How Robots Are Upgrading The Supply Chain Industry

When you place an order online today – whether it’s for a new pair of sneakers to be delivered to your doorstep, or inventory for your brick-and-mortar store – you expect faster-than-ever delivery.To get more news about Robots on Demand, you can visit glprobotics.com official website.

For teams at distribution centers, fulfilling those demands means getting merchandise out the door quicker and more efficiently than ever.

More and more, companies with warehouses are looking to innovations like robotics and systems powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning amid a changing and aging workforce and evolving customer demands.

In a 2021 survey of 50 retailers conducted by the Retail Industry Leaders Association and McKinsey & Company, 80% of respondents said they plan to concentrate their 2022 supply chain spending on addressing e-commerce fulfillment, and 64% of retailers surveyed said that automating warehouse roles was a priority.
One of the fastest-growing automation solutions for distribution centers happens to be one of the smallest in size.

Enter autonomous mobile robots – AMRs for short – which can be set up and learn their surroundings in short amounts of time, often in just a few hours. These self-navigating robots can respond to changes without human intervention. For example, the robot can detect if their original path in a warehouse is being blocked and will find a different route on its own.

In distribution centers, AMRs can be used to move pallets or carts through the space. Picking times can be reduced by nearly 50% when mobile robots take over transport tasks alone.
One of the most repetitive, injury-prone tasks in distribution centers is loading and unloading pallets of goods. Robots designed to take on that specific task can help alleviate those roles from employees.

An example is the smart flexible depalletizer, a robot that uses computer vision, machine learning, artificial intelligence and gripping technology to load and unload pallets automatically and without any pre-programming.
Traditionally, workers in e-commerce distribution centers hand-pick and return inventory. The future is automated storage and retrieval systems that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to achieve accurate orders without manual intervention. Compared to manual picking methods, the automated storage and retrieval systems can deliver between a 30% and 40% increase in throughput.

Dubai steps up automation and robotics in aviation and logistics

To accelerate the adoption of future technology in aviation and logistics, Dubai Future Labs (DFL), an initiative of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), has signed deals with Emirates Airlines, DP World, and Dnata.To get more news about Robots as a Service, you can visit glprobotics.com official website.

“We continue to advance Dubai’s leadership in robotics and automation technologies”, tweeted Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, as he witnessed the signing of the agreements.

According to the Dubai Media Office, the adoption of future technologies will include the R&D of automated electric vehicles in terminal operations and the designing of a system that facilitates autonomous baggage transport, a robot check-in agent, and the automation of several other consumer services.

While the partnership will see Emirates airline cooperating with DLF to develop and test robot projects for passenger check-in, lounge service, warehouse management systems, baggage transfer, and cargo storage, the media office said, DP World and DFF will work to transform the UAE into an advanced digital and smart economy, said Sultan bin Sulayem, group chairman, and chief executive of DP World.

These national collaborations seek to activate the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme, established in September 2022, which focuses on developing R&D in five vital sectors – production and manufacturing; consumer services and tourism; healthcare and connected mobility; and logistics.

“Deploying robotics, automation, and future technologies in key sectors enhance economic diversification and raise Dubai’s long-term competitiveness and attractiveness as a platform for launching and growing businesses and enabling international trade with cutting-edge logistical services,” said Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications and Deputy Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation.

Top 5 Robotics Trends for 2022 and Beyond

According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the operational stock of industrial robots hit a new record of about 3 million units worldwide – increasing by 13% on average each year (2015-2020). To get more news about Robots as a Service, you can visit glprobotics.com official website.

The demand for robotic systems is growing in many sectors because companies are looking for new ways to increase their productivity in a post-pandemic world, according to Milton Guerry, President of the IFR:Automation has indeed helped businesses during the pandemic, and has also helped many companies get back to business after the crisis and prepare for the next one, explained Dr. Susanne Bieller, General Secretary of the IFR:

According to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), robot orders in the United States in the third quarter of 2021 were up 35% compared to the same period in 2020. Over half of the orders were from non-automotive sectors, while the applications of automation systems have traditionally been in the automotive industry.

New markets that are quite new to automation such as retail, logistics and e-commerce are currently adopting mobile robots. For example, thousands of units are being deployed in warehouses worldwide today which was not the case five years ago.

