The rising importance of automation, robotics and digital realities for warehouses

Significant transformation in the industrial and logistics industry is being driven by next-generation technology, including advancing AI, robotics and automation. There are multiple advantages to incorporating these emerging solutions into warehousing, from enhanced space utilisation and real-time asset management, to stronger cost and operational efficiencies.

According to McKinsey research, 25% of industrial sector companies’ capital spending will be directed towards automation over the next five years. Meanwhile, the logistics robot market is forecast to reach $21bn by 2029 (compared to around $7bn in 2022) globally and, within Europe, the UK holds a major share of the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) industry, as businesses seek to shore up their supply chains and adapt to the post-Brexit landscape. With the robotics and automation markets growing rapidly, it is important for logistics players to plan how they will capitalise on the opportunities and avoid lagging behind.

When it comes to boosting robot system performance, precision of surveying data and floor flatness are crucial factors – with AMR functionality dependent on having many thousands of fiducial coordinates in place. Working with logistics organisations looking to integrate cutting-edge robotics and automated technology in warehousing distribution and fulfilment facilities, our team applies high-precision 3D laser scanning technology, coupled with HP’s innovative SitePrint robotic layout solution to measure and visualise the entire floor surface area and identify any irregularities, compared to traditional methodologies that may miss some sections.

To achieve optimum results, the focus should be on tailoring the solution strategically to the unique objectives, challenges and requirements of individual organisations, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach or simply meeting TR34 and other technical criteria.

For example, we led on the installation of robotic systems for the European operations of a leading global logistics and e-commerce company where, to overcome complexities and deliver successful outcomes, we created a bespoke software solution for the client. This was designed to drive statistical analysis and floor flatness assessment in real time to meet their goal of optimising robotic speed.

In today’s market, it’s vital for organisations to be data-led and digitally enabled to harness the vast volume of information at their disposal. By translating warehouse facilities into virtual 3D models – or ‘digital realities’ – businesses can go far beyond the limitations of static floor plans. These immersive models offer richer, more dynamic intelligence that allows businesses to run scenario analysis remotely without impacting live operations.

They can also detect anomalies and enable continuous improvement, all of which can lead to cost efficiencies, fewer delays and errors, and the smarter use of space and resources. On top of that, these digital realities allow companies to assess their environmental footprint and identify ways to enhance sustainability, ultimately delivering both financial and ecological benefits.

The difficulty lies in gathering the large amounts of geospatial data required to successfully build comprehensive digital realities of internal spaces without mistakes. To overcome this challenge, we use mobile (kinematic) scanning technology with cameras and laser sensors, a process that is 10 times faster than terrestrial scanning and can re-measure where needed for extra accuracy.

We recently worked with one of the top automotive manufacturers to digitise its facilities and generate greater operational efficiencies, by creating a digital representation of their manufacturing premises. Following which, we could tag embedded data to equipment and locations providing even deeper level of information for superior performance.

Robotics, automation and digitalisation hold tremendous promise for the future of warehousing. As the adoption of new technologies in warehousing increases, logistics owners and occupiers will focus on retrofitting existing buildings to introduce greater automation, get more from their data and meet growing demand. Enabling scalability, market competitiveness, sustainability, cost effectiveness, robust operational performance and resilience, the implications of these technologies are truly revolutionary for our industry.