Can Machines Pick Up the Slack?
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the US labor force. Quit rates remain high, while many workers transition to new jobs to support better work-life balance, offering remote work options, and increased compensation. This shift has left several industries scrambling to hire and retain quality workers.
According to the US Chamber of Commerce, “The manufacturing industry as a whole faced a major setback after losing roughly 1.4 million jobs during the onset of the pandemic…as of January 2024, a gap persists, with 622,000 total manufacturing job openings yet to be filled.” Even in pre-pandemic times, reports show finding reliable warehouse workers was challenging. The negative impact this is having on warehouses across the US is astronomical. Without a dependable labor force, the infrastructure of these businesses becomes fragile.
Leveraging Technology to Create a More Reliable and Efficient Workforce
With less manpower available for warehouses, businesses are exploring other options to fulfill their production needs. To compensate for the shortage of skilled labor, many manufacturers have turned to technology. Automation and robotics offer the ability to streamline processes and increase efficiency. This includes the implementation of advanced robotics, machine learning algorithms, and AI-driven systems to handle repetitive tasks and augment human labor.
Forbes states, “Part of the solution to this problem, unsurprisingly, is Artificial Intelligence. As with other industries, it is inevitable that many formerly human jobs will be replaced with AI. But instead of worrying about jobs at risk from AI, in this case you should be thinking about how AI can help keep your operations running and your human staff employed.” In past years, people were concerned that robots and AI would be taking jobs from humans. Even without the shortage creating a need for an alternative to labor workers, robots and AI can offload nonvalue-adding activity allowing businesses to do more with the same amount of people. It’s ultimately a win-win scenario.
Mobile Robots in Manufacturing
Utilizing mobile robots in manufacturing is not a new concept. AGVs have played a role in moving materials and products for more than 70 years. Advancements in the last few decades have made AGVs more reliable, efficient, and safer than ever before.
Mobile robots thrive in environments that have predictable and repetitive tasks such as transporting goods through warehouses and factory floors in place of forklift operators and loading crews. “AI-powered robotic innovations can save at least 75% of the labor costs of using humans alone, enable 24-hour continuous production, and help avoid injury from assembly line dangers, heavy materials handling, and repetitive movements” (Forbes).
Maximizing Benefits with Custom AGV Systems
Most AGV companies generally sell a few different standard vehicle options. The customer chooses whichever vehicle fits closest to what they need. The vehicles are just programmed to run around and pick up products. The companies purchasing the AGVs are responsible for writing integration software to get the vehicle, system, and existing processes to efficiently work together.
Custom AGV systems on the other hand, can be designed and programmed to meet the specific needs of a facility, taking into account factors such as product specifications and workflow requirements. This customization ensures optimal performance and efficiency within the existing infrastructure.
At America in Motion, we believe in taking a holistic approach to automation systems. Working alongside our customers to really understand their operations to tailor solutions that will bring them the most efficiency and profitability. We help companies automate their processes with no human intervention so operations can run themselves to free up their staff to focus more on high-value, high-profit tasks. Custom AGV mobile robots are also able to adapt as companies grow and scale.
Utilizing Technology to Future-Proof Warehouses
AGV mobile robots offer a smart solution for companies looking to address labor shortage issues and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly automated world. With advancements in robotics and automation technologies, AGVs are continually evolving to become more intelligent, autonomous, and capable of handling a wider range of tasks. By integrating mobile robots into their operations, companies can future-proof their businesses by staying ahead of technological trends and remaining competitive in the marketplace.
If you're eager to explore these concepts further and learn more on how custom AGV solutions can solve your labor recruitment and retention challenges, we're here to help.
Click the link below to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced experts today. Whether you're seeking personalized advice, or additional resources, or simply want to learn more about our AGV system solutions, we're ready to support you every step of the way.
References:
Furguson, Stephanie. “Understanding America’s Labor Shortage: The Most Impacted Industries” U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 13 May. 2024, https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/understanding-americas-labor-shortage-the-most-impacted-industries
Gow, Glenn. “The Labor Shortage Is Killing American Manufacturing. Here’s How AI Can Bring It Back To Life.” Forbes. 28 Aug. 2022, https://www.forbes.com/sites/glenngow/2022/08/28/the-labor-shortage-is-killing-american-manufacturing-heres-how-ai-can-bring-it-back-to-life/?sh=3fad9e797374
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