The audience seats at the GS1 Logistics Talks during the Logistics & Automation trade fair in Zurich were packed at times, as the topics of robotics and automation were discussed. In the past, automated processes were considered "inflexible." Will this change with "AI"—and who will ultimately prevail?
Indeed, until just a few years ago, it was argued that the relatively high costs of robotization often stood in the way, and thus the return on investment (ROI) was not commensurate with the actual benefits. Now, however, the opportunities and possibilities attributed to "artificial intelligence" are enticing, offering faster adaptation to changing conditions, as well as increasingly common "plug & play" installations that no longer require special programming skills but can be set up via an app. This is especially true when service work, commissioning via ChatGPT, and "live"-controlled remote access are no longer a mystery.
Photos: klk.
The levels at which logistics processes can be built and optimized still vary considerably. This was also highlighted in the panel discussion moderated by GS1 logistics specialist Jan Eberle, featuring Daniel Gilgen, Stefan Mahler (Swisslog), and Lidl Switzerland logistics manager Norman Peuker.
At Lidl, for example, most order picking processes in the Weinfelden distribution center, which has been operating for eight years, are still carried out manually. This is not because Lidl lacks the necessary technical expertise, explains Norman Peuker, but because a higher level of automation is not always practical; the handling and flexibility provided by human employees remain highly valuable.
Daniel Gilgen also points to varying degrees of automation, and Swisslog's sales manager, Stefan Mahler, notes that this is still a matter of weighing the options, "because many factors play a role." On the other hand, as the pandemic has shown, "high volumes of goods are simply no longer manageable without automation" (Daniel Gilgen). At the same time, it must be acknowledged "that certain processes run more smoothly manually.".
The question of which sectors will see the fastest development of robotics and digitally streamlined processes in the coming years is outlined by looking at the requirements in areas such as pharmaceuticals and online grocery shopping. Many jobs are expected to be lost in these sectors over the next three to five years. However, given the drastically worsening labor shortage, this is not entirely a disadvantage.
J. Eberle, D. Gilgen
“We are open to all technologies here,” explains Peuker, who points to successful Lidl projects in Denmark, for example. EU regulations sometimes leave no other option than to comply with demanding requirements.
Jan Eberle raises an interesting question: Could the belief that manual processes are inherently "simpler" also be misleading? After all, with every work process, innovation, and change, the team, the group of people working there, has to be "brought along" and accustomed to the new procedures until the process quality is sufficient. "That can be quite exhausting, can't it?"
Logistics and automation providers don't quite have a "free choice" as it seems, because demographic change is taking its toll. Older employees, for example, have problems with physically repetitive tasks such as lifting heavy loads, which can be taken over or at least made easier by robot- and IT-supported systems.
St. Mahler (Swisslog)
Saving on personnel costs, especially when personnel are no longer available, seems like one thing. Whether that's enough to recoup the expenses for systems that themselves require maintenance and service is not automatically guaranteed. Furthermore, intralogistics system providers offer varying levels of after-sales service. "Some are satisfied with a hotline when problems arise. Others want nothing more to do with it and opt for full service," says Stefan Mahler.
No universal remedy
Operating costs, electricity prices, and the availability of spare parts play a more significant role here, adds Daniel Gilgen. Rushing into a decision for one option or the other, full or partial automation, "can also go wrong.".
However, automation cannot generally serve as a key factor in combating the labor shortage, even though it is already very helpful in many areas. Applications further advanced by AI are now even assisting lawyers, allowing them to use artificial intelligence instead of hiring another legal trainee at a cost of 400 francs per hour to analyze the context of a legal question. In intralogistics, a growing number of companies are now benefiting from AI-supported demand forecasting in predictive inventory management, the onboarding of new employees, and the new possibilities offered by current voice-controlled systems.
N. Peuker (Lidl)
The discussion on the panel inevitably turned to cyber risks. Preventing hacker attacks is becoming increasingly important. "If someone loses access to the system for two months, it can be ruinous," explained Daniel Gilgen, highlighting the importance of effective protective measures against IT intruders. "The advantages and disadvantages are closely intertwined here," explained Swisslog panelist Stefan Mahler, describing the modern risks of the digital age.
At least: Many companies have secured themselves against attacks over the past ten years, also with the help of software specialists. And humans won't become obsolete anytime soon. Daniel Gilgen: "We still have plenty of cases that need to be solved by humans." Stefan Mahler agrees that new professional fields with expanded skills and abilities for logistics specialists will emerge. "There aren't just five cases that I can program so that an AI can solve them.".
klk / www.gs1.ch
