The intersection of robotics and logistics is a fertile ground for innovation, and that was abundantly clear at this year’s Manifest show in Las Vegas. Amidst the cutting-edge robotics and advanced supply chain management systems on display, a panel discussion hosted by Mujin stood out.
Moderated by Jake Hall, the panel, titled “You Are Ready for Robots in the Warehouse,” featured experts from Walmart, Fanuc America, and Geek+ Americas. The conversation covered the impact of robotics on the North American logistics market, highlighting the benefits of AI-backed robotics in warehouse operations, the importance of planning and collaboration in implementing robotic solutions, and the potential for robotics and AI to improve worker safety, productivity, and supply chain management.
Mujin’s CEO and Co-founder, Ross Diankov, kicked off the discussion by emphasizing the role of AI in enabling the transformation of warehouse operations. “AI is the backbone of our robotics,” he said, “It enables us to create a seamless flow of products from one place to another with greater speed, efficiency, and accuracy.”
The panelists agreed that the key to success in implementing robotics is proper planning and collaboration between the supplier and end-user., as Santos Cerda Jr., Walmart Supply Chain Director of Advanced Engineering, noted: “You need to have a good partnership with your supplier to ensure that the solution is customized to your needs and goals.” Randy Randolf, VP of Channels & Partnerships at Geek+ Americas, echoed Cerda’s sentiments, adding that “it’s not just about implementing robots, but about transforming the entire operation. That requires a strong partnership between the supplier and the end-user, from project planning to post-deployment support.”
The panelists also addressed the impact of robotics on the workforce and dispelled the myth that robotics are a threat to jobs. As Cerda pointed out, “the goal of robotics is to augment the human workforce, not to replace it.” Anthony Cantrell, Executive Director of Global Accounts for Warehouse & Logistics at Fanuc America, added that robotics can enhance worker safety by performing dangerous and repetitive tasks, such as lifting heavy objects, while freeing up human workers to focus on more complex and high-value activities. The panelists also emphasized the importance of worker buy-in when implementing robotics. Cerda noted that “when workers see that the technology is helping them do their jobs better, they become champions of it.” Diankov added that “it’s important to involve workers in the process of selecting and implementing robotics to ensure that the technology is tailored to their needs.”
When it came to addressing workers’ concerns, the panelists also pointed to role of robots in enhancing worker safety. “Robotics can perform the most dangerous and repetitive tasks, such as lifting heavy objects, while human workers can focus on more complex and high-value activities,” said Cantrell.
The potential for robotics to improve supply chain management was also a hot topic. Randy Randolf, VP of Channels & Partnerships at Geek+ Americas, noted that robotics and AI can provide a wealth of data that can be used to optimize the supply chain. By analyzing data from the warehouse, organizations can identify areas for improvement and make better decisions about inventory management, order fulfillment, and more. With the help of robotics, organizations can achieve real-time visibility across the supply chain, enabling them to make better decisions and react quickly to changing circumstances, as Cantrell added.
In conclusion, the panelists agreed that the integration of robotics and AI is the future of logistics. By embracing these technologies, end-users can improve efficiency, increase productivity, and enhance worker safety. However, the key to success lies in proper planning, collaboration, and customization. As Diankov put it, “there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to robotics. It’s important to work closely with your supplier to ensure that the solution is tailored to your specific needs and goals. With the right planning and partnership, the benefits of robotics are within reach for any organization.”
The discussion during the “You Are Ready for Robots in the Warehouse” panel underscores the potential of robotics to revolutionize the logistics industry. By leveraging AI-backed robotics, organizations can optimize their operations, enhance worker safety, and improve their supply chain management. As the use of robotics in logistics continues to grow, it’s clear that close collaboration between suppliers and end-users is crucial for successful implementation. With the right planning and partnership, any organization can realize the benefits of robotics in the warehouse.
