We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • ::COVID-19 COVERAGE::
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » Report: 50,000 warehouses to recruit robots by 2025
Forward Thinking

Report: 50,000 warehouses to recruit robots by 2025

March 26, 2019
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

The number of warehouses using commercial robots is on the verge of leaping from 4,000 to 50,000 in the next seven years, as users seek more efficient e-commerce fulfillment platforms to support same-day delivery, a new industry study predicts.

By 2025, over 4 million commercial robots will be working in some 50,000 warehouses, up from just under 4,000 robotic warehouses in 2018, London-based market research firm ABI Research says. The report did not estimate how many robots are installed in those sites today.

In addition to the need for more flexible, efficient e-commerce production, the trend will be driven by the increasing affordability and return on investment (ROI) on infrastructure-light robots in comparison to traditional, fixed, mechanical automation or manual operations, ABI said.

"Flexibility and efficiency have become primary differentiators in the e-commerce fulfillment market as retailers and third-party logistics [providers] (3PLs) struggle to cope with volatile product demand, seasonal peaks, and rising consumer delivery expectations," Nick Finill, senior analyst at ABI Research, said in a release. "Robots enable warehouses to scale operations up or down as required while offering major efficiency gains and mitigating inherent challenges associated with labor and staffing."

At the same time as they are becoming more affordable, robots are also becoming increasingly adept at performing traditionally harder-to-automate tasks, thanks to technology advances in computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, and robotic mechanics, the firm said.

"By lowering the barriers to adoption for robots in the warehouse, vendors are disrupting the wider logistics value chain," explained Finill. "If advanced automation becomes possible for mid-size e-retailers, they will be able to fight back against the dominant players and also bring fulfillment operations back in-house, disrupting the relationship between retailers and 3PLs."

Logistics Technology
  • Related Articles

    Report: logistics sector will rise to second place in use of collaborative robots by 2023

    Report: Global TMS revenues to nearly double by 2025

Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

EDGE Conference is heading to Nashville

Newest podcast series focuses on supply chain technologies

Complete the 2023 CSCMP 3PL study

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Is it time to blow up S&OP?

  • Logistics pros warn of business impact from Russia-Ukraine war

  • How to build a supplier diversity program that will drive long-term impact

  • Supply chain’s miracle workers

  • Container prices continue to drop

Featured Video

Cccb7d13 710a 4473 8132 da8b6cc286f1

The Sportsman's Guide Case study: Increasing Accuracy & Productivity

Viewer Contributed
Thanks to the Lucas Warehouse Optimization Suite, The Sportsman's Guide has increased productivity, reduced training time, and experienced a boost in accuracy for both full-time staff and seasonal employees. Want to learn how Lucas can help your DC be more efficient, accurate, and safe while reducing labor costs?...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Omnitracs One – Last Mile Solutions

  • The enterprise shipper's guide to building a smarter truckload RFP

  • Fixed vs. Flexible Automation: Which Option is Better for 3PLs?

  • Enhancing Relationships in Logistics through Data & Collaboration

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

Get Your Subscription
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • E-NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2022. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing