Benefits of Automating Logistics with Robots

Logistics is one of the latest sectors to experience the rapid adoption of robotic automation. More companies are automating their logistics operations out of necessity due to labor shortages and the expansion of e-commerce. Automating logistics operations with the FANUC M-20ia and other industrial robots provides a number of benefits that will ultimately optimize your supply chain.

• • Increased Uptime - One of the challenges of current logistics is keeping up with high order volumes. Automating with robots increases uptimes since they can run around the clock and for the most part without any stoppages. Warehouses and fulfillment centers turn into twenty-four hour facilities, allowing them to keep up with high order volumes. Idle times are avoided with the Yaskawa MH50 as it repeats every task over and over without any delays, distractions, or breaks.


• • Reduced Costs - Automating logistics operations can reduce labor costs by up to 70%. Other production costs can be kept to a minimum as articulated robots are energy efficient and require minimal light, heating, or cooling. The significant cost savings of robotic automation can lead to major profit gains for companies.


• • Mitigate Errors - Automating logistics processes with robots will mitigate errors. Robots are accurate and operate with high repeatability. Packaging errors such as product mix ups and poorly packed items are prevented with robotic automation. Robots can safely handle and package items ensuring they are secure during shipping to avoid damage from occurring.


• • Less Time Preparing Shipments - Automating logistics with robots will shorten the amount of time it takes to prepare a shipment and ultimately the time it takes to reach the customer. Robots operate at fast speeds, for long hours, and at continuous rates. With robotic automation companies can quickly prepare shipments by eliminating bottlenecks.


• • Reliability - With the high order volumes of logistics having reliable and consistent operations is key to keeping up with demand. Robots provide reliable labor. There is no turnover, time off, or sick days that can cause labor shortages. Labor shortages can cripple logistics and cause shipping delays. With six axis robots, operations are consistent as downtime is rare.


• • Increase Customer Satisfaction - Most consumers today expect fast shipping and want to receive their orders as soon as possible. When shipping takes too long, or delays occur customers become dissatisfied and are unlikely to be a repeat customer. Automating logistics with the FANUC M-410ic/185 and other four axis robots allows for faster and more accurate palletizing. Products arrive undamaged and quickly to consumers. This can increase satisfaction and help with customer retention.


• • Reduces Safety Risks - Robots can also make logistics operation safer by taking over hazardous jobs. Robots are better equipped to handle heavy items or boxes. Their long arms make them more capable of reaching tall shelving. Automating reduces the chance of workplace injuries from occurring and lowers workers comp costs for employers.


• • Ability to Expand E-Commerce Capabilities - Industrial robots are highly adaptable and able to keep up as order volumes grow. With robots, companies do not have to worry about growing too fast as they can always adapt. This allows companies to continue to expand their e-commerce presence.