AGVs, AMRs, Drones and AI. The opportunity to consider adopting automation technologies becomes more compelling with the prospect of reduced costs, increased operational efficiency and productivity.

Should you be considering your automation journey now?

The challenges faced by the logistics industry are evolving and demanding innovative solutions to meet demand and service levels in this fast paced environment. The potential of adopting such technologies could be transformative to businesses.

In simplistic terms, warehouse robots are autonomous or semi-autonomous machines that help with material handling and other tasks to streamline warehouse operations. They are part of automated systems using specialised software to speed up repetitive warehouse operations. So, simply put – it’s the replacement of manually operated mechanical handling equipment with robotic operated machinery.

Variability and Unpredictability

Variability and unpredictability are significant challenges within the warehouse. Warehouse demand forecasting and planning is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process that requires constant monitoring and updating.

Using AI in robotics can better manage the variability and unpredictability with a mass market of cross-border shipping, e-commerce or last-mile delivery of frequently changing products, orders and stock holding.

The robots or cobots become ‘flexible’ with the AI software self-generating by experience as opposed to being programmed. Learnings come from robots learning to pick and pack different objects at high speed, '360 vision’ to autonomously transport items around the warehouse.

They are designed to work harmoniously with humans to assist with repetitive tasks, and they are secure, adaptable, quick to implement, and simple to program.

There are many reasons to invest in this type of technology as it is more efficient, relatively straightforward to implement and is scalable.

Familiar Principle

The mechanical handling equipment that you will be familiar with, like reach trucks, narrow aisle trucks, hand pallet trucks, etc, are replicated with autonomous robotic vehicles- Autonomous Lift Trucks (ALTs), that can work within your existing infrastructure, i.e. racking and aisle widths. Just as a human would navigate the stock from point A to point B, etc, so does an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV).

Health and Safety

Autonomous vehicles are guided by software and programmed to fixed paths. Along with their secure handling of loads this type of investment is not only faster but safer.

Increased Efficiency

Businesses will have greater control over inventory by using AGVs with the software integration into the warehouse management system (WMS). The operation will be faster and more reliable all while enhancing operational efficiency. Similarly, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are designed to transport a diverse range of loads, from pallet loads to shelving to cages and trolleys. The design and purpose of AMRS is to move loads from different zones in the warehouse but not lift or place the loads.

Scalability

The operation can be easily scaled up by the introduction of additional AGV’s, as the traffic management software manages the increased movements.

Summary of Benefits

Adopting autonomous vehicles into your operation could have a transformative impact on your operation with significant benefits in increased productivity and efficiency by:

• Faster and consistent execution of routine and repetitive tasks.
• Reduction in error rates.
• Optimisation of interlogistics routes.
• Management of inventory.
• Automation tools can process and analyse significant quantities of data.

The Human Element

The adoption of autonomous vehicles should not be about robots replacing humans. It should be seen as a collaborative approach where humans coexist with cobots. The cobots help eliminate fatigue, taking on demanding and repetitive tasks. They increase productivity, for example, in the packing and unpacking of boxes, increasing speed and accuracy. They are scalable thus providing further future efficiencies.

LPC has worked with many businesses to improve their operational efficiency and productivity by considering robotics in existing operations and new facility designs. If you are at the start of your journey of considering automation, contact LPC here.