Flying robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming more common in the warehousing industry. What if this is just the beginning of a warehouse of the future? Will warehouse management software systems evolve as warehouse digitalization takes over, or will it remain unchanged?

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As unreal as it may sound, the future warehouse will leverage new technologies and innovation to deploy automation and optimize operations.
What This Article Covers:

• Future Warehousing Technology
  • AI and Digitalization
  • Automation With Robotics
  • On-Demand Warehousing
  • Smart Warehousing
  • 3D Printing
• Warehousing Evolution
• Future of Warehousing
• Conclusion

Future Warehousing Technology

The demand for robots in warehouses is spurring interest, a trend that is expected to gather steam with technological advancements. A Facts and Factors report valued the global robot-as-a-service (RaaS) market to expand to around $44 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 16.5%.

Warehouse transformation is already happening. For example, many companies are starting to use high-tech, flexible conveyor systems to optimize warehouse operations at multiple levels. Having an automated system in place increases throughput speeds and flow rates.

Although companies are still hesitant, warehousing professionals are starting to invest and adopt newer technologies to shape smart operations.

AI and Digitalization

Warehouse operations are growing more complex daily, with inventory becoming more diverse. The multiplying number of SKUs will continue to increase as the eCommerce industry expands. How do you keep pace with customers’ complex fulfillment needs, demands and last-minute expectations?

Leveraging AI and digitalization to fulfill warehousing needs is what modern businesses need today. Digitalization will change the way warehouses operate and make them more intelligent, smart and efficient.

As warehousing professionals adopt AI technologies like the internet of things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), drones and wearables to digitize their operations, these tools will optimize picking efficiency, lower operating costs, and improve ongoing operations and inventory visibility. According to Fortune Business Insights, the IoT market will experience a CAGR of 26.4% between 2022 to 2029.

Similarly, digital warehousing can eliminate multiple inefficiencies and improve your warehouse management.

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Automation With Robotics

The adoption of robots in warehouses is not new. They’ve been with us for quite a while now, and they’re becoming more efficient and intelligent with time. They continue to perform multiple warehousing functions and automate processes such as moving and arranging boxes, lifting trucks, transporting goods, etc.

Modern businesses are already aligning warehouse automation with robotic systems to reduce the need for manual labor, improve performance, boost efficiency and more. With such abilities, robotic automation is likely to redefine the meaning of a future warehouse. Here are a few examples of common warehouse robotics:

• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): AS/RS robots transfer inventory across different storage areas. These robots can execute smooth operations by integrating warehouse execution software (WES) systems.
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): AGVs transport goods, supplies or inventory. They connect via IoT sensors or software that helps navigate while loading and unloading packages. Most AGVs reduce overhead costs by automating manual tasks.
• Aerial Drones: Drones navigate the warehouse using optical systems. They can scan through high, low or dangerous places to keep accurate inventory counts.
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): AMRs are similar to AGVs in terms of technology. They use pre-programmed sensors for navigation. Unlike AGVs, AMRs do not require preset route instructions.
• Cobots: Collaborative robots are more like assistants to human workers. These robots perform menial tasks, including picking, packaging and assembling, while ensuring the team focuses on productive tasks.

It is no surprise that these technologies provide integrations with warehouse management systems (WMS) to enhance operations. For example, AS/RS systems can easily integrate with HighJump and Manhattan Associates to optimize daily warehousing operations.

On-Demand Warehousing

On-demand warehousing allows warehouse professionals and distribution centers to utilize on-demand space via a pay-per-use model. You don’t need to sign long-term contracts or pay costly setup fees.

It reduces the risk of expanding unnecessary supply chain networks by eliminating fixed costs. You also have the freedom to choose your inventory storing options through a third-party logistics provider, leasing your warehouse space or using on-demand warehousing services or platforms.

For instance, Shopify has its own fulfillment network, while other platforms like Stord offer fulfillment, freight and warehousing services via integrated software. They help connect different businesses to independent warehouses for storage and distribution purposes.

Flowspace provides on-demand warehouse services with different fulfillment centers. Such services offer extra storage space for inventory during specific seasons or when demand is comparatively higher than usual.

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Smart Warehousing

Smart warehousing is the key to a futuristic warehouse. A smart warehouse streamlines order picking, sorting, packaging and shipping. You can quickly identify the correct item and pick it up using smart picking devices such as wearable scanners, picking robots, smart glasses and pick-to-light systems.

Warehouses can lower operational costs, increase inventory accuracy, optimize workflows and improve fulfillment operations. While a WMS plays a significant role in automating your warehouse, you need to make sure you choose the right software.

3D Printing

Many manufacturers store large quantities of raw materials waiting for production. In a traditional scenario, spare parts and components are likely to sit on the shelves for years without going through production. These components might become obsolete if the parts go out of stock. The 3D printing market is projected to reach a value of $94 billion by 2030.

With 3D printing, you can significantly optimize manufacturing processes and instantly customize and print raw materials based on customers’ preferences. Not only can you reduce storage costs, but you can also provide on-time delivery. Though many manufacturers are still exploring 3D printing, it is likely to pick up steam in the near future.

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Warehousing Evolution

The warehousing industry drastically evolved over the last few decades. From the initial digitalization of warehousing systems in the mid-1900s to the introduction of warehouse management systems in the 1970s, these solutions are constantly improving.

Warehousing professionals need to keep up with technology trends and strategize appropriately. To stay agile, you need to equip your warehouse with advanced automated systems. For example, Chuck provides collaborative robots with sensors that function like robotic workhorses.

Future of Warehousing

Automation plays a significant role in building the warehouse of the future. From flying drones to robots picking, packing and sorting items without human intervention, technology and innovation will drastically affect futuristic warehouses.

By the time ten more years pass we could see fully automated warehouses with a select group of human employees overseeing operations.

Every warehouse must turn to automation to keep up with the competition. Considering that it may take a few years to get automated systems in place, the warehousing industry will likely see a sudden spike in the next few years.

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Conclusion

While we can all agree that technology will always drive futuristic warehouses, we’d still love to know what you think about the future. How will technology impact warehousing operations?

What do you think the warehouse of the future will look like? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!