Automation to improve efficiency at warehouses
Published: Thu 10 Oct 2019, 2:50 PM
Last updated: Sat 12 Oct 2019, 10:43 AM
Automated robot-based solutions are going to be a key feature in improving efficiencies and cutting back on operation costs in warehouses in the next few years, experts at Gitex Technology Week 2019 said.
"Businesses around the world are spending more on robotic process automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence. According to KPMC, enterprises are expected to invest $232 billion on technologies in 2025, up from $12.4 billion in 2018," said Alain Kaddoum, GM at Swisslog Middle East.
"The Middle East is gearing up to take advantage of digitisation in a big way, and we are seeing companies in the region making real investments for real results today. A report by PwC Middle East says that 41 per cent of participants surveyed from the region say they have already reached an advanced level of digitisation and integration and over 62 per cent expect to be at such a level in five years' time. Compared to other countries around the world, that is an unusually high level of digitisation," Kaddoum added.
Swisslog, in collaboration with Etisalat, is showcasing its latest robot-based solution, ItemPiQ, at the event, which is specially designed for repeated, reliable picking of a wide range of items for the fast delivery of orders at low operating costs. With picking and palletizing making up to 60 per cent of warehouse operational costs, the ItemPiQ robot can handle a wide variety of common products in retail, e-commerce and pharmaceutical industries weighing up to 1.5kg and can reach 1,100mm. By using 3D vision technology for object recognition, ItemPiQ's unique gripper can pick up to 1,000 items per hour.
"The UAE is adopting innovation, research, science and technology to stimulate a diversified and knowledge-driven economy. According to a report by PwC, technology is projected to contribute up to 14 per cent to the UAE's GDP growth by 2030," Kaddoum noted.
- business@khaleejtimes.com