Various mobile robotics technologies for supply chains will mature over the next two to five years, creating a fast-growing market for increasingly capable mobile robots and drones, according to Gartner, Inc.
The Hype Cycle for Mobile Robots and Drones at Gartner is a graphical representation of a common pattern that comes with each new technology or other innovation, through five stages of maturity and adoption. Supply chain directors can use this research to find robotic solutions that meet their needs.
Technologies that have passed through the Trough of Disillusionment and are progressing to the Slope of Enlightenment include: autonomous mobile robots for transportation, collaborative robots for product sorting in aisles, and mobile robotic systems for goods to person. Progress indicates that the benefits of these technologies are becoming more widely understood.
“As companies seek to further enhance logistics operations, support automation, and augment human capabilities across various functions, supply chain leaders have turned to mobile robots to support their strategies,” says Dwight Klappich, Vice 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 Automation and Artificial Intelligence System Usage
This year, automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions such as autonomous data collection and inspection technologies are growing and nearing the Peak of Inflated Expectations phase, expected to deliver benefits in the next five to ten years.
Utilizing flying drones for indoor environments and mobile robots for autonomous data capture, solutions leverage technologies like AI-driven vision or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to complement time-consuming tasks of inventory management, inspection, and surveillance. The technology can also alleviate safety concerns in warehouses, such as workers counting inventory in hard-to-reach places.
“The automation of labor-intensive tasks can bring remarkable benefits,” adds Klappich. “With AI capabilities increasingly embedded 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 increased automation
This year, humanoid robots have entered the Innovation Trigger phase of 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 human-like form and driven by AI, this generation of humanoid robots is aiming to achieve the adaptability of human workforce, flexibly supporting business needs by dynamically transitioning between processes and taking on new tasks without the need for special programming.
“For supply chains with high-volume and predictable processes, humanoid robots have the potential to enhance or complement the supply chain workforce,” notes Klappich. “However, while the pace of innovation is encouraging, the industry is years away from widespread use of humanoid robots in more complex retail and industrial environments.”
