MEGATRENDS

from Global Trailer May 2019

EVENT REVIEW

TRENDS UPWARDS ROBOTIC AUTOMATION

THE UPTAKE OF ROBOTIC WAREHOUSES WORLDWIDE IS TRANSFORMING THE STATE OF MODERN LOGISTICS PRACTICES.

Four million robots will be installed in over 50,000 warehouses by 2025 – a significant rise in uptake from the estimated 4,000 robotic warehouses in 2018 – according to ABI Research.

The rapid rate of robot adoption will reportedly be driven by the need for flexible, efficient and automated e-commerce fulfillment as same-day delivery becomes the norm.

ABI Research’s report reveals that global adoption of warehouse robotics will also be spurred by the increasing affordability and Return on Investment (ROI) of a growing variety of infrastructure-light robots as they are an attractive and versatile alternative to traditional fixed mechanical automation or manual operations.

“Flexibility and efficiency have become primary differentiators in the e-commerce fulfillment market as retailers and 3PLs struggle to cope with volatile product demand, seasonal peaks, and rising consumer delivery expectations,” said ABI Research Senior Analyst, Nick Finill. “Robots enable warehouses to scale operations up or down as required while offering major efficiency gains and mitigating inherent challenges associated with labour and staffing.”

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) Goods-to-Person systems can directly replace heavier mechanised automation that typically requires massive upfront investment and rigid physical infrastructure, according to ABI Research. Robots enable the optimisation of space in expensive warehouse facilities and can reduce the need for new and costly greenfield fulfillment centres.

ABI Research attributes innovation in computer vision, Artificial Intelligent (AI), deep learning and robotic mechanics to robots being able to perform traditionally harder-to-automate tasks.

Earlier this year, transport business, GTS Freight Group, selected software company, Dematic, to provide AGVs in its new warehouse in Victoria, Australia.

GTS Freight Group is a privately-owned full-service logistics company based in Mildura, which operates a nation-wide fleet of over 150 prime movers and over 450 trailers.

Due to ongoing growth, the GTS Freight Group is constructing a new depot adjacent to its existing facility. This will incorporate a 10,000-square-metre warehouse, trailer parking for 60 trailers and a new corporate headquarters.

The AGVs will reportedly manage a block stacked full pallet warehouse. This system comprises two counterbalance AGVs utilising QR code navigation within block stack lanes and Dematic’s AGV Manage Warehouse Control Software (WCS) interfaced with paperless Warehouse Management System (WMS).

“We wanted an efficient and cost-effective warehousing solution that would allow for continued growth and expansion,” said GTS Freight Group Managing Director, Damien Matthews.

“We have been a long-time customer of Dematic and the turnkey capability was a big plus. Dematic was selected as they have proven to be a continual performer with years of background history and they designed these AGVs to perfectly meet our warehouse needs.”

The AGVs have been designed to work in a specific area, receiving stock, and putting away and picking full pallets, whilst part picking is performed manually, as well as all warehouse housekeeping. The AGVs have been designed for GTS with a combination of laser guidance and QR code navigation. The QR codes can allow for more accurate navigation within high block stacked warehouses, allowing the AGVs to operate in high-density storage.

One of the key benefits of installing the AGVs in GTS’ new warehouse is to be able to perform other tasks that need attending to, including stock maintenance and data entry, at the same time that the AGVs are performing the picking tasks. The ne w AGVs are due to go live mid-2019. www.globaltrailer.com

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