Warehouse automation : what does the future hold ?
End to end automation will be essential to meet changing demands
According to the Office for National Statistics , online orders accounted for one in four UK retail sales in January 2023 , still higher then pre-pandemic levels . E-commerce is growing , and warehouse facilities must adapt to keep up with rising demand . Here Dave Walsha , sales manager at precision drive system supplier EMS , explores the role automation will play in the future of the warehouse industry .
Restrictions put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 changed the shopping habits of the UK . So , to keep up with an influx of online orders and rising consumer expectations , warehouse managers must prioritise efficiency .
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The final piece of the puzzle To increase warehouse productivity in line with rising online orders , warehouse managers should focus on accelerating their automation journey . Warehouse automation isn ’ t brand new , and many units have some degree of automation integrated . The next step , and the key to ultimate efficiency , is to fully automate warehouse logistics .
The development of robots that can successfully load and unload lorries are providing the final piece of the puzzle , making complete warehouse automation possible . Lorry loading and unloading has previously been a difficult step to automate . One reason for this is that artificial vision systems can have difficulty distinguishing where one box begins and another ends in a crowded trailer .
In addition , a robot may find it hard to rummage through a jumble of boxes if they have fallen over in transit , or to pick up an object with a complex shape . There ’ s also the varying weights and sizes of cargo that the robot must contend with . It must have the ability to forcefully lift something heavy and delicately handle a fragile package .
Lorry loading and unloading has previously been a difficult step to automate .
Lights out A warehouse unit with end to end automation can become a lights out facility - where human workers are not constantly needed to maintain productivity , and can therefore operate in complete darkness . Dark warehouses are the epitome of efficiency , with many automated machines working together in perfect harmony .
Magnificent motors Enter an automated warehouse and you ’ ll be surrounded by a flurry of robots that appear to be running the facility . However , the true driving force of an automated warehouse is the powering motors — and they must meet stringent requirements .
The motors need to be compact so the automated machine can fit into tight spaces between racks . Low weight is another important requirement of the motors , allowing the robot to make quick and agile movements . The motors must also exhibit high power so that the automated machines can move heavy cargo .
EMS is the sole UK supplier of FAULHABER motors , which are renowned for their unbeatable power to weight ratio . The multi-pole brushless motors are available in lengths as small as 14 millimetres , making them ideal for robots with small space requirements .
Online shopping is increasing in popularity , and warehouses must evolve to meet new demands . End to end automation allows warehouse managers to increase unit productivity without the need for additional floor space or employees - accelerating a package ’ s journey from warehouse floor to customer door .
www . ems-limited . co . uk