FEATURE Automated warehousing
The role of AI and automation in today’s warehouses
By Gavin Harrison, UK Sales Director at warehouse automation specialist, Element Logic I
n today’s world, where seamless logistics are imperative, artifi cial intelligence (AI) and automation are starting creating smart warehouses,
where various interconnected technologies form an ecosystem controlled by intelligent software, that is also overseeing the entire business operation. Within these smart warehouses, orders are received, identifi ed, sorted, processed, packaged and prepared for shipment automatically and with minimal margin for error. The goal by the end of this decade is to transform warehouses into fully self- managed entities. Humans will work as robot supervisors, allowing them to focus on business areas where human skills and creativity are indispensable. But, which processes willbe impacted the most?
Automated storage and retrieval The most automated process in warehouses today is goods storage and retrieval, often using automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). These are computer-controlled inventory management systems that streamline the handling, storing and retrieving of items in a warehouse. There are several types of ASRS, but generally fall into one of three categories: shelf-, bin- or robot-based. One of the biggest advantages of modern ASRS systems, such as AutoStore, is their ability to enable higher storage density by maximising fl oor and height space. Working in tandem with a warehouse control system, an ASRS boosts product storage, picking strategies and overall warehouse throughput. AI-powered algorithms consider factors like product characteristics, picking frequency and real-time order priorities with optimised order picking routes. This enables warehouse operators to precisely sequence orders and augment travel paths to enhance order accuracy and cut labour costs.
Another warehouse optimisation option
is fl oor robots, like autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Although not viewed as an ASRS, these robots can complement them. They operate autonomously and navigate
34 November 2023 | Automation
Progressive data-driven software Collecting, processing and analysing large volumes of information can be daunting. Therefore, investing in a software solution
in an uncontrolled environment without fi xed paths or tracks.
Order picking and handling Once goods storage and retrieval have been automated, the logical next step in achieving a fully self-managed warehouse is refi ning the pick-and-place technology to become as autonomous as possible. Advanced robotic arms such as eOperator are the future of logistics. Generally comprising a camera and gripping hand with suction and movable fi ngers, their advanced logic instantly identifi es the most effi cient way to pick an item. They can pick and place thousands of products at high speed and high accuracy. With an intuitive user interface, operational dashboard and service portal, robotic arms combine exceptionally well with an ASRS for more seamless automation. The robotic arm doesn’t replace human employees but enhances them, creating a profi table and optimised workfl ow. By reducing human touchpoints, it streamlines the fl ow from the warehouse to the customer, improving overall operational effi ciency.
that solves your real challenges is crucial. When you harness the power of data, the software can automatically guide workers on what tasks they should perform at any given moment, to ensure that the warehouse performs at maximum effi ciency. Data-driven software has a wide range of use cases. It can off er advanced notifi cation of when automated equipment requires proactive maintenance before problems arise, resulting in higher uptime. It also facilitates smart transportation and logistics decisions for goods handling outside the warehouse as well as enables task gamifi cation to boost employee morale.
AI goes a step beyond this, transcending conventional data analytics and excelling in identifying patterns and trends that manual methods often overlook, resulting in better effi ciency and accuracy. Although the current use of AI is still in its infancy, the potential for new applications is limitless. For example, by 2030, warehouses will feature intelligent operations where software can notify port operators to relocate to another part of the warehouse for imminent deliveries. The journey towards fully-autonomous
warehouses shows immense potential, reshaping logistics and setting new standards for operational excellence. And it’s a journey that is quickly gathering pace.
automationmagazine.co.uk
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