Warehouse automation is back on an upward trend, according to industry experts – and 2025 is forecast to be a boom year.
With automation key to tackling warehouse labour shortages, cutting operating costs and speeding up operations, the benefits can deliver significant competitive advantage.
After the market suffered a tough 2023, and low consumer spending, inflation and geopolitical tension continue to be a drag in 2024, market intelligence firm Interact Analysis says its research shows that “from 2025 onwards, revenues for automation companies are expected to return to double-digit growth.”
This growth is likely to be led by the warehouse industry investing in mobile robotics, both Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV).
Pivotal to making the most of AMR and AGV capabilities is for companies to incorporate mezzanines into their strategic planning for warehouse automation, says Chris Baxter, Sales Director at Hi-Level Mezzanines.
Mezzanines for robotics
Installing one or multiple mezzanines allows businesses to make maximum use of their vertical space and expand their operations without the expense and inconvenience of finding new premises. Flooring specifically designed to withstand the demands of robots is also available.
“Mezzanines are integral to warehouse automation strategies in 2024 and beyond, providing versatile platforms for optimising space and enhancing operational capacity for our clients,” Chris says.
“The integration of mezzanines with warehouse automation and robotics has become increasingly sophisticated with a focus on maximising efficiency and flexibility”.
Substantial growth opportunities
According to research and advisory firm LogisticsIQ, the warehouse automation market is expected to reach $44 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate of 15% between 2023 and 2028.
The AGV and AMR market alone is forecast to be worth $20 billion by 2028 with new applications for mobile robotics emerging thanks to Artificial Intelligence-led advances in manipulation capabilities for automatic picking and placing, and robotic mechanics.
“We see substantial growth opportunities in the long term” for the warehouse automation market within e-commerce, retailing and 3PL logistics, LogisticsIQ reports.
Automation is essential for customer fulfilment to keep costs and operational complexity in check, industry experts agree.
£700 million Amazon investment
The Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, a £700 million venture investment programme for new warehouse automation solutions, was launched in 2022 and recently invested in two new robotics solutions, one for unloading containers and one for inventory management.
Franziska Bossart, head of the fund, says: “Our vision to help accelerate automation and supply-chain innovation continues to be a key priority and unlock how we can better deliver for customers and improve our workplace for employees.”
Mobile robots “an essential tool”
This message is reinforced by robotics company Geek Plus, which has worked with Hi-Level Mezzanines on projects incorporating Hi-Level’s innovative robot-ready Hi-Tile flooring system.
“Across the globe, warehouse labour is not only becoming more costly, it’s growing increasingly challenging for companies to find the employees needed to work demanding order fulfilment positions,” says Markus Schellinger, Head of Solutions EMEA at Geek Plus.
“This trend will likely continue. Autonomous mobile order fulfilment robots such as Goods-to-Person solutions not only ensure a stable and efficient picking environment, they also help retain warehouse operators by creating a more pleasant picking experience.
“Mobile robots are an essential tool that allows companies to keep pace with new order fulfilment demands and shifting customer expectations … mobile robots also enable companies to temporarily scale up quickly in times of increased activity.”
Another area where automation brings advantages is in the context of logistics disruption, where fast, error-free picking can minimise supply-chain chokepoints.
Incorporating advanced automation
At Hi-Level Mezzanines, Chris Baxter adds: “We are working on an increasing number of large-scale projects, many of which incorporate advanced automation or robotics systems. Our clients are focused on creating environments that not only suit their business now but also future-proof them for growth over the coming years.”
When it comes to robotics on mezzanines, Hi-Tile is a game-changer, he says: “It uses robust interlocking 7mm textured PVC tiles to create the most durable, cost-effective flooring on the market.”
According to Chris, forward-thinking companies planning to invest in automation and robotics in 2025 are already making aligned plans to install a mezzanine.
Hi-Level Mezzanines
Hi-Level Mezzanines provides mezzanine floors of the highest quality in the industry, yet remaining competitively priced thanks to the expertise of our team of qualified structural engineers, innovative digital design process and advanced solutions.
For 30 years we have been creating space for amazing things to happen. Contact us today for more information at [email protected] or call 01730 237 190.
