Warehouses continue to automate operations at an increasing rate as consumer goods demand rises and manpower shortages put a strain on warehouse operators.

In this special robotics insert, we highlight some of the emerging trends in the industry, starting with how automation evolves out of necessity. The first article explains why robotics and scalable automation are essential in today’s rapidly changing business climate.

 
Next, we take a look at how Tier 1 automotive supplier Denso accelerated AMR deployment from its storehouses to line-side production in an internal “last-mile” delivery use case. Distributing raw materials throughout the manufacturing facility can be wasted time for production personnel. This story highlights the deployment of MiR AMRs into the material conveyance workflows at Denso.

Inaccurate inventory counts no longer have to be accepted as an inevitable cost of conducting business. Innovation in inventory counting is being embraced by an increasing number of third-party logistics (3PL) organizations in an effort to increase those businesses’ competitive advantages. This month we look at how drones are fulfilling the need for accurate and realtime inventory management.

Scaling up warehouse automation solutions is made simpler by having long term established partnerships. In our last story this month, Lambert Vet Supplies highlights how it expanded its business and made its employees happier and healthier thanks to the expertise of Korber and the fleet of LocusBots provided by Locus Robotics.

The Mobile Robot Guide and The Robot Report cover the majority of these automation industry trends along with the most recent announcements, whereas our sister publication, Design World, focuses on the intriguing design components that make all of this automation possible.

We hope that this second special section on Warehouse Automation serves as a valuable resource as you research, plan, and develop innovative solutions for this fascinating sector.