Integrating advanced racking systems and storage solutions with Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) is set to revolutionise warehousing operations, enhancing efficiency and flexibility in an era defined by rising e-commerce demands and labour shortages. Edward Hutchison, Managing Director of BITO Storage Systems, emphasises how combining pick towers, shelving, and racking with mobile robotics can deliver seamless automation tailored to the rapid pace of modern logistics.
The challenge of maintaining fast delivery times during peak seasons has been exacerbated by difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified warehouse staff. Traditional methods of simply increasing the workforce are becoming less feasible, while manual order picking across large warehouses adds costly walking time. AMRs offer a compelling alternative, providing adaptability without requiring major infrastructural changes. Their flexibility allows fleets to expand or contract easily according to seasonal fluctuations or shifting business needs, making them ideal for sectors ranging from e-commerce to fashion, food, and pharmaceuticals.
Market data underscores this momentum. The UK AMR market alone is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% from 2024 to 2030, reaching an estimated value of USD 437.6 million by 2030. This growth aligns with broader trends in automated material handling equipment, where the UK market is expected to nearly double by 2030, driven in part by rising adoption of collaborative robots that optimise order picking through intelligent routing, batch and zone picking. Such robots can double or even triple productivity by reducing operator travel times and enabling long-term operational optimisation, allowing warehouse staff to focus on higher-value tasks.
One key advantage of mobile robots is their minimal requirement for supporting infrastructure. Unlike fixed conveyor systems or traditional automation, AMRs can be deployed incrementally, starting from a single unit and scaling up as needed. Pricing models such as Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) have further lowered barriers to adoption, enabling companies to add units temporarily during peak periods without large upfront capital expenditure.
The design of warehouse layouts also plays a crucial role in maximising the effectiveness of robot integration. Narrow aisle racking arrangements optimised for robotic navigation can maintain high storage density while facilitating efficient picking routes. Robots equipped with advanced sensors require clear labelling and space to operate, with some models operating effectively in aisles as narrow as 1.12 metres. Additionally, faster robot recharge times, often less than an hour, help ensure continuous operation throughout working hours.
BITO advocates for one-stop-shop solutions that marry cutting-edge storage systems with robotic automation for a truly transformative warehouse environment. Its partnerships with multiple robot suppliers enable the provision of comprehensive, future-proofed storage and order picking solutions. These solutions include not only driverless transport systems like BITO’s LEO but also integrated shelving, pick towers, and container systems, all controlled by intelligent warehouse management software.
On a broader scale, the global AMR market is expanding rapidly, supported by advances in AI, machine learning, and sensor technology that allow robots to navigate complex environments with minimal human intervention. Industry reports forecast the global AMR market to more than double in size over the next decade, with some estimates projecting a $10 billion total addressable market by 2030. This expansion is driven by increasing labour costs, strict labour regulations, and heightened safety concerns prompting businesses to automate manual handling and transport tasks. The logistics sector, particularly warehouse automation in e-commerce, remains the principal driver, accounting for a significant share of AMR deployment worldwide.
The UK is at the forefront of this shift in Europe, where government support for Industry 4.0 initiatives and AI-driven automation is accelerating adoption. As a result, logistics operators are increasingly turning to AMRs to overcome labour shortages and boost throughput in rapidly evolving fulfilment centres.
In summary, the integration of sophisticated racking and storage systems with flexible autonomous mobile robots represents a pivotal development in warehouse automation. This combination supports faster, more reliable order fulfilment by enhancing space utilisation, streamlining workflows, and enabling scalable, cost-effective automation solutions. With technology continuing to evolve and market momentum building, warehouses that embrace these innovations will be better positioned to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s supply chains.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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