The robots can automate tasks like sorting, picking, packaging, loading, and unloading packages. Incorporating robots into logistics processes lowers labor costs, boosts accuracy, increases productivity, and maximizes space usage.
FREMONT, CA: Several aspects of the transportation and logistics industry are being impacted by the steadily advancing trend of artificial intelligence and robotics. There is a massive change that robotics is bringing about, and the benefits are positive for those players who have the resources and technology to implement it efficiently. The supply chain sector uses robotics to automate several tasks, including organization, transportation, warehousing, and inventory management.
In the next seven years, the global logistics robot market is expected to grow by 16.7 percent to $21,01 billion.
In transportation and logistics, robots play the following roles:
Warehouse robots: In the warehouse industry, there are several repetitive operations that are process-oriented and prone to human error. The automation of picking, packing, storing, receiving, etc., in this sector can make the process simpler, more accurate, and more productive. Robots relieve warehouse workers from boring and repetitive tasks, which results in a higher employee retention rate and greater operational efficiency.
Their use greatly reduces the dependence on human labor for moving heavy items within warehouses. At present, there are several warehouse robots on the market, including automated guided vehicles, automated storage and retrieval systems, and goods-to-person robots. These robots make warehousing faster, more organized, and error-free. Warehouse robots can pick up and move items, close and seal boxes, and assist with inventory processes. Among all the robots in the transportation and logistics sector, these are the most widely used.
Automating trucks with self-driving technology: Self-driving trucks are regular trucks that are controlled by artificial intelligence and machine learning. As the pandemic renewed the importance of autonomous trucks that can operate without a driver, the research and development of self-driving trucks have been in the spotlight throughout the past three years. Logistics trends last year showed massive investments in e-commerce fulfillment technologies and autonomous trucks. As a result of self-driving trucks, operational costs will be greatly reduced, fuel consumption will be minimized, and profit margins will increase. Companies in several states of the USA are using autonomous trucks to deliver cargo.
Autonomous trucks have the primary advantage of not requiring a driver to take them from point A to point B. As a result, they can greatly benefit the road freight industry, which has faced a shortage of drivers in the last two years. Autonomous trucks will undoubtedly empower the road freight industry by eliminating the need for human drivers and preventing supply chain disruptions.
