Smart Machines Create New Possibilities for Logistics

When transportation professionals think about shipping goods they typically think trucks, trains, ships, and planes. But the vehicle landscape is changing. New modes are emerging – drones, for example. And traditional transportation assets are changing dramatically with investments in autonomous operation.

Developments in the warehouse are even more interesting; autonomous mobile robots for the warehouse provide good ROI and a flexible, scalable form of automation. Meanwhile, robotic picking technologies are maturing.

But how ready are these technologies for actual usage? ARC believes that:

• Autonomous mobile robotic technology is mature, robotic arms are maturing quickly, and merging the two technologies will transform warehousing
• The use of autonomous trucks for deliveries to urban areas may not be feasible for decades, but the journey to fully autonomous vehicles will create new opportunities for logistics efficiencies for cross-country freight. But, even for this application, challenges remain
• Technological and regulatory issues will severely limit drone use to support e-commerce, but drones have other applications in logistics
• Very interesting development is being done to equip vans with special material handling capabilities that will support e-commerce deliveries

Smart machines rely on advances in computing power to operate. Enabling technologies include artificial intelligence and machine learning; a variety of lower cost, but more powerful sensors; vision recognition; 5G networks; control systems; and intelligent integration of machines to enterprise applications or routing solutions.

Other new and interesting technologies being developed for logistics purposes include blimps; high-speed, “hyperloop” transportation systems; and electric trucks, but since this report focuses on smart machines, we do not discuss those here.

Table of Contents

• Executive Overview

• Warehouse Robots

• Autonomous Trucks

• Drones

• Last Mile Vans

• Recommendations

   

ARC Advisory Group clients can view the complete report at ARC Client Portal on Office 365 or Box.com or New Client Portal on this website

If you would like to buy this report or obtain information about how to become a client, please Contact Us