The Latest Advancements in Warehouse Technology

Technology is constantly evolving, no matter the industry. Whether it’s a business upgrading their computer systems to a warehouse implementing state-of-the-art order management systems, there are several ways in which a warehouse can benefit from technological advancements. From drones and wearable tech to robots and even forklifts, there’s something out there for everyone.

Robot technology

Robot technology, at least the way they’re represented in television and movies, is still a whole lifetime away. However, the industry is still taking steps towards robot technology in a way that remains safe and realistic. With such advancements coming to fruition as soon as this year, warehouses and distribution centres alike are seeing the first influx of such technologies in order to make processes more productive and efficient than ever before.

Distribution and delivery giants, DHL, have recently announced that they’re using automation and robotics to help drive their operations. They have claimed that logistics robots are “diversifying and achieving proficiency that matches and exceeds human capabilities”.

DHL have also said that “new devices have human-like dexterity, improved vision and quick, agile movement. With better robots and more use cases, partnerships are being forged throughout the logistics industry – pairing traditional automation providers with a new wave of startups – to achieve next-level value with intelligent automation”.

Essentially, these warehouse robots and automation systems are giving pickers the ability to navigate through the warehouse, almost completely hands-free, whilst still fulfilling their roles. This takes the physicality and overall effort out of your employees’ roles, making them feel more comfortable and satisfied at the same time.

Drones

Drones are looking to be used to deliver packages to customers in a way that only could have been dreamt of a decade ago. Amazon has introduced Prime Air Delivery, although it’s still being trialled. They claim to be “fully-autonomous – no human pilot” as well as purporting to deliver goods in as little as 30 minutes.

However, in order for Amazon to fulfil their promise of a delivery within 30 minutes, your order must:

• Weigh less than 2.25kg (5lbs)
• Be small enough to fit inside the cargo box that the drone is able to carry
• Have a delivery location that falls within a 10-mile radius of a participating Amazon order fulfilment centre

Some of the most commonly asked questions that have been put to Amazon about their new initiative includes:

How will it work?

“Amazon Prime Air is a service that will deliver packages up to five pounds in 30 minutes or less using small drones”.

How are you going to ensure safety?

“Safety is our top priority and our drones will be built with multiple redundancies, as well as sophisticated…technology…in August 2020, Amazon received a Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate from the United States Federal Aviation Administration. This certification is an important step forward for Prime Air and indicates the FAA’s confidence in Amazon’s operating and safety procedures for an autonomous drone delivery service that will one day deliver packages to our customers around the world”.

What will the Prime Air delivery vehicles look like?

“The look and characteristics of our drones will continue to evolve over time. Our newest design includes advances in efficiency, stability and, most importantly, in safety”.

When will I be able to choose Prime Air as a delivery option?

“We are actively flying and testing and it will take time and more hard work before our operations are ready to scale. We’re excited about this technology and one day using it to deliver packages to customers around the world in 30 minutes or less”.

Forklifts

One wouldn’t normally consider that a forklift could be advanced and developed further than its current capabilities, especially in this day and age when they’re already considered to be so state-of-the art. However, manufacturers are constantly looking to make further developments to their machines in order to stay ahead of the times and also ahead of their competitors.

Forklift manufacturers, such as Crown Equipment, are now looking to develop specialised, modern forklifts that have:

• Laser-guided fork positioning
• Quick-change load wheels
• A reach height of up to 17.1 metres

Handheld devices

The use of handheld devices in and around the warehouse has increased tenfold in recent years. This is because each device can display certain types of information that are completely beneficial to both your employees and your warehouse as a whole. There are several types of handheld devices on the market that can be used throughout the warehouse, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Radio frequency (RF) devices
• Smartphones and tablets
• Total mobile solutions
• RFID devices

Wearable technologies

These are one up from handheld devices, mainly because they allow your employees to be hands-free when performing their tasks throughout the warehouse. Some of the most well-known wearable warehouse technologies include:

• Voice control headsets – often linked with ERP software to give real-time inventory updates
• Smart watches – used to track employees’ efficiency as well as how many steps they’ve taken and displaying KPI information to ensure customer service levels are met
• Smart glasses – ensures hands-free working to allow for increased efficiency whilst also recording movements in the warehouse without the need for paper

Multy Lift are experts in the material handling industry, with over three decades of expertise and knowledge to draw upon. You’ll be able to purchase new and used forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers and more from our professional team, ensuring your business needs and requirements are met every single time. You’ll also be able to hire warehouse equipment, including forklift rentals. For more information about how we can help you today – get in touch with us at a time to suit you – we’re always happy to hear from you.