Of course, COVID-19 has had an impact. The pandemic accelerated e-commerce and this trend won’t be stopping in 2022. According to ABI Research, over half a million mobile robots are expected to be shipped to waterhouses globally by 2030.
It is not surprising that Boston Dynamics’s newly released Stretch is specifically designed for warehouse and distribution operations. And it is also not surprising that all units have already sold out for 2022! It is a sign that the demand for automation solutions is increasing in this segment.

The use of automation systems could also increase this year to address labor shortages in certain industries. Businesses that rely on service workers, such as restaurants, and that are unable to fill job openings, could invest in humanoid waiters. Pepper robots are for example being deployed in the hospitality industry and working very effectively.
02. Robots Will Be More Affordable and Easier to Use
A few years ago, implementing programmable robots meant investing a lot of money and time. But democratization is accelerating. New generations of robots that are smaller and more affordable are being developed with the aim of easing implementation. ABB’s SWIFTI™ and Universal Robots’s cobots are good affordable solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Manufacturers are also developing new types of robots with either simple setup and installation or even no programming at all. For the IFR, “there is also a clear trend towards user interfaces that allow simple icon-driven programming and the manual guidance of robots.” KUKA, for example, has been developing Ready_2 that can be taught instead of being programmed, such as. By eliminating the need for any special training in code or programming, such solutions contribute to removing many of the barriers that previously prevented companies from investing in robots.
04. Robots Will Play a Role in the EV Revolution
The electric vehicle revolution is about to bring massive changes to the automotive industry. While producing combustion-engine vehicles requires traditional linear manufacturing, manufacturing EVs will necessitate moving to a more modular, flexible production process to meet customers’ demands and expectations.
05. Robotic Training Will Be Increasingly Necessary
As the use of robots is undoubtedly increasing in the workplace, whether it is in a factory, a hotel or a hospital, the IFR believes human workers will need to be trained to work alongside them. In order to build a successful automated future, providing automation education to students at an early stage will be key.

Several manufacturers like ABB, FANUC and KUKA have already engaged in and developed robot classes that gather between 10,000 and 30,000 participants from 30 countries every year.

Robot as a Service Market to Reach US$ 41.3 Billion

The global Robot as a Service market was valued at US$ 12.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to surpass US$ 41.3 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 15.9% during the forecast period (2021-2028), as highlighted in a report published by Coherent Market Insights.To get more news about Robots as a Service, you can visit glprobotics.com official website.

The ongoing advancement in technologies is propelling the market growth during the forecast period. The growing adoption of advanced technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, Robot as a Service (RaaS), and many other technologies are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in June 2020, Qualcomm, a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacture company, launched its first 5G and AI-enabled robotics platform for consumer, enterprise, defense, industrial, and professional service sectors. For instance, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), a Germany-based non-profit organization, the annual installation of robots reached 422 thousand in 2018 from 250 thousand in 2015. Furthermore, the growth of robotics is expected to propel the productivity and economic expansion in the developing countries.

The robot as a service platform can create tremendous opportunities across various industrial sectors in underdeveloped economies. Moreover, the era of automation and robotics represent opportunities for residential sectors as well.Globally, most of the countries are affected by COVID-19 pandemic and have announced lockdown. There is a significant impact of the pandemic on the Robot as a Service market as well. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for robot-as-a-service platform in logistics, food& beverage, and many other industries, which is driving the market growth. Most of the logistics companies such as DHL logistics have also implementedcontactless operations such as parcel lockers, autonomous delivery robots, and in-app signature software in order to minimize the pandemic risks in the market.

For instance, in September 2020, Alibaba, a China based multinational e-commerce company launched logistics robots for deliveries, owing to the rising industrial automation in the market. Furthermore, logistics sector are using robotics and automation in order toavoid social distancing and to contain the spread of coronavirus.
North America held dominant position in the global Robot as a Service market in 2020 and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to increasing investments in advanced technologies, higher investment in research & development, and adoption of major technologies in North America region have increased the demand for services robotics in North America region. Moreover, significant rise in the adoption of surgical robots in the healthcare industry in the region has led to the higher market share of the region. For instance, according to Coherent Market Insight analysis, global medical robots market is expected to reach US$ 12.6 billion by 2025 from an estimated US$ 5.9 billion in 2020 at a CAGR of 16.5% during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is expected to show significant growth over the forecast period, owing to growing adoption of services robots in China, Japan, India, and many others. Regional governments also play a major factor for the development of regional robotics demand in the market. For instance, India plans to invest in military robotics, and the country is preparing for deploying advanced robotic soldiers by 2023.

