A This is a very difficult question to answer. Our esearch shows that 15 percent of warehouses are
mechanized, and only 5 percent have true automation.
Robotic systems would typically fall somewhere within
these operations. The key point to note is that 80 percent
of DCs are currently manual, creating a large potential
opportunity for the future deployment of robotic systems if they could be made capable and affordable.
Q What types of robotic systems are being used in warehousing, and for what purpose?
A We often see robotic systems such as pallet AS/RS and end-of-line palletizers used in high-volume
finished-goods warehouses that are attached to factories.
These systems tend to operate for three
shifts and handle a limited range of similar SKUs (stock-keeping units) but high
volumes. The “goods to picker” technologies such as shuttles are being deployed
in some direct-to-consumer piece picking operations with many small orders
and large SKU bases.
Q How about humanoid robotics? How soon do you think we’ll see
humanlike robots in warehousing?
A Many of the traditional robotic-arm anufacturers are developing two-arm “humanlike” robots for use in assembly operations.
These robots are still bolted down within an automated
work cell like typical manufacturing robots. So far, few
have been installed, but the interest in these new robots
is very high. I believe this technology will first take hold
in the manufacturing environment and then possibly
move to the distribution side of the supply chain. This
transition will likely take several years and will require
a few more software, sensor, and cost-point breakthroughs. The good news is that several companies are
investing serious money into advancing this technology.
Q Do you know of any companies that are experi- menting with humanoid robots in DCs?
A One of the most impressive humanoid robots, Robonaut, was developed by NASA in cooperation
with General Motors. They have experimented in the
manufacturing environment but as far as I know not in
the distribution environment.
Q There’s a company called Rethink Robotics that makes a humanoid robot called “Baxter.” Where
does development of that technology stand and is it
being used in warehouses?
A I am a big fan of Rethink Robotics and their under- lying concepts. They have developed a low-cost,
easy-to-use software-focused robot that works alongside human workers without fences or safety gates.
Unfortunately, their first system, Baxter, is quite slow
and has limited capability when it comes to warehousing
and many manufacturing operations. There are rumors
in the market that their second-generation robot will
come out next year, and I am looking forward to seeing
if future generations, such as versions three or four,
would be more suited to distribution
operations.
QAre any companies developing humanoid robots for use in ware-
housing?
ARethink Robotics has focused its development energy on manufacturing pick-and-place–type applications
rather than on the more complex warehouse environment. This market strategy is similar to the path taken by other
companies that are currently working
on dual-arm robotics. The warehousing industry needs a robotic manufacturer to take the
Rethink approach but focus on the distribution side of
the supply chain.
Q What’s the biggest obstacle to putting robots in warehouses—cost or technology?
A The truth is that both cost and technology are currently barriers to bringing robots into the warehouse. A few fundamental breakthroughs are necessary
to both improve capability and reduce cost. The good
news is that mini robotic breakthroughs are happening
every year, and their frequency is increasing rapidly. The
future path to commonplace robotics will depend on
low-cost sensors and inexpensive but massive computing power. Anyone who used to have a rotary phone and
now has an iPhone knows that those two key ingredients
improve rapidly! I believe that all supply chain professionals should watch the robotics space because we will
all be amazed how fast it will change.
