Comment: The growth of automation in European supply chains

Autonomous robots, which have gained traction through filling roles in areas such as cleaning and maintenance, are now expanding their capabilities to include tasks like transportation and inventory management. The rise in the use of intelligent robots reflects a broader trend of companies turning to automation to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency across their supply chains. Our own data shows a 320 per cent increase in the deployment of autonomous robots between Q1 2022 and Q1 2024, demonstrating a growing importance in logistics and distribution centers.

Drivers of adoption

Several key factors are driving the increased adoption of robots in logistics. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the need for maintaining high cleanliness standards in high-traffic areas, and autonomous cleaning robots have emerged as a standout solution. At the same time, labour shortages, rising costs, and the growing demands of e-commerce have led companies to adopt robots for inventory management. Each type of robot serves a distinct function - cleaning robots ensure hygienic, well-maintained facilities, while inventory management robots help track and manage stock in real time.

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reported that global sales of service robots grew by 48 per cent in 2022, with much of that growth driven by logistics. was largely driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, significant increases in labour costs, and a shortage of skilled workers in regions including Europe.

Specialised roles for autonomous robots

Autonomous cleaning robots and inventory management robots serve different but equally vital functions within supply chains. Cleaning robots are designed to navigate complex warehouse environments and ensure consistent, thorough sanitation. They operate independently, freeing up staff from repetitive, labour-intensive cleaning tasks, and can work during off-peak hours to avoid disruption to core operations. These robots are especially valuable in maintaining the cleanliness required for safe and compliant logistics environments, particularly in sectors like food distribution or pharmaceuticals.

Inventory management robots, on the other hand, are designed to handle tasks such as stock tracking. These robots significantly improve accuracy in inventory control and streamline restocking processes, ensuring that supply chain managers have real-time visibility into stock levels and locations. This reduces human error, speeds up stock-taking, and allows human workers to focus on more strategic tasks within the warehouse.

By deploying both types of robots - cleaning and inventory management - logistics facilities are creating  more efficient, automated ecosystems, optimising different aspects of their operations simultaneously.

Data-driven insights

A key benefit of both cleaning and inventory robots is their ability to collect and analyse data. Cleaning robots are equipped with sensors that monitor areas of high traffic or heavy usage, providing managers with valuable insights to optimise cleaning schedules and ensure compliance with sanitation standards. Inventory robots track stock movements and provide real-time updates on stock levels, allowing managers to quickly address discrepancies, avoid stockouts, and optimise storage efficiency.

These data-driven insights not only improve day-to-day operations but also allow for more strategic decision-making. By integrating robotic data into broader warehouse management systems, businesses can better plan for demand fluctuations, improve resource allocation, and ultimately enhance overall supply chain performance.

Sustainability and cost efficiency

The adoption of automation in logistics also aligns with the growing focus on sustainability. Cleaning robots, for example, are designed to use minimal water and chemical detergents, reducing environmental impact while ensuring hygiene. Their energy-efficient operation means they can run for long periods without consuming excessive power, which is crucial in facilities aiming to meet sustainability goals. Similarly, inventory robots optimise stock handling and reduce waste by improving accuracy in stock counts and minimising damage from improper handling.

From a cost perspective, the return on investment (ROI) is significant. By automating routine tasks like cleaning and inventory management, businesses save on labour costs, reduce errors, and increase operational efficiency. The global market for commercial cleaning robots grew from $9.24bn in 2022 to $11.49bn in 2023, a clear indicator of the value these technologies are bringing.

Looking ahead

As automation technologies continue to evolve, their role in logistics will only expand. Cleaning robots will become even more sophisticated, capable of adapting to real-time conditions and performing more complex sanitation tasks. Inventory management robots leveraging AI and machine learning will further refine their accuracy and speed, contributing to increasingly efficient supply chains.

The rapid adoption of task-based robots reflects the broader trend of digital transformation in European supply chains. As companies continue to explore automation, these technologies will play a key role in shaping the future of logistics, making operations more sustainable, efficient, and responsive to market demands.

Michel Spruijt, president, Brain Corp International