Robots have arrived....and they are here to stay!

Bots have entered the chat! How robots are transforming supply chain

A supermarket giant in the US is utilizing?drones for deliveries , while Japan will soon see?robot vehicles hit the road for? the same. These are just a couple examples of how robots are already milling about in the world, bringing efficiency across industries. From early robotic arms in manufacturing to the sophisticated autonomous systems we see today, the historical evolution of robots showcases technology's relentless pursuit of operational excellence.?

Robots often get a bad rap, thanks mainly to the media such as ‘the Matrix’ series, ‘I, Robot’ by Isaac Asimov, etc. But the last decade has witnessed a shift in perspective, making robots an extension of human ability. Automation, and as a result, robots, are now at the forefront of revolutionizing supply chain processes. Gone are the days of manual, labor-intensive tasks; automation has become the linchpin for revolutionizing traditional workflows.

It has been fascinating to see how these intelligent machines revolutionize how goods are manufactured, stored, and delivered. Robots, from automated warehouses to self-driving delivery trucks, are becoming indispensable in the logistics industry.

Automation as the Cornerstone

At the heart of this robotic revolution lies automation, replacing manual, labor-intensive tasks and raising standard for achieving operational excellence. Traditionally, robots have been most commonly used for industrial tasks but are becoming increasingly commonplace for other purposes (e.g., automated warehouse picking, inventory drones, and quality control robots). They are also being utilized for functions that are taxing, repetitive, or even too dangerous for humans.

The integration of robots into the supply chain brings significant improvements in efficiency and accuracy. Operating tirelessly, robots minimize downtime and errors, resulting in a more reliable and responsive supply chain. Their remarkable flexibility allows handling various tasks, offering unparalleled agility in dynamic supply chain environments.

Warehouse Operations: AMRs and AGVs Take Center Stage

Logistics enterprises demand high throughput, quick and easy robot deployment, and flexible production lines. In recent years, AMRs and AGVs have become the stars of warehouse operations. These intelligent robots navigate warehouses precisely, optimizing inventory storage and ensuring timely order fulfillment. Their agility and efficiency are unparalleled, transforming traditional warehouses into high-tech hubs.?

AGVs excel in repetitive tasks, while AMRs, equipped with advanced sensors, navigate dynamically without fixed paths, making them suitable for changing environments. Whether it's robotic arms for palletizing and packaging or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in warehouse operations, robots are proving their versatility in handling various tasks.?In fact, the market size for AGVs and AMRs, which was $356 million in 2020, is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.9% to?$1011 million by 2026.

I recently asked my friend,?Kait Peterson (Senior Director, Product Marketing — Locus Robotics), her opinion on the areas where automation could impact the most, and she said, “Automation is filling the gap where warehousing and supply chain companies have been grappling with several key challenges of labor scarcity and rising costs, demand and volume uncertainty, and increasing customer expectations. Being able to fulfill consumer expectations accurately and efficiently with flexible automation that doesn’t call in sick is critical for companies to remain competitive in the marketplace. Additionally, robotics automation helps future-proof organizations looking to develop and retain human talent by not only making their jobs easier but also by adding to their skillsets with the technology experience.”

These autonomous robots will help define future supply chains by assisting companies in decreasing long-term costs, providing labor and utilization stability, and increasing worker productivity. They reduce error rates and inventory checks, optimize picking, sorting, and storing times, and increase access to difficult or dangerous locations.?

Robots as a Service (RaaS): Seamless Integration and Accessibility

Business environments are seldom static, and the ability to adapt swiftly to changing demands is a hallmark of success. Robots as a Service (RaaS) is a game-changer that democratizes access to cutting-edge robotic technology.?

