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As operators, integrators and investors cast their gaze toward the accelerating opportunities in this space, it's crucial to understand the landscape and how all the new automation opportunities apply to a successful warehouse automation integration.
The rate of expansion in warehouse automation technology presents both ample opportunity as well as new challenges. For stakeholders, this rapid growth translates into a massive landscape of choice: what technology, what partners, when is the time right? This leads to decision-fatigue, which can then lead to maintaining the status quo rather than innovate. System integrators are best equipped to deliver the end-to-end view to ensure success in warehouse automation.
They can remove the burden of choosing partners one at a time by warehouse operators. At RightHand Robotics, we recognize the complexity of navigating this landscape. That's why we've forged strategic alliances with the world's premier automation system integrators. This collaboration offers our end user clients a panoramic view of their automation journey, simplifying the decision-making process by providing a cohesive, end-to-end solution that aligns with their unique needs.
Source: https://www.emarketer.com/chart/263530/retail-ecommerce-sales-worldwide-2021-2027-trillions-change-of-total-retail-sales (eMarketer, June 2023)
With the explosive growth of technology and competing companies within warehouse automation, it has never been harder to ensure smooth and optimized operation between the different components of an automated warehouse. While many market leaders emphasize that their systems are independent, or connect seamlessly with various other components, there is still a significant challenge in integration. This integration and interoperability challenge is often a main decision factor for buyers. We anticipate significant consolidation within the industry to help address this pain point. Choices will be streamlined, allowing more sophisticated solutions, improved system performance, and a seamless integration experience for customers and system integrators alike, leading to an optimized warehouse.
Source: https://interactanalysis.com/insight/26-of-warehouses-to-be-automated-by-2027/ (Rueben Scriven, May 2023)
Early adopters are in a race to adopt and implement these new technologies. These lead users are helping define the solution landscape, ensuring that their pain points are solved. Many can no longer afford to take a “wait and see” approach with warehouse automation. This shift is not only reshaping how system integrators approach projects but also attracting significant attention from the investment sector. As these trends converge, we predict a ripple effect of change, ushering in a new era of industry dynamics.
Data derived from Interact Analysis. Source: https://interactanalysis.com/insight/latest-forecast-updates-for-warehouse-construction-automation-and-mobile-robots/ (Ash Sharma, May 2023)
The broader economic environment, marked by fluctuating interest rates and consumer behavior, undeniably influences the trajectory of warehouse automation. Despite current challenges, including a dip in VC investment and economic uncertainties, we're observing encouraging signs. Ecommerce demands continue to soar, and with borrowing rates adjusting, a latent demand for enhanced automation solutions simmers just below the surface, ready to ignite industry growth. Warehouse operations teams are also realizing that investing in automation also helps manage the variability in demand that is likely to follow market fluctuations.
Source: https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/IPUIN493U101000000# (St. Louis Federal Reserve)
At the heart of this automation revolution are piece-picking robots, exemplified by our RightPick 4 system. These robots are not just about the speed of the pick; they're about redefining and optimizing the entire operational workflow through advanced machine learning. The impact of piece-picking extends through every facet of e-commerce operations, from order fulfillment to returns, embodying a core element of modern warehouse operations and driving value. With RightHand Robotics' track record of tens of millions of items picked and an unparalleled order accuracy rate, we're not just participants in this future; we're actively shaping it.
Learn how Apotea, Sweden's largest online pharmacy, leverages the RightPick™ system to fulfill 50,000+ orders per day.
For those exploring the warehouse automation space, the message is clear: the future is here, and it's powered by robotics. As industry boundaries expand and technologies evolve, the opportunities for investment, innovation and growth are boundless. At RightHand Robotics, we're committed to leading this charge, driving not only the adoption of automation technologies but also their continuous evolution, ensuring our clients and partners are always at the forefront of this exciting journey.
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