FEATURE Automated warehousing
FULFILLING FUTURE WAREHOUSING
In this Q&A with Romain Moulin, CEO of Exotec, we learn more about how warehouse automation is evolving, and the role AI, robotics and data analytics will play in the
H
ow do you see warehouse automation evolving in the next few years, and what role will robotics play in
shaping that future?
Over the next few years, we’ll see more integrated warehouses. There will be a mix of advanced warehouse robotics and human expertise working together to perform at the highest level, ensuring There’ll also be heightened connectivity between with future warehouse automation models communicating with supply chain. A prime example would be if an automated system, such as Exotec’s Skypod, is picking an order, it would to ensure the correct asset is available when the order is picked. As warehouse automation continues to evolve, it will open the gates for greater collaborations throughout the supply chain.
Human/robot collaboration As warehouses become more automated, how do you envision the collaboration between humans and robots developing? Warehouse work will continue to evolve, and there’ll be a focus on empowering humans with technologies that improve safety and reduce physical strain.
The warehouse industry is known for being plagued by labour shortages, which is being tackled by automated systems and advanced tools. Robots can handle the more repetitive and
10 November/December 2025 | Automation
FULFILLING FUTURE WAREHOUSING
physically demanding tasks, leaving workers to focus on more vital jobs. Automation is also pushing workers into higher-value roles such as monitoring systems, quality control, and process optimisation. Automated
warehouses are also
reducing incidents with cobots (collaborative
robots designed to work alongside humans) and
ergonomic tools, lowering injury rates. Humans and automated systems working side by side in the warehouses better-equipped workforce of the future. In what ways can advanced robotics contribute to more sustainable and Advanced automation technologies, such as automated storage and retrieval systems, are cutting down on heavy, energy-intensive equipment and shortening travel distances within warehouses. Warehouse leaders are also opting to adopt Energy Management Systems, which are integrated platforms that track, analyse, and optimise energy use in real and automate energy-saving actions. These tools combined are helping
warehouses lower their carbon footprint while enhancing productivity.
robotics and warehouse solutions, and what impact does this have on the industry?
When it comes to environmental sustainability, our focus is on the carbon footprint and energy consumption of our Skypod system as a whole. We want to build a sustainable company that reaches our desired future-proof growth. Therefore, we need to not only be sustainable but also encourage our industry and vendors to move in the same direction.
ESG targets We’ve made it a priority for all our employees to be educated in ESG and understand sustainability, and created an environment where we can set targets for each department. This allows employees to address ESG concerns and meet targets. We know there is still work to be done, and we are committed to continuously improving. ESG is not just a compliance topic: it’s a key driver of our long-term resilience and innovation. At Exotec, we’re doing our best to progress on these issues because we believe that the future of our industry depends on it. What are your predictions for the state of warehouse automation and logistics itself for these changes?
It’s clear when analysing the warehouse
automationmagazine.co.uk
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