Let's face it – robots have historically not been budget-friendly due to the large capital expenditures needed. However, with the advent of RaaS, the financial strain eases significantly by changing to an operational expense that flexes with their business. Companies opt for a subscription fee model rather than shelling out a substantial sum upfront. It's akin to renting a robot instead of making a hefty purchase that may get outdated quickly, ultimately making state-of-the-art technology accessible to a more extensive range of businesses within the supply chain. With it, businesses of all sizes can leverage the power of robots without the intimidating upfront costs, unlocking avenues for innovation and efficiency across a broader spectrum of enterprises.

But RaaS is more than just acquiring a robotic arm or deploying a fleet of autonomous drones within the supply chain. It's a playground for innovation, a testing ground for companies to experiment with diverse robotic solutions without committing to long-term ownership and? by leveraging the expertise of robotic technology companies on an ongoing basis. This freedom to explore not only fosters a culture of continuous improvement but also ensures that businesses stay ahead in adopting technological advancements tailored to the specific needs of the supply chain. The shift from ownership to subscription-based models opens up new horizons, allowing companies to tap into the benefits of robotic technology without the traditional financial and operational barriers.?

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Despite the undeniable benefits of robotic technologies, challenges in adoption include high implementation costs, technical complexities, and the need for skilled personnel. Job displacement concerns exist, but an optimistic view emphasizes human-robot collaboration, making workers’ lives easier.

While robotics and AI offer tremendous potential for positive impact, ethical concerns persist. Ensuring these technologies promote societal welfare is a fundamental premise. However, not all individuals or companies implementing these technologies may adhere to this guideline, leading to complex ethical dilemmas.

Addressing ethical questions, such as preventing robotics from exacerbating inequality, requires initiatives to spread information and educational opportunities across all socioeconomic groups. Effectively legislating the use of robots is crucial as these technologies become more accessible. Various initiatives, like the?Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Fund , aim to address these concerns, although awareness remains challenging.

The global regulatory landscape for automation is diverse, with different countries and regions evolving regulations simultaneously.?While the United States has limited federal regulations, the countries in the European Union are actively developing comprehensive frameworks emphasizing ethical considerations (Source 1 ?|?Source 2 ).?International standards ?are emerging to guide safety, interoperability, and ethics in robotics, reflecting the broader implications of automation.

As automation technologies advance and AI becomes mainstream,?ethical principles and privacy considerations ?gain prominence globally. The regulatory focus extends beyond specific industries, necessitating companies in the automation sector to stay informed about evolving regulations and prioritize ethical considerations in their developments.

On the topic of AI’s role in automation, Kait said, “With the dawn of accessible Gen AI, there has been a lot of attention on how it will (and already is) impact various industries. In automation, AI is a cornerstone of many technologies, including AMRs, for intelligent algorithms, advanced autonomy and navigation, and comprehensive analytical tools. As we look to the future, companies are exploring how to leverage the various models of AI to not only make better automation products but also provide insights to customers on how they can improve their operations and processes.”

Predictions for the Next Decade

The next decade promises exciting prospects for the evolution of robotic technologies. Predictions include advancements in collaborative robotics, enhanced AI integration, and the proliferation of robotic solutions across diverse sectors, solidifying robots as indispensable assets in the supply chain. As AI and machine learning adoption accelerates, organizations can expect improved decision-making processes, ultimately driving growth and better performance in the supply chain.

#locusrobotics #RoboticsRevolution #RaaS #FutureOfWork #SupplyChainTransformation #WarehouseAutomation #SmartWarehousing #robotics #amrs #warehouserobotics

Let's shape the future of automation responsibly, ensuring growth, safety and efficiency are at the forefront of our technological advancements! I am available for a consultation to explore how organizations can leverage automation to thrive in the evolving supply chain landscape.

David Houser - Board Member, Cybage, and Pro-to-Know & Supply Chain and Reverse Logistics Expert

linkedin.com/in/david-s-houser or @dav

Also, read more about Kait’s views on the role of automation in Supply Chain’s future:

Kait Peterson, (Senior Director, Product Marketing — Locus Robotics)

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/kaitvinson/ or @supplychainkait