and adjusting processes based on performance metrics and feedback ensures that the warehouse remains adaptable to changing business situations.
How do automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) contribute to space utilisation and productivity within warehouses?
AS/RS can improve picking processes by making them more efficient and can work in places that are not suitable for human workers, such as cold storage areas. They can also operate at heights that are hard for human workers to reach, which enables warehouse operators to save floor space by using vertical space better. Other key benefits of AS/RS include:
• Reduced labour requirements and costs.
• Increased picking accuracy.
• Improved picking throughput.
• Tighter inventory control.
What strategies do companies employ to integrate material handling equipment with inventory management systems for better tracking and control of stock levels?
Material handling is essential for any modern supply chain, as it links different functions and allows products to flow smoothly from suppliers to end users. Every contact point, every change, and every storage choice in a product's journey depends on effective material handling practices. Modern material handling systems often work with inventory management and tracking software, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Barcode and LiFi (Light Fidelity). This ensures that goods are not only moved effectively but are also tracked throughout their journey, giving businesses better visibility and control over their inventory. When you use inventory management software along with inventory control technology, you improve your bottom line.Using technology to support inventory management helps your business to keep track of things by simplifying the ordering and tracking process throughout the sales cycle of a product.
In your experience, how does the integration of robotics and automation impact labour efficiency and overall operational costs in warehousing?
Warehouse operations benefit from automation and robotics in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. They can also do tasks quicker than humans, which cuts down lead times and boosts throughput. Automated systems can work 24x7 without interruption, thereby increasing productivity. For example, Amazon has robots in its warehouses to pick items, which has allegedly lowered the time needed to complete an order from hours to minutes. Common challenges that robotics and automation can address:
• Reduce repetitive and labour-intensive tasks: Automation will reduce the reliance on manual labour, leading to cost savings.
• Order fulfilment and accuracy: Robotic systems equipped with computer vision and machine learning algorithms quickly and accurately identify items, reducing errors and improving order accuracy.
The future of robotics and automation in warehousing holds tremendous promise. Advancements in artificial intelligence, collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots, and connectivity through IoT will further revolutionise warehouse operations.
What are some key safety considerations and best practices in material handling and warehouse operations, particularly when implementing automated systems?
There are several important factors and best practices that can greatly enhance efficiency and productivity in warehouse operations. The first step in effective material handling is to plan the warehouse layout carefully. It is necessary to define your objectives and determine what kind of products you will be storing. This will help you identify the required facilities and storage solutions. A well-planned warehouse reduces safety hazards and ensures smooth operations. When planning the layout, it is essential to consider maximising space utilisation for easy movement, machine installation, and storage. Adequate space allocation enables efficient workflow and minimises the chance of accidents or damage to goods. Choosing the right tools and equipment is vital for effective material handling. It is important to consider safety standards and the nature of the products being handled. Investing in automated tools can greatly improve productivity and save time and money in the long run. As the logistics industry continues to evolve with technology and automation, it is important to prioritise employee training. Regular training programs help employees learn and adapt to new technologies, processes, and safety rules. This enables them to maximise operational capabilities while ensuring their safety and the security of the goods being handled.
(The views expressed in interviews are personal, not necessarily of the organisations represented.)
Alex Chatha is a member of the IIoT team and is the Director for Smart Buildings and Cities. His areas of research include smart lighting, smart HVAC, BAS/BEMS, energy management and optimisation for buildings, and how industrial IoT is being applied to Smart Cities. In the past, Alex has focused on water & wastewater automation, water management for oilfields, SCADA, and level measurement technologies including radar and ultrasonic.
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