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Drones are used in shipping and delivery. It is specifically used for barcode and RFID scanning, stock inspection, and product retrieval.
FREMONT, CA: If a company wants to keep up with the pace of change and be able to adapt to future disruptions quickly, now is an excellent time to look into warehouse automation.
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Below are the top warehouse automation trends to inspire one's efforts in the coming year.
1. Industrial Internet of Things
IoT can enable almost anything in the warehouse on an industrial level, including smart inventory controls, automated picking and packing, and even smart lighting solutions for the facility. Furthermore, remote data access and the ability to control systems remotely can improve efficiency and lower overall costs.
2. Automated Machines
The warehouse can automate pallet movers, forklifts, shelving, drones, and local delivery vehicles by utilizing big data, remote systems, and machine learning. Depending on requirements, these systems can operate with or without human intervention.
Amazon, for example, employs Kiva bots at the base of its warehouse shelves to facilitate inventory storage, management, and picking.
3. Mobile Robots
Automated mobile robots (AMRs) are becoming popular options because they can be quickly integrated into any warehouse environment without requiring infrastructure changes. They can also handle functions such as packing, packaging, and transportation.
4. Voice Recognition Technology
A worker in a warehouse can speak into a headset microphone to acknowledge instructions for putting away inventory or packaging an order when used in conjunction with the right technology solutions. Workers can also use the same technology to interact with warehouse equipment, such as turning lights on and off or troubleshooting a machinery problem.
5. Intelligent Layouts
The complete design and layout of a warehouse play a significant role in its efficiency and safety. Making changes to an existing warehouse can be difficult; using your vertical space is one solution, but it may not involve automation. Automation shelving and big data are two technology solutions for smarter warehouse layouts.
6. Wearable Augmented Reality (AR)
Employees can be outfitted with wearable technology such as armbands, headsets, or eyeglasses (think Google Glass) to complete tasks combined with RFID tags and mobile warehouse management systems. For example, a worker can follow step-by-step instructions for picking, packaging, and storing products using hands-free technology. When a job is finished, it is automatically recorded in the system, and the worker is assigned to the next task on the list.
Implementing automation solutions in a warehouse will likely be the fastest and most cost-effective way to increase the efficiency of warehouse operations. In addition, these solutions will continue to provide businesses with the competitive advantages and results it desires.
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