Industry Wearables Are Leading the Way to Collaborative Automation Environments

International study of warehousing & logistics leaders finds 56% currently utilizing industry wearables.

Over half (56%) of warehouse and logistics leaders are currently utilizing industry wearables to improve efficiency in the warehouse, according to new research from ProGlove. The study from the wearable tech pioneer also discovered that 42% of respondents are certain they will invest in industrial wearables to improve warehouse operations in the next five years. Meanwhile, less than one-quarter of respondents are currently using full automation.

The research polled over 1,000 Managers, Directors & C-Suite warehouse and logistics professionals across the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and the Nordics. Whilst AI has dominated the news agenda in recent months, less than one in five are currently using the technology in the warehouse. It’s clear that AI investment is underway, it is just not at the level one might expect.

Planning for the future

The survey delved into how warehouse and logistics leaders plan to invest over the next five years to improve warehouse efficiency further. Semi or partially-automated systems were identified as a top priority by 49.4% of respondents, closely followed by AI technologies at 46.9%. Industry wearables remain an important focus for investment among respondents. 42% are planning further implementation of industry wearables. Full automation is a priority for just 30.6%.

“The potential is huge for human-machine collaboration.” said Stefan Lampa, robotics pioneer and CEO of ProGlove, “Undoubtedly, the number of organizations relying on automation will increase in the coming years. It’s an enormous undertaking that will bring with it a significant change in people’s work. However, there are many different boxes to be ticked in a warehouse’s total operations. As a result, the mental acuity, agility and problem-solving skills human workers provide will have a significant part to play for years to come. Over the next decade, connecting those human qualities with the power of automation technologies will be a key part of success.”

In addition to industry wearables, the research also examined the utilization rates for partially and fully automated systems. The results show that 34.5% of companies currently utilize semi or partially-automated systems, and just 22% have implemented full automation.

Stefan Lampa continued: “The results clearly demonstrate the vital role of industrial wearables and semi-automated technologies. The area has enormous potential. As we enter a new era of operational excellence, they will no doubt play an even more crucial role in facilitating collaboration between humans and machines, enabling them to work seamlessly together.”

To read the full ‘The Warehouse 5 Years from Today’ report, visit:
https://proglove.com/warehouse-in-5-years-survey/