Among type, professional robots segment held a dominant position in the market in 2020 and is expected to retain its dominance during the forecast period. This is owing to the increasing demand for service robots across many industries such as medical, logistics, retail, construction, and many others. For instance, according to Coherent Market Insight analysis, global logistics robots market is projected to grow from US$ 4.3 billion in 2021 to US$ 15.8 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 13.1% in forecast period 2021-2028. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of mobility and automation across industrial sector is also creating lucrative growth opportunities in the market. The growth of this segment is also increasing owing to the rising labor cost, investment in research & development, and growing awareness regarding service robot and automation.

In short, RaaS allows businesses to take advantage of the benefits that come with robotic automation through cloud-based subscriptions rather than expensive equipment purchases.To get more news about Robots as a Service, you can visit glprobotics.com official website.

This technology builds on the popularity of Software-as-a-Service or SaaS solutions. The rise of SaaS has increased the importance of cloud-based subscriptions for many companies.

As more companies get involved with SaaS data migration, opportunities to harness RaaS will grow.RaaS has an important place in the SaaS development process as one type of Robotic Process Automation or RPA. Although this process is cloud-based, its presence in the cloud tells only one part of the story.

Some common origins are shared with SaaS; however, most providers that use this type of technology have some crucial differences to consider.One of the things that this technology shares in common with the SaaS application architecture is an easy adaptation to a pay-as-you-go structure.

The price of automation products would otherwise make this technology unattainable for many businesses. These providers offer solutions to many companies, offering an ability to customize the offerings without businesses having to go to significant expenses to use this technology.

Using cloud-based RPA technology makes management easier for everyone involved in the process. There is no need to go to the extra expense of dedicated staff for this technology. Being able to put this technology into the hands of professionals helps ensure a smoother transition.

Another advantage of using RaaS is a more straightforward maintenance process. Implementation is much faster, and there is a greater chance that employees will adapt faster.

Although there is some merit to having staff who can teach other employees how everything works, this is a step that many companies can avoid to save time.

Flexibility is increasingly essential for all companies. Using RaaS fits in perfectly with this concept, as decision-makers need to know that they can make changes easily. The easier changes are to make, the better a company can keep up with its competitors.

Another advantage of RaaS is that the technology is easy to scale. Multiple industries and markets are evolving very quickly, and businesses in these industries need to grow as needed. A scalable model makes it easier for companies to grow without raising as much extra capital.SaaS benefits and RaaS benefits overlap in many respects, despite the types of technology having substantial differences. RaaS is a type of technology that is still gaining traction while showing promise.

The SaaS product development process, on the other hand, is something that many in the business world are already familiar with.

RaaS primarily refers to the automation processes used to power robots and other automation tools. The software used for these purposes resides in the cloud, making it more accessible without using an IT staff to handle this technology specifically.Examples of settings that use this type of technology the most include warehousing and manufacturing.

SaaS has grown exponentially in recent years and includes a variety of products from streaming services to office suites. The use of cloud technology has set the SaaS model apart from traditional models where users had to purchase physical copies of the software and install it themselves.Although RaaS and saaS have many similarities that include cloud-based architecture, not all SaaS services involve automation.

Both models have benefits for companies. One of the most significant benefits is tailoring the service to company specifications. A business that wants to succeed does better with a full suite of solutions made to match its needs instead of acquiring its solutions separately.

Another crucial benefit is increased compatibility. Although compatibility has always been important for technology, increased connectivity between devices has made compatibility more critical.Both these models increase the chances of keeping everything compatible no matter how much your business grows.

Lastly, using these models makes it easier for companies of any size to have a competitive advantage. Many companies require better software and automated processes. Access to both models makes it easier for companies to keep pace in a constantly evolving market.