Automation is fast on its way. Three large companies making significant progress are affecting warehouse inventory. BionicHive, Dexterity, and Kindred’s solutions make full-capability robots to handle the complexity that traditional industrial machines can’t. Recently, Zantopp (April 24, 2022) reports that Ecommerce giant Amazon has invested in Israeli robotics startup BionicHIVE.
He states that “BionicHIVE is the maker of SqUID, a fully automated, autonomous robotic solution that combines the intelligence and flexibility of humans with the power and efficiency of robots.”
Warehouse autonomous robots are fully functional to operate on their own. The robots will do the work of human beings by transporting and moving warehouse inventors. Zantopp adds, “the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund is to support emerging technologies through direct investments, designed to spur invention and solve the world’s toughest challenges across customer fulfillment operations, logistics, and supply chain solutions.” Amazon executives described Amazon warehouses as a place of people, and artificially intelligent robots work together.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has placed additional stress on workers who have to cover the absence of other workers. The need for warehouse autonomous robots will increase to have “workers” who can sustain illnesses.
Technology can have benefits and be controversial as it relates to human worker replacement with warehouse autonomous robots. For example, Amazon executives express that “our warehouse robots intelligently pick, pack, and stack.” Another benefit to warehouse autonomous robots is that they learn and adapt with each operation and continuously improve efficiency and productivity.
Grenato (October 4, 2018) highlights that warehouse autonomous robots will help reduce labor costs and increase productivity and that warehouse autonomous robots can work continuously and around the clock without fatigue.” Another highlight that Grenato points out is that safety records will improve. For instance, employee safety can be enhanced in highly hazardous environments.
In addition, worker insurance and injury leave costs can be reduced significantly in warehouse facilities. Also, seasonal demands will be able to be absorbed by warehouse autonomous robots.
One of Amazon’s competitive edges has been its AI software which has a reasonably good idea of what you will buy in advance. Amazon has been using this technology since 2015.
They have been using algorithms that make assumptions about you based on your age, location, socioeconomic background, and purchase history. Then, the algorithm will calculate hours and weeks to ensure that your local warehouse is stocked with appropriate quantities of stock their customers are likely to buy.
Amazon workers walk miles per their work schedule related to shelving and picking up items frantically. The warehouse autonomous robots will have the ability to work incredible hours that pick up whole shelves, also known as pods improve efficiency and productivity. BionicHIVE company is growing its team and operations to establish a US footprint to expand its customer base and scale go-to-market.” Kindred’s solutions combine AI with advanced robotics and a full suite of integration and support services which will develop the supply chain for products for optimum performance over the long term.
Stay tuned and aware—the narrative matters.
References
Dexterity (2022).Dexterity Company Profile – Office Locations, Competitors, Revenue, Financials, Employees, Key People, Subsidiaries | Craft.co
Grenato, R. (October 4, 2018). 7 Reasons for Using Autonomous Robots in Your Warehouse. https://www.supplychain247.com/article/7_reasons_for_using_autonomous_robots_in_your_warehouse/pinc
Kindred (2022). https://www.kindred.ai/media
TechVision (November 29, 2020). Inside Amazon’s Smart Warehouse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMPbKVb8y8s
Wikipedia (2022). Autonomous robot – Wikipedia
Zantopp, M.K. (April 24, 2022). Amazon Invests in Israeil Autonomous Robotics Start Up. Amazon Invests In Israeli Autonomous Robotics Startup BionicHIVE (nocamels.com)