(Photo: Inteq)
Innovative warehouse technologies such as robotics and automation will be central to helping retailers achieve their sustainability goals, according to new research from Inteq, a leading integrator of automation and robotics technology for supply chains.
The survey of directors and senior leaders across the UK retail and e-commerce sector found that almost nine in ten (88%) believe warehouse automation can improve sustainability.
Respondents cited benefits including greater energy efficiency, reduced waste, better use of space and lower transport emissions. Of these, nearly half (49%) strongly agreed, while a further 39% somewhat agreed.
With many retailers targeting net zero by 2040, there is growing pressure to cut emissions throughout operations and supply chains. Shortages of warehouse space add to this challenge, making it essential to optimise every square foot.
Almost nine in ten (87%) of those surveyed said robotics and automation would improve their customer fulfilment operations. At the same time, almost a quarter (24%) identified a lack of warehouse space as a continuing challenge, particularly during periods of fluctuating demand.
Scott Merrick, Managing Director at Inteq, commented: “The fast-changing world of warehouse automation and robotics offers exciting and innovative new ways to reduce the footprint of warehousing. These don’t just improve efficiency, they can also offer cost reductions, productivity gains and additional labour savings.”
He added: “But truly nailing efficiency can only be done with the proper collaboration of differing technologies, processes and systems. This is why everything needs to start with integration. Taking a piecemeal or ad hoc approach to warehouse automation integration won’t cut it.”
Retail leaders also highlighted the technologies they expect to have the greatest impact on logistics over the next five years.
AI and machine learning topped the list (62%), followed by advanced sensors (40%), blockchain for supply chains (36%), collaborative robots (35%) and drone deliveries (27%).
Among omnichannel retailers, nearly three quarters (73%) said AI and machine learning would have the most significant impact, compared with just over three in five (61%) of store-only businesses. For pure-play e-commerce companies, 57% shared the same view.
A quarter (25%) of all respondents pointed to magnetic propulsion as the automation trend most likely to shape logistics in the years ahead.