According to Swindon Silicon Systems, the future of the warehouse is digitisation, with cobots playing a major role in the evolution. The widespread use of digitisation in the warehouse is often referred to as Warehouse 4.0
Cobots are types of robots that support or cooperate with workers, not replace them. Cobots are packed with sensor technology that helps reduce paperwork, monitor inventory, and prevent human error when processing warehouse orders. Picking trolleys manufactured by a British warehouse equipment manufacturer can be fitted with sensors that guide workers to the exact location of order items. Cobots increase the accuracy of order picking, reduce costs, and improve safety.
Cobot technology is developing, helped by the ability to construct Cobot prototypes using standard electronic components to reduce their cost.
A report based on research by Interact Analysis revealed that the global cobot market was worth $600 million in 2018 and predicts that it will rise to around $7.5 billion by 2027. If this forecast is accurate, cobots will account for around 30% of the market for robots.
In 2021, it is estimated that 2.14 billion people ordered goods online, a rise from 1.52 billion in 2016. This upward trend is expected to continue in 2022. There is a shortage of warehouse workers in the UK to deal with the increasing number of orders placed online. If more workers cannot be recruited, every worker needs to be more productive. Cobots, robots and warehouse management system software are the tools that increase worker productivity.
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