Mecalux is investing a lot of time and money in research into the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in warehousing and distribution over the next few years. To this end, the Spanish storage technology specialist has joined forces with MIT, the renowned Boston-based research institute. Over the next five years, the two parties will use machine learning, among other things, to make autonomous mobile robots work better together.
Recent research by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) shows that warehouse workers are overwhelmingly positive about the deployment of new technologies such as robots and AI. As many as 45 per cent of the 9,000 warehouse workers surveyed believe it makes their work safer, while 38 per cent said they experience more autonomy. At most, one in five warehouse workers has a negative attitude towards the introduction of new technologies.
'Hive mind' for mobile robots
Together with Mecalux, MIT will explore how AI can further improve work in warehouses. During the first year of the five-year research project, two lines of research will be undertaken. The first line of research is focused on increasing the productivity of autonomous mobile robots. Using advanced simulations, optimisation techniques and machine learning, the researchers aim to develop a 'hive mind', where multiple robots operate as one and make decisions together. "We will develop a new generation of autonomous mobile robots that learn from human behaviour to improve collaboration and efficiency in warehouses," states Matthias Winkenbach, principal investigator at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics.
More efficient delivery of orders
The second line of research is focused on training self-learning AI models. These models learn independently from changes in demand, allowing them to better respond to changes in consumer behaviour. "Current distribution systems do not sufficiently take into account the complexity of logistics networks and are often based on simplified assumptions. These new models enable retailers with multiple distribution centres and shops to automatically determine the most efficient way to deliver orders based on real-time data," states Winkenbach, who is also director of MIT's Intelligent Logistics Systems Lab.
New research lab with money from Mecalux
This research lab for application of new technologies in logistics was set up earlier this year by MIT with Mecalux's financial support. Thanks to the two parties' five-year cooperation project, logistics experts, warehouse workers and transporters will be able to carry out their work with more precision. "Mecalux is putting its practical experience in warehousing and its experts in software and automation at the service of science. Thus, MIT research can make companies' logistics more efficient in the future," stated Mecalux CEO Javier Carrillo.
