As modern logistics increasingly demands speed, accuracy, and uninterrupted operations, reliance on traditional labor is no longer sufficient to meet practical needs. In this context, robots and automated material handling systems have become the “key employees” in smart warehouse centers. Tireless and operating 24/7, coordinated by optimized algorithms, modern robots are redefining entire logistics processes from warehouse to last-mile delivery.
Overview of 24/7 Robotics and Applications in Warehouses
In the logistics industry, robots are no longer a futuristic concept; they are present at every stage of the modern supply chain. From automated conveyor systems, picking robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), to robotic arms used for packaging and palletizing, all are working continuously and in harmony, controlled by Warehouse Management Software (WMS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Large distribution centers have adopted the goods-to-person model, where robots bring products to workers instead of workers searching for products. This reduces handling time, increases accuracy, and minimizes order errors. Robots can operate continuously in low-light conditions and stable temperatures without needing breaks, creating a logistics system that operates non-stop.
Investment vs. ROI: Financial Considerations
However, deploying robots in warehouses can’t be evaluated purely from a technical standpoint; financial factors must also be considered. The initial investment for an automated robotics system is typically high—covering hardware, software, system integration, and employee training. A medium-sized business might need to spend hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars to build a basic automation system.
The payback period (ROI) for such a system heavily depends on factors like operational scale, order frequency, and process optimization levels. For businesses with high order volumes, significant error rates, and high labor costs, adopting robots can lead to substantial operational savings in 2-3 years. On the other hand, if a company hasn’t reached optimal scale, this investment could become a financial burden or operate below its full capacity.
Many companies are now choosing the “robot-as-a-service” model, where they rent robots by hour or workload, reducing initial investment costs and offering operational flexibility.
Case Studies from Amazon Robotics and JD.com
Amazon is a prime example of integrating robots into logistics operations. After acquiring Kiva Systems and rebranding as Amazon Robotics, the company has deployed over 750,000 robots across warehouses in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Amazon’s robots handle millions of orders daily, reducing order processing time from 90 minutes to under 30 minutes.
In China, JD.com – Alibaba’s major competitor – has developed an “unmanned warehouse” with over 1,000 robots operating in real-time. From order placement to departure from the warehouse, the process takes under 20 minutes, with an error rate nearly zero. JD.com is also the first company in Asia to use outdoor Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for delivery within a 5 km radius.
The lessons from Amazon and JD.com show that robots are not only tools to increase productivity but are key components in fast delivery strategies, optimizing warehouse operations, and enhancing competitiveness in the e-commerce industry.
Conclusion
The rise of robotics in logistics is not just a technological trend but a transformative shift in how businesses think and operate. Robots don’t replace people; they replace repetitive, error-prone tasks that don’t add value, allowing humans to focus on strategic roles like data analysis, system optimization, and improving customer experience.
We believe that Vietnamese businesses should embrace automation technology, whether on a small or large scale, from outsourcing to in-house investments. As speed and accuracy become the key factors in modern supply chains, those who invest early in robotics will have a competitive advantage in the global logistics race.
Source: Vietnam Logistics Review
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