The Warehouse of the Future

StartFragmentAs soon as 2019, new technologies could be revolutionizing and improving efficiency in warehouses. These changes could be more widely used in warehouses everywhere sooner than you think.

HOW WILL IT IMPACT EFFICIENCY

By 2030, warehouses will be part of an initiative to achieve zero net energy.A net-zero building is one that generates as much energy as it uses within a year. To become net-zero, a project will have to generate 100% of its energy on-site through the use of renewable energy.

Warehouse buildings will operate 24/7/365 and be designed with sustainability in mind. By creating strategies for the use of renewable energy, warehouses will save costs and prevent harmful emissions.

Solar panels will become the main source of energy for warehouses. This will assist in running the warehouse lighting and equipment, as well as recharging the electric vehicles that make deliveries.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

By 2020, robots will be operating independently in warehouses.

Robots will be able to notify maintenance companies with any problems themselves, such as replacing their damaged or malfunctioning parts.

StartFragmentDrones are already being used to stock-take in warehouses, which has produced more accurate results than humans. After all, robots are created to count numbers.EndFragment

StartFragmentRobots will work alongside humans to improve tasks, but not replace the employee. The employee “shows” the robot how to perform a task and the bot learns and repeats.EndFragment

WEARABLE TECH

By 2021, wearable tech will be widely used in warehouses.

Exoskeletons will be worn by warehouse workers to enhance physical strength, protect the body and prevent back injuries.

Augmented reality smart glasses will add a layer of virtual reality to workers’ vision. Warehouse workers will be able to interact with data and collaborate with other workers through the glasses, increasing their interdependence and cooperation.

PREDICTIVE SHIPPING

By 2019, the market for predictive analysis software could reach $6.5 billion.

Businesses will use ‘big data’ to predict customer purchases. These predicted products are automatically sent in a mobile warehouse to a location near the customer and could potentially be delivered within one hour of ordering.

Mobile warehouses could also provide a service for customers to return their unwanted items throughout the day.

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