Robots – we may be talking futuristic, and it may seem a long shot, especially in India. But, it is definitely not science fiction anymore – things are changing faster than we know about it, and India no longer takes 30 years to adopt a technology that is a current trend in Japan or EU. The web has made everything truly global. India has come a far way, in terms of quality infrastructure on all fronts, and we believe Hyderabad in particular has immense potential to be a logistic hub that it is rightly pitched to be. It is home to the Best industrial parks in Hyderabad, India with world class facilities, and there is much more in the pipeline. Technology is disrupting traditional practices in everything it touches, and warehousing is no exception. So what is in store for warehousing and logistics in India? Renowned Warehouse developers in Hyderabad, India opine that we are not far behind. Soon, when giants like Amazon, Walmart and Flip kart hire warehousing space, they could mandate the use of robots as part of their fulfillment chains.
Feasibility check:
Amazon, which is a trendsetter in big retailers segment, and slowly replacing giants in other spheres as well, is a company that has spearheaded new business models and acquired market share through it’s unique business solutions. A trip to the Amazon fulfilment centre is an awe inspiring delight. They are no less than laboratories, where humans and robots are a combined workforce. Neatly set with conveyor belts which keep relaying materials, sorting and picking products, is a sight that greets you the moment you enter one of these facilities. Amazon set the tone with its acquisition of Kiva robots in 2012; and most of their automated warehouses use these Kiva robots. Computers monitor and control much of the process, ensuring speed and efficiency, saving time and money.
Robotics seems to be a hit with Amazon, but it isn’t the only company that has explored and utilized this resource for its distribution logistics.
In recent times, another trendsetter was the giant Mujin – whose prototype warehouse in Tokyo has a zero human interface – every single aspect of the warehouse is managed and fulfilled by robots. While the demonstration was not perfect, and there were errors – it made its point. The future of warehousing has arrived – warehouse automation jumps another level with a combination of IoT, robotics and nil human interference.
Spatial advantage
Robots score a distinct advantage over their human counterparts when it comes to space optimization, and finding a best fit route to navigate around a warehouse. Since the robots are programmed such that they have objective goals, and are not prone to distractions, most robots, given their size maneuverability, get into areas inaccessible by humans.
Robots also work objectively – analyzing floor plans, determining the quickest route to a destination is programmed into them, which means it translates into greater work space flexibility and shorter lead times.
Employing modular conveyance:
The warehousing industry has been closely shifting towards employing a modular model. Where big warehouses used to have large conveyor belts and complicated systems, they are being replaced by lean modular structures, for movement of products from one area to another.
Regular conveyor belts cannot adapt to rapid changes in requirements – be it industry demands, or shorter fulfillment times, or wider and diverse product ranges. This is precisely why we are witnessing more and more modular conveyance units that allow for modification with ease, and better adaptability to floor plans.
AMRs and exoskeletons – Robots that mean business
Autonomous mobile robots or AMRs have become commonplace in distribution. There are home grown companies in India, which manufactures and deploys advanced robotic warehouse automation systems in warehouses, fulfillment centers and distribution centers, including AMR. These modular robots employ cloud-based software, that controls the robots movements, and help them navigate through the facility, tracking inventory real-time, and even moving inventory when needed, simultaneously.
Robotic exoskeletons have made their appearances in warehouses, and how! These are actually armour like wearable robots, which when worn by a human operator gives them super powers – literally. It can enable people lift monstrous weights, and helps combat exertion. So with exoskeletons we are looking at the future of warehousing – where humans are not replaced, but coexist. A very nascent technology, and comes with heavy costs, but like everything else, with time and economies of scale, we don’t see why it cannot be feasibly deployed.
Warehousing in India do employ robots in warehouse automation for tasks like sorting, storage and retrieval. Equipped with AI, these robots, aptly called “Butlers” they manage inventories, and work together with the human worker increasing efficiency.
The GST, despite all the flak it faces has been an opportunity for the warehousing industry – the single taxation system allows for the booming e-commerce and other big industries to have a centralised warehouse system. When strategically located, these warehouses could be powerhouses – a combination of technology, business solutions and easy management.
