No one ever said what we need is less automation. Globally, robotics are being used in more and more warehouses and this is predicted to more than double by 2030, mainly due to increased warehouse automation.
In North America, the rise in innovative technologies and investment in R&D is helping to fuel the growth and spend in warehouse robotics. There are a number of benefits to using robotics in your warehouse.
Robots can pick in places humans typically cannot
One of the greatest benefits of using robots in your warehouse is having them execute on tasks that humans cannot perform. This includes getting into smaller or less accessible spaces. With robotic technology in your warehouse, you can build your shelving higher and closer together if you use robots over traditional forklifts. They can complete more dangerous or menial tasks that humans are not willing to do, which helps keep your employees safer and more engaged. Consider this a partnership of humans and robots, not a replacement of humans.
Robots are highly efficient and can pick and move faster and make better use of the space in your warehouse
Meeting the demands of e-commerce consumer expectations of quick order-to-delivery times can be quite a challenge. Robotics can help circumvent these challenges and increase productivity by increasing the speed of how long a task takes and handling much larger volumes of goods per day. They can also work longer, without breaks, than humans, which means order fulfillment can be expedited to keep up with demand. The U.S. Census Bureau found that an average warehouse worker spends almost seven weeks per year in unnecessary movement through the warehouse, costing $4.3 billion to the industry annually. Robots are programmed to do exact tasks, without wasted time in movement.
Robots are extremely accurate and reduce picking and packing errors
While robots are not a replacement for human intuition, creativity, adaptability and dexterity, their accuracy is a huge benefit when it comes to robotics in the warehouse. This is especially important for ensuring fewer mis-picks and order errors, which can decrease productivity and decrease consumer trust.
Robots alleviate the headaches of human staffing in the warehouse
With the current challenges of a decreased labour pool and increase in minimum wages, adding robotics to a warehouse ensures that a warehouse is staffed to perform without the challenges of an actual workforce. While robotics are a large upfront investment, they do reduce the costs of staffing over time.
Optimize your warehouse with robotics and automation
Dexion North America can create warehouse spaces that are automated, efficient and cost-friendly. You can maximize your storage space with smart warehouse designs and automation. Talk to us to learn more.