47,000 cobots per annum in warehouses by 2026: report

The COVID-19 pandemic quickened the pace of digital transformation, placing technology at the very centre of how people live and work — and that pace shows no signs of slowing down. In its new white paper, 38 Technology Stats You Need to Know for 2022, technology intelligence firm ABI Research has identified and highlighted the most impactful forecasts that illuminate the direction in which digital transformation is truly heading.

“From among the many millions of data points ABI Research creates each year, we have focused on the most enlightening stats that will matter most in the years ahead,” said Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer at ABI Research. “The rise of always-on 5G portable devices, an explosion of edge AI adoption, a proliferation of smart manufacturing platforms, the formation of the metaverse and a growing concentration on cybersecurity are just some of the many changes on the horizon that are indicative of a more connected, more vulnerable and ultimately, more technology-driven world.”

In terms of supply chain management and logistics, statistics highlighted in the white paper include a marked increase in the application of robotics.

For example, shipments of collaborative robots to warehouses worldwide are expected to cross 47,000 by 2026 at a CAGR of over 37%.

This represents dramatic growth over the less than 10,000 units shipped to warehouses globally last year and the just over 2000 collaborative robots shipped in 2020.

“Collaborative robots can carry out multiple tasks with maximum precision, whereas typical warehouse robots only perform one task at a time,” said Adhish Luitel, Industry Analyst at ABI Research. “They are also able to perform better with every iteration through machine learning and are more mobile and lightweight than conventional robots.

“As collaborative robots offer various possibilities to enhance warehouse operations and perform better than comparable solutions, it’s not surprising that they are surging in popularity and will continue to do so in the coming years.”

The use of autonomous mobile robot shipments for last mile delivery is also predicted to increase from 7000 in 2021 to 309,000 in 2030.

“The challenges of last-mile delivery include shrinking delivery timelines and profitability concerns with approximately 50% of all shipping costs attributed to last mile,” said Susan Beardslee, Principal Analyst at ABI Research. “There are also scaling issues based on available staff and fleet. It is critical that businesses fully optimise the final leg of the transportation journey to not only materially reduce the cost of delivery, but also to offer a consistent end-customer experience.”

“While there are still fundamental challenges ahead — political tumult, an entrenched endemic and a broken supply chain — these statistics should provide insights and actionable data needed to chart a successful course in 2022 and beyond,” Carlaw said.

The white paper, 38 Technology Stats You Need to Know for 2022, is available here.

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