Gartner Hype Cycle: rapid increase in use of mobile robots in supply chains

The use of advanced mobile robots within supply chains is rapidly increasing. It is a trend – driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation – that will be fully mature within two to five years. This is what analyst firm Gartner predicts in its new ‘Hype Cycle for Mobile Robots and Drones’.

Gartner’s hype cycles describe the five stages of maturity of new technology solutions: from initial hype to full maturity. For chief supply chain officers, the Hype Cycle for Mobile Robots and