How drones and technology are changing logistics

The first thing that comes to one’s mind when drones are mentioned in connection with supply chains are Amazon’s drones delivering packages. But that's only the beginning. The impact of this technology, and others that are emerging, will have much wider impact on the supply chain.

 

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Humanless warehouses

At this very moment, drones are being tested for much more than just delivering goods. There is an effort to deploy them inside warehouses. They can scan bar codes of  inventory and confirm them quickly. Flightless robots with the same function are being designed as well. In few years, chances are that worklifts will become autonomous, since the controlled environment of warehouses is favorable for their deployment.

What are the primary drivers of the revolution in logistics, supply chain and customer delivery? Emerging technologies will allow us to improve the operations in these areas:

  • Cost reduction
  • Safety
  • Environmental impact

It's not only about drones and autonomous vehicles. 3D printing, GPS, and AI will shape this field as well.

3D printing will become cheaper in the next few years and as a result, we will be able to 3D print almost everything (from autonomous cars to human organs) in an efficient manner.

GPS has evolved from military technology into a highly accurate tool which we have in our smart phones. It will enable companies to track inventory in warehouses and products in production lines. And we'll be seeing this with special contact lenses.

Last but not least, advanced artificial intelligence will be a true game changer in logistics – as well as in many other fields, concludes an article on the thebalance.com website.

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Article source The Balance - a US website focused on money and career
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