Are Robots the Answer to Pandemic-Proofing Warehousing and Logistics Operations?

If you’re in the same position, find answers to many of your technology questions in Are Robots the Answer to Pandemic-Proofing Warehousing and Logistics Operations? In this comprehensive research paper, Gartner examines commons questions, use cases, trends, and opportunities in warehouse robotics, a solution gaining increasing popularity because of its ability to preserve business continuity, worker safety, and productivity.

In its report, Gartner analysts discuss various options being considered to enforce social distancing, such as technology that tracks employees' locations and robotics solutions, such as the AutoStore goods-to-person (G2P) system:

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“COVID-19 will accelerate demand for robotic G2P systems because they are an easy and economical way to enforce social distancing in a warehouse. By their very nature, G2P systems enforce social distancing by keeping the person in one fixed place and allowing the robots to be mobile and deliver goods to the human.”

How do you get started with automation? Gartner recommends that companies first test out various technologies, determine what fits their facility layouts and processes, and then gradually integrate the equipment into their operations.

Analysts, however, caution against experimenting for too long. Robotics adoption rates increased more than any other supply chain technology between 2019 and 2020. That trend is expected to continue with a double-digit increase in robotic G2P systems through 2023.

To stay ahead of the curve, Gartner recommends taking immediate action if your equipment evaluation is complete, as demand for robotics will likely outstrip future capacity and create backlogs that could last for years.

Download the report today to find more insights and recommendations about adopting warehouse robotic systems.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner, Are Robots the Answer to Pandemic-Proofing Warehousing and Logistics Operations?, by Dwight Klappich, John Johnson, G00728470