The surprising and slightly unexpected link between Goods-to-Person robotics and sustainability

In today's unpredictable economy, retailers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) are up against some tough challenges. The surge in online orders and constantly changing shipping demands have led to shortages in skilled labour, tighter delivery schedules, and increased costs.

On top of that, companies are under pressure to reduce their environmental impact and commit to ESG initiatives while boosting productivity and efficiency and reducing errors. No wonder managing a warehouse has become so complex.

Given these pressures, warehouse operators are increasingly turning to automation. Instead of investing in costly, fixed order fulfilment systems that can be inefficient and inflexible, many are adopting Goods-to-Person (G2P) mobile robot solutions. These robots tackle labour shortages and meet sustainability goals while speeding up, making order fulfilment more efficient and accurate.

The reality of warehouse automation

A common fear today is that automation will replace workers. However, the reality is that warehouse automation can create jobs. In traditional manual warehouses, picking orders is often a tough, undesirable job. Workers must physically locate and pick products from shelves, which is time-consuming and exhausting. This constant cycle of finding, picking, packing, and repeating involves a lot of walking and physical strain, leading to high turnover rates.

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This is where robots make a difference. Mobile order fulfilment robots help pickers work more efficiently, reducing burnout and making their jobs more enjoyable. By integrating G2P robot solutions, companies can handle increasing e-commerce orders more effectively, offering a competitive edge and serving as a tool to attract and retain workers. Jobs become less physically demanding and more technologically advanced, making them more appealing.

Shelf-to-Person mobile robot systems, where robots transport entire shelves to a picking station, are the most scalable and flexible G2P solution available. These systems don't require fixed infrastructure, helping 3PLs and retailers optimise fulfilment, save money, and keep workers happy. They allow warehouses to adapt to changing demands and scale operations up or down without extensive reconfiguration.

Training for these systems is minimal because the software is intuitive and user-friendly. It's picture-based, allowing employees to operate it in their native languages, which is crucial in multilingual environments. This ease of use means employees can quickly learn to use the new systems, reducing downtime and boosting efficiency.

Job security and productivity

Warehouse automation not only preserves jobs but also boosts productivity by improving worker efficiency. Companies that use automation become more attractive to workers since it makes demanding jobs easier and less stressful. It cuts down on extensive walking, making the work environment more appealing. Automation also supports employee upskilling, enabling them to learn new skills and take on more valuable tasks.

Retaining talent is key to building an efficient and productive workforce as companies evolve. Automation creates opportunities for workers to move into roles focused on managing and maintaining robotic systems, expanding their skill sets and career prospects.

Today's consumers prefer companies that prioritise sustainability, and employees are increasingly drawn to environmentally conscious workplaces. On average, a smart warehouse using AMR solutions consumes 75 per cent less power than a manually operated one.

This efficiency is achieved through space-saving storage that doesn't need light, heating, or air conditioning, reduced waste from low error rates, minimised packaging, and paperless practices. Using renewable energy sources, such as solar power, can further reduce the environmental impact.

G2P robots can replace high-energy-consuming logistics equipment. Even after shifts end, robots keep working, rearranging orders during downtime and reducing electricity, lighting, and air conditioning use. These robots have low power consumption and can even run on solar power in some cases, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

Robotics and sustainability

Robotics play a crucial role in saving energy by streamlining processes, reducing idle time, and cutting down on energy-consuming tasks, which lowers the carbon footprint. Improved resource management is also significant.

Flexible, modular robots and top-notch software systems lead to optimal resource allocation and utilisation, helping optimise inventory levels, reduce overproduction, and minimise unnecessary transportation. This helps conserve resources and reduces environmental impact.

Adopting sustainable practices in warehouse operations can also boost a company's reputation among consumers and investors. Companies that commit to environmental responsibility are more likely to attract and retain customers who prioritise sustainability, leading to increased sales and improved financial performance.

Consumers increasingly support environmental practices with their purchases, and governments worldwide are paying heed by introducing new policies. For example, the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme, a carbon emissions cap-and-trade regulation, now applies to ocean carriers in EU waters.

With nations considering laws to reduce carbon emissions, warehouse operators can get ahead by embracing automation. Policymakers can help by offering tax breaks or grants to companies adopting sustainable technologies, encouraging technology integration with environmental protection.

They can also invest in programs that support workforce reskilling and upskilling, which encourages employees to adapt to sustainable technological changes and helps job seekers find opportunities with an ESG component. These initiatives can ensure workers are prepared for future jobs and that companies have access to a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Suffice it to say that integrating modular G2P robots into manual warehouse operations improves efficiency and accuracy while serving as both an employment retention solution and a key tool in sustainable warehouse management.

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G2P robots enable companies to quickly scale up to meet peak demand and flexibly reorient their infrastructure to meet changing customer needs. This adaptability is essential in an increasingly dynamic market where consumer preferences and demands can shift rapidly.

And as companies face pressures from rising e-commerce demands and sustainability goals, adopting flexible and scalable automation solutions is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and meeting customer expectations.

By investing in warehouse automation, companies can create a more sustainable, efficient, and employee-friendly operation that is more than well-equipped to handle the challenges of the modern economy.