Robotisation of logistics and storage systems includes the use of advanced technologies and robots to automate warehouse processes, such as sorting, packing, order picking, internal transport, and warehouse management. By using robots, Artificial intelligence, and IoT systems, it is possible to optimise warehouse operations, increase efficiency, and reduce errors in logistics operations.
Logistics and Warehouse Automation
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Warehouse robots: Machines that automate the processes of material handling, order picking, and packaging.
- Warehouse management systems (WMSs): Software to manage all warehouse operations, integrating robot operations with other processes.
- Internal transport systems (AGVs): Autonomous vehicles moving around warehouses to transport goods.
- Sensors and cameras: Devices that monitor inventory and enable robot navigation.
- Human-machine interfaces (HMIs): Systems that enable employees to monitor robot performance and manage warehouse processes.
Industry usage
- Distribution centres: Transport robots are used for order picking, sorting, and transporting products.
- E-commerce warehouses: Automation of warehouse processes, such as packing and shipping orders.
- Pharmaceutical logistics: Precise management of drug stocks and their transport in pharmaceutical warehouses.
- Food industry: Food warehouse automation, including transport, sorting, and packaging of products.
- Airports: Automated storage systems for managing baggage and shipments at major airports.
Importance for the economy
Robotisation of logistics and warehouses significantly increases companies’ operational efficiency, reduces costs, and shortens lead times. Automating warehouse processes leads to increased efficiency, minimised errors, and streamlined logistics, which is crucial for global supply chains. Companies that implement advanced logistics solutions can increase their competitiveness, respond faster to changing market needs, and better manage their resources.
Related technologies
Artificial Intelligence
AI optimises warehouse operations by analysing data in real time, improving efficiency, and minimising errors.
Cybersecurity
Warehouse management systems must be adequately protected against cyber threats to avoid interruptions.
Big Data
Data from automation systems is analysed to improve the efficiency of warehouse processes and predict warehouse needs.
Internet of Things
Robots and warehouse systems can be part of an IoT network, enabling remote management of warehouse operations.
Automation
Robotic systems in warehouses play a key role in automating logistics processes, speeding up operations.
Mechanism of action
- Robots and automation systems in logistics work in an integrated manner, executing warehouse operations based on programmed algorithms and data analysis. Transport robots move the goods, while WMSs manage the entire flow of goods, coordinating the activities of the machines. Sensors and cameras monitor the warehouse, while AGV systems optimise the movement of goods in the storage space. HMIs enable workers to track the status of operations in real time and respond to potential problems.
Advantages
- Improving efficiency: Warehouse robots can work 24/7, making logistics operations more efficient.
- Error reduction: Automation minimises the risk of human error in warehouse operations.
- Space optimisation: Robots can move in optimised routes, enabling better management of warehouse space.
- Scalability: Robotisation makes it easy to scale operations according to demand.
- Cost reduction: Automation of warehouse processes reduces labour and operating costs.
Disadvantages
- Cost of implementation: Initial investment costs for robots and automation systems can be high.
- Complexity of integration: Implementing integrated warehouse systems requires advanced technical expertise.
- Loss of jobs: Automation can lead to staff reductions in traditional warehouse operations.
- Cyber threats: Automation systems are vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can disrupt the entire logistics operation.
- Technology dependence: Interruptions in the operation of automation systems can lead to serious disruptions in warehouse operations.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Warehouse robots: Automated transport, sorting, and order picking systems.
- Warehouse management systems (WMSs): Software to monitor and manage all warehouse operations.
- Sensors and cameras: Monitoring devices that enable accurate tracking of warehouse processes.
- IT infrastructure: Data management systems to support warehouse automation and integration with other logistics systems.
- Automation experts: Engineers and programmers responsible for implementing and maintaining automation systems.
Required competences
- Robot programming: Ability to configure and manage robots for warehouse operations.
- WMS management: Knowledge of operating and optimising warehouse management systems.
- Automation engineering: Ability to design and implement automated logistics systems.
- Cybersecurity: Competence in protecting storage systems from cyber attacks.
- IT infrastructure management: Competence in managing IT infrastructure to support automation of logistics processes.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Robotisation of warehouses increases the demand for electricity, which affects the energy balance of companies.
- IT equipment recycling: Upgrading automated storage systems can generate electronic waste that requires recycling.
- Process optimisation: Automation enables more efficient use of resources, reducing the waste of raw materials.
- Waste reduction: Precise automation of warehouse processes leads to a reduction in damaged products.
- Emissions of pollutants: Robotisation can influence the reduction of CO2 emissions by optimising logistics processes.
Legal conditions
- Data protection: Warehouse management systems must comply with GDPR regulations for customer data protection (example: processing order data).
- Occupational safety standards: The installation of robots and automation systems must meet occupational safety standards, such as OSHA (example: ensuring safe working conditions for operators).
- Patents and licences: Technologies used in warehouse systems must be protected by intellectual property laws (example: warehouse robot licences).
- Environmental standards: Warehouse automation must comply with environmental regulations, such as ISO 14001 (example: optimising energy consumption).
- Export regulations: Exports of advanced automation systems may be subject to export restrictions (example: exporting warehouse technology to sanctioned countries).