Several mobile robotics technologies for supply chains will mature over the next two to five years, creating an accelerating market for increasingly capable mobile robots and drones, according to theGartner, Inc.
THEHype Cycle for Mobile Robots and DronesGartner is a graphical representation of a common pattern that emerges with each new technology or other innovation, through five phases of maturity and adoption. Supply chain managers can use this research to find robotic solutions that meet their needs.
Technologies that have already gone through the phase ofValley of Disillusionmentand are progressing in theInformation Slopeinclude: autonomous mobile robots for transportation, collaborative product separation robots in corridors, and mobile robotic systems for goods for people. Progress indicates that the benefits of these technologies are becoming more widely understood.
“As companies look to further improve logistics operations, support automation and augment human capabilities across multiple functions, supply chain leaders have turned to mobile robots to support their strategies,” saysDwight KlappichVice President and Analyst at Gartner. Mobile robots continue to evolve, becoming more powerful and practical, thus paving the way for continuous technological innovation.
Expansion of the use of automation and systems with Artificial Intelligence
This year, automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, such as autonomous data collection and inspection technologies, are growing and approaching thePeak of Inflated Expectations, and are expected to deliver benefits over the next five to ten years.
By leveraging flying drones for indoor environments and mobile robots to autonomously collect data, the solutions utilize technologies such as AI-enabled vision or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to complement time-consuming tasks of inventory management, inspection, and surveillance. Technology can also alleviate security concerns in warehouses, such as workers counting inventory in hard-to-reach places.
"Automation of intensive work tasks can provide remarkable benefits," adds Klappich. With increasingly integrated AI resources in mobile robots and drones, the potential to operate independently and adapt to environments will make it possible to support a growing number of use cases.
Humanoid robots demonstrate potential for greater automation
This year, thehumanoid robotsentered the phase of Innovation Triggerfrom the Hype Cycle and are expected to have a transformational impact on the supply chain. However, mass adoption may take 10 years or more.
Exploring the human format and driven byIA, this generation of humanoid robots is seeking to achieve the adaptability of the human workforce, flexibly supporting business needs by dynamically moving between processes and taking on new activities without the need for special programming.
"For high-volume and predictable supply chain processes, humanoid robots have the potential to improve or complement the supply chain workforce," observes Klappich. "However, although the pace of innovation is encouraging, the industry is years away from the widespread use of humanoid robots in more complex retail and industrial environments."
