The concept of a smart packaging warehouse is not only the future of packaging and distribution \u2014 it’s much closer to becoming a reality than you may believe. To prepare for the coming reality, we\u2019ll take a deeper dive into what AI and machine vision are and outline how these technologies are going to innovate the packaging and distribution industries.<\/p>\n
Artificial intelligence is the theory (and now, a reality) that computer systems could be developed to independently perform tasks that typically have required human intelligence. Visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making and language translation are just some of the common examples of functions that AI can now manage on its own.<\/p>\n
AI is the driving force behind the creation of\u00a0the smart warehouse. The concept aims to integrate data from numerous inputs throughout a warehouse in order to make informed, intellectual improvements to its processes. For\u00a0example, An AI-equipped warehouse IT system could use\u00a0customer-ordering behavior, machine utilization and resource data to determine the most efficient energy use based on forecasted orders.<\/p>\n
Rigid programing has become a dated approach to warehouse management. Advanced businesses are focused on creating competitive advantages by integrating their IT systems with machine learning algorithms.<\/p>\n
The complex computing operations of artificial intelligence help create\u00a0smart warehouses\u00a0\u2013 where systems are able to learn and recognize patterns, regularities, and interdependencies from unstructured data. They can independently and dynamically adapt to new scenarios throughout the supply chain and realize greater efficiencies.<\/p>\n
AI effectively gains experience and learns how to anticipate situations like a human should. This ability is the crux of a machine\u2019s ability to make sound decisions up and down the supply chain, especially in packaging and distribution. As Kerstin H\u00f6fle of\u00a0Swisslog Logistics Automation\u00a0concludes, \u201cArtificial intelligence makes the warehouse of the future\u00a0more dynamic, more agile, and more responsive. The intelligent networking of machine, process and product information is a quantum leap for process optimization.\u201d<\/p>\n
AI-powered machine vision combines\u00a0machine vision\u00a0computing technologies with self-learning AI software. It\u2019s designed to improve current systems and break away from the rule-based approach that currently dominates warehouse technology.<\/p>\n
According to Wallace Latimer, Sales Director of FISBA LLC, \u201cAI is the next step where we take things that are not easily characterized or non-linear and give them to the machines to create that next level of repeatability.\u201d How will these\u00a0\u201cnext steps\u201d<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0improve the operations of packaging and distribution facilities?<\/p>\n With intensifying consumer demands and the advent of\u00a0cutting-edge technology, these three industrial benefits are just the start to the expansion of the smart warehouse. Forward-thinking leaders are determined to discover applications and benefits of AI-powered machine vision.\u00a0Experts predict\u00a0that the full benefits of this concept will take three to five years to materialize.<\/p>\n The common fear with AI and machine learning is that machines will replace humans. But for several reasons, this won\u2019t be the case… for the most part. AI and learning machines have their relative limitations.<\/p>\n While AI is more capable of crunching data, evaluating patterns in this information and performing repetitive tasks,\u00a0humans\u00a0are still superior when it comes to handling ambiguity and \u201cgray areas,\u201d considering nuance and context and making judgement calls.<\/p>\n Improving the interaction\u00a0between<\/em>\u00a0humans and machines will optimize AI integration and maximize the success of a smart warehouse. Humans still must oversee machines and ensure that systems are learning correctly, making adjustments to machines as needed.<\/p>\n Equipping personnel with valuable equipment will go a long way toward maximizing the effect of AI. For instance,\u00a0smart glasses\u00a0allow warehouse employees to keep their hands free while seeing information in their natural field of vision. This technology has streamlined the picking process and increased picking performance.<\/p>\n To keep up with the competition \u2014 or better yet, lead the way \u2014 you need to\u00a0prioritize advancement\u00a0in technology and implement more sophisticated systems at every opportunity. That being said, you want to ensure that your\u00a0investment in technology or machinery\u00a0will have a lasting impact on your warehouse and supply chain.<\/p>\n\n
How Machines Can Learn From People, Not Replace Them<\/strong><\/h4>\n