Logistics companies in Belgium have long been struggling with
competition from other countries. Not only neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands and France
are causing headaches for the sector; low-wage countries also pose a threat. To
revitalise the sector, the Flemish Institute for Logistics
promote the use of cobots. These are robots that work alongside ordinary warehouse staff.
The ‘Cobots in logistics’ project aims to put Belgium’s logistics sector back
. Around ten companies have already signed up for the project. The collaborative robots can be deployed for various tasks in
warehouses. For example, for packing or sorting goods. “In
this increases productivity per employee and significantly reduces
costs for the company are significantly lower,” says Geysels.
No threat warehouse worker
The VIL deliberately chose to deploy cobots rather than robots. "The cobots pose no threat to ordinary workers," said Liesbeth Geysels, general manager at the VIL. "The intention is to be able to keep logistics activities here that we would otherwise lose to low-wage countries."
Reforming logistics
Belgium is busy reforming the logistics sector. It was announced this month that Belgian online shops are
relocating their logistics operations en masse to the Netherlands because it is cheaper and they face
fewer obstacles. For example, Belgian online shops are not allowed to
prepare orders at night, meaning delivery takes on average two days longer
than in the Netherlands. The Comeos trade federation is therefore calling for a
reduction in labour costs and the abolition of the ban on night work.
Editorial
LogistiekProfs
