In 2021, Dematic led the global warehouse automation market, followed by Vanderlande and KNAPP, with Dematic employing over 11,000 people and completing 8,000 installations worldwide. The rise of e-commerce has driven demand for efficient warehouse operations, spurring advancements in robotics and AI, with innovations like the Corvus One drone enhancing inventory management and operational excellence.
Top Warehouse Automation Suppliers Worldwide
In 2021, Dematic emerged as the largest provider of warehouse automation solutions globally. The company, which became part of the KION Group following its acquisition alongside Egemin Automation in 2016, employs over 11,000 people and has successfully completed 8,000 customer installations worldwide.
Key Players in Warehouse Automation
Following closely behind Dematic, Vanderlande secured its position as the second-largest supplier of warehouse automation solutions in 2021. KNAPP, another significant player in the industry with a workforce exceeding 6,000 employees, ranked as the third-largest provider. SSI SCHAEFER and Intelligrated rounded out the top five, with Intelligrated holding the fifth position in the same year.
Daifuku, a prominent name in the industry, boasts a workforce of over 12,000 employees. Specializing in the food and beverage sector, Witron has carved a niche in automated warehouse solutions tailored to these industries. TGW LOGISTICS, with more than 4,000 employees, continues to be a significant contributor to the automation landscape.
Swisslog, a part of the KUKA Group, and Körber Supply Chain Software, known for offering advanced warehouse control systems, are also key players in this sector. System Logistics, which also focuses on the food and beverage industries, and Savoye, with a global team of over 800 employees offering comprehensive warehouse automation solutions, further enrich the competitive landscape.
Technological Advancements in Warehouse Automation
The surge in e-commerce has significantly increased the demand for efficient warehouse operations, particularly to meet the requirements for next-day and same-day delivery services. As a result, warehouse processes are becoming more efficient through digitization, with notable advancements in warehouse management systems and robotics.
Emerging technologies are reshaping warehouse automation. Drones and exoskeletons are among the novel innovations being integrated into warehouse operations. These technologies are designed to enhance inventory management, ensuring there is no need for additional infrastructure and supporting quick and easy deployment. The primary aim of these innovations is to achieve operational excellence, delivering accuracy and productivity gains for businesses.
Notable Innovations: Drones and Robotics
One of the remarkable innovations in warehouse automation is the Corvus One drone. This drone can operate efficiently in both narrow and wide aisles, with a minimum aisle width requirement of 50 inches. It flies at walking speed, equipped with advanced obstacle detection systems to prevent collisions. Its advanced barcode scanning capabilities function in any orientation, enabling 24/7 inventory checks without the need for operator assistance.
The Corvus One drone offers a lights-out capability, which allows it to correct inventory discrepancies off-shift, maximizing space utilization and avoiding stockouts. It is an essential tool for ensuring end-to-end inventory visibility, a critical factor in modern warehouse operations.
Future Prospects
The continued advancement of AI and machine learning is further enhancing the capabilities of warehouse robotics. These technologies are designed to improve accuracy, boost productivity, and ensure operational excellence in warehouse operations. By maximizing space utilization and preventing stockouts, these innovations are vital for maintaining comprehensive visibility across the supply chain.
As the demand for more efficient and responsive warehouse solutions grows, the role of advanced technologies such as AI, drones, and robotics will become increasingly significant. These innovations aim to transform warehouse operations, making them more efficient and helping businesses meet the rising demands of e-commerce and other sectors.
In conclusion, the landscape of warehouse automation is marked by a range of influential suppliers and groundbreaking technological advancements. Companies such as Dematic, Vanderlande, KNAPP, and others are at the forefront, driving innovation to meet the evolving needs of the industry. As technology continues to evolve, the future of warehouse automation promises to be dynamic and transformative.