The goals of both artificial intelligence and augmented intelligence are the same but have different approaches. When we talk in connection to logistics, Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) applications range from regular tasks, for instance; optimizing freight route-mapping, to a bit more experimental ones like robots with learning technology, designed for use in picking and packing in warehouses. However, warehouses don’t really need a robot which can throw to successfully integrate AI. The rise of the automated warehouse has been taking place for a few years, and although still in its infancy stage, is being viewed as extremely efficient. In the UK logistics market, a grocery giant built an automated warehouse. Over 1000 robots successfully processed more than 3 million items per week; this included picking, lifting and sorting online shopping orders. Whereas a warehouse on the outskirts of Shanghai processes 200,000 orders each day – a feat which would normally take hundreds of employees to achieve. The mentioned facility even has driverless forklifts to deliver the processed orders to its corresponding delivery truck. As a matter of fact, automated vehicles are a star in the world of logistics. In last-mile logistics, several autonomous ‘delivery bots’ are used, already operating across the world. Each one is efficient to plan a delivery route and abstain from obstacles to fulfil an order.
Contrarily, completely automated warehouses and delivery bots are fairly big investments – and so, may result in unfortunate losses. Due to foreseeable future of the logistics industry, simpler uses of AI-initiated automation and optimization will gain the largest traction. AI software will boost Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), predicting peaks and troughs in demands, and allowing supply chain managers to make informed decisions about planning resources. These are smaller scale, less costly, realistic investments that offer a much quicker return. Transportation companies are beginning to implement these changes into their operations, so their business processes get augmented.
AI maybe used more frequently unlike Augmented Reality, but popularity of AR is growing. AR works by adding a layer of computer-generated virtual reality over a view of the real world, most commonly used by social media filters. The problem arises when making sure where AR is integrated into a work process. It’s done so in a way that is useful, seamless and user friendly.
Smart Glasses could offer a visual overlay via their lenses. Practically, this means 3D illustrations are facilitated for employees loading cargo into a shipment, ensuring the best usage of space, and reducing the risk of incorrect sorting. There are high hopes for the technology’s ability to enable remote expertise sharing.
