Nearly two thirds (63%) of warehouse decision-makers are planning to integrate AI solutions in the next five years, a study by Zebra Technologies Corporation has found.
Amazon has already spent $25 billion on automating its warehouses, including investment in a new generation of robotics-led warehouses.
Andres Boullosa, global warehouse vertical strategy leader, Zebra Technologies, said: “Warehouse associates are telling us they feel their lives would be better if their employers thoughtfully integrated more automation solutions into their workflows.
“Automating material movement, data collection, and information management helps make busy warehouses safer.
“It also makes it easier for teams to meet SLAs and maintain a steady, reliable flow of quality goods to the market, which increases both customer satisfaction and worker engagement.”
McKinsey estimates that AI reduces logistics costs by 15%, reduces inventory levels by 35%, and improves service levels by 65%.
Meanwhile it reduces reliance on manual labour, repetitive manual tasks like as pallet moving, picking, and slotting, as well as transporting materials using autonomous mobile robots, and manage forklifts.
AI can also be used to predict where demand for products is going to come from, which according to DHL can increase delivery efficiency by up to 30%.
