The expert called the shortage of line staff the reason for the robotization of warehouses

Robotic systems are actively replacing scarce human labor in Russian warehouses, becoming a business response to the growing shortage of personnel in the logistics industry. The main companies implementing robotics are marketplaces and large retailers that seek to minimize errors in order assembly and, in the long run, replace people with machines as much as possible. Harold Vlasov, Managing Director of the NC Logistic logistics operator, told Izvestia on November 22.

"Despite significant initial investments, robotization does not speed up warehouse operations, but it allows you to customize processes and makes a significant contribution to the capitalization of the company. The key reasons why businesses have been actively considering the introduction of robotic solutions in recent years are the shortage of line staff and rising labor costs," he said.

Every year, according to the expert, it becomes more and more difficult to find qualified storekeepers and pickers. Robotization makes it possible to reduce dependence on human resources in terms of physical labor. At the same time, the introduction of such complexes requires the involvement of specialists of a new profile, including mechatronics engineers, programmers and equipment adjusters. For the large-scale use of these technologies, it is necessary to develop educational programs and form local engineering competencies in order to ensure the stable operation of complex systems.

A machine in its prime: a robot manipulator will manage production and help in everyday life

How student development will set up the automation process in companies

A robotic warehouse is a deep customization of processes that must be described in detail at the design stage with the participation of all employees: storekeepers, transporters and suppliers. In order for such a warehouse to be effective, it must initially be designed to work exclusively with machines, without the participation of people. Vlasov explained that you can't just add one or two robotic "hands" to an active object and expect a tangible result.

"Such warehouses require a larger area for the consolidation and sorting of orders, but at the same time provide a large capacity due to the vertical use of space. Robots make it possible to eliminate wide aisles for machinery, which increases storage density and logistics efficiency," said the Managing director.

In addition, technology minimizes the impact of the human factor and reduces the number of errors when assembling orders. In e-commerce, warehouse robots make it possible to process more orders per day with significantly higher accuracy.

Despite the obvious advantages, the robotization of warehouse complexes in Russia is progressing slowly. One of the main reasons is the need for deep integration of business processes and the implementation of quality systems, which entails significant financial and time resources. Most of the existing Class A warehouses have a ceiling height of up to 12 m, while for the efficient operation of modern robotic systems, a space with a height of 18 to 24 m can be used. This means that in order to fully unlock the technological potential, new warehouses should be built, which will differ significantly from the existing ones in terms of topology.

"Such projects can only be implemented when building facilities in the built-to-suit format, that is, to meet the requirements and parameters of a specific customer. Construction using this model involves high risks: with large initial investments, it will be almost impossible to sell or lease such specialized buildings later," Vlasov warned.

Large investments in warehouse robotics do not seem economically feasible today, and the situation is unlikely to change in the next 10 years.

Nevertheless, as in all industries, pioneering companies appear on the market, which, despite obstacles, introduce such technologies. There is a trend towards robotics in warehouse logistics, and with the growth of e-commerce, the complexity of supply chains, and the increasing number of returns, interest in robotic warehouses will only increase.

Earlier, on August 4, it was reported that the creation of universal artificial intelligence (AGI), which has cognitive capabilities at the human level, may occur within the next decade. It is noted that responsible implementation of AGI can lead to "radical abundance", increasing human productivity and paving the way to a new level of technological prosperity.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.