Within the scope of technological developments and digitalization, studies on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems have gained great momentum. It is predicted that these two subjects, which are very popular today, will have large market shares in the coming years. In the report published by Accenture on artificial intelligence, it was stated that artificial intelligence technologies will be used in 16 different industries by 2035. Moreover, this will lead to an economic growth of 1.7 percent.
On the other hand, several different studies on full and semi-autonomous systems are being carried out simultaneously.
Especially with the global pandemic, the logistics sector, which reacts quickly at the point of digitalization and adaptation to the new normal, has also focused on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. It is also known that artificial intelligence and autonomous systems make a great contribution to the logistics sector and reduce carbon emissions. Experts point out that the logistics sector will become even more digital in the future and smart applications will become widespread.
The impact of digital transformation in the industry is enormous
Technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, Internet of things, robotics and coding introduced by Industry 4.0, which covers end-to-end automation in the fields of production, logistics and supply chain, have paved the way for smart applications in the logistics sector. Taking firm steps towards digitalization within the scope of Industry 4.0, logistics industry has managed to leave several different sectors behind in terms of competition as of the point it has reached.
Artificial intelligence technology changing everything
Large-scale investments are being made in artificial intelligence technology and studies around the world by developed countries such as the United States, China, Russia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. In particular, China set a record in this area by allocating a budget of $ 217 billion to artificial intelligence technologies in 2017. It is presumed that the number of artificial intelligence studies for different industries and the investments to be made on these studies will increase in the coming years.
Autonomous systems re-shapes everything
Another trending topic within the scope of digitalization is the autonomous systems. The capacity of semi- and full autonomous systems to develop a faster and more accurate decision mechanism necessitates the digital transformation of the logistics sector. At this point, the rate of autonomous systems utilization in airline, highway, seaway and railway logistics is gradually increasing.
What does it add to the logistics sector?
Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems contribute to the logistics sector in many ways. Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are seen to be the decisive factor in areas such as logistics modeling, planning, warehouse locations and competition.
Why has digitalization gained momentum?
With the pandemic, the new “normal” rules have rebuilt the forms of work in some industries. On the other hand, the fact that e-commerce has reached large volumes all over the world and the shrinking of square meters were among the factors that accelerated the digitalization efforts in the logistics sector. Having adapted quickly to technological developments and digital transformation, the logistics companies have managed to take one step ahead of their competitors.
Smart applications of the logistics sector
Large-scale technology operating in the logistics industry and logistics companies have managed to develop smart applications for their needs. Some of the applications are as follows:
– Amazon Go: Enabling the supply of products without any cash register or payment transactions, Amazon Go application identifies the customer identity via a mobile application and allows customers to make automatic payments.
– Pepper Parlor: Developed by Softbank Robotics, Pepper Parlor is a system in which 3 different robot types are actively working. Semi-humanoid robots increase the efficiency of shopping by entertaining customers in various ways during the supply.
– Hema Market: Customers are provided with autonomous service at Hema Market, a robotic store of Alibaba. Customers request services through the Hema application, and then the whole process proceeds autonomously.
– Cunda: Launched by Migros with the support of TUBITAK, the robot named Cunda appears as an autonomous system that is currently in the testing phase. Cunda has the capacity to follow the order and labels in the store.
– Audi Easy Connect: Launched jointly by Amazon and DHL, the Audi Easy Connect application delivers orders to customers in an autonomous vehicle and locks the vehicle with an automatic encryption system after the customer receives the product.
– Toyota E-Pallet: The autonomous mobile vehicle; Toyota E-pallet provides services in many areas, including ride sharing, delivery, retail and sales processes.
Smart warehouses and robotic workers
Smart warehouse is another innovation that artificial intelligence and autonomous systems bring to the logistics sector. One of the largest e-commerce companies in China; JD.com employs only 4 people in the huge warehouse opened in Shanghai. The remaining warehouse workers are autonomous robots. In this way, the company saves costs and minimizes problems arising from occupational safety. Alibaba, on the other hand, is known to have more than 60 robots working in its warehouse located in Huiyang district. Autonomous robots have reduced the need for workers in the warehouse by 70 percent. It is stated that the robots produced by Quicktron company carry a load of up to 500 kilograms. The logistics sector has the opportunity to respond quickly to the procurement process with smart warehouses.
Artificial intelligence controlled autonomous systems are being developed
The automotive sector has made apparent contributions to the logistics industry. Otto, a subsidiary of Uber, is working intensively on autonomous vehicles needed by well-established automotive giants such as Volvo, Scania and Ford Otosan in the logistics sector. It is thought that in the future semi- and full autonomous heavy vehicles will be controlled from a single center via artificial intelligence.
Futuristic tools will be used
One of the areas that receives the most investment in the logistics sector and sounds interesting is drone transportation. Large-scale technology, logistics and aviation companies are showing great interest in drone transportation, which will provide mobility, especially in rural areas. In addition to drone transportation, it is also thought that logistics companies will benefit from zeppelins in the procurement process in the coming years.
Carbon emissions are decreasing
Carbon emissions trigger climate change, which is a common problem of the whole world. The fact that the logistics sector keeps pace with technological developments and digitalization will prepare the ground for reducing carbon emissions in particular. Logistics companies will act with the “zero emission” motto in the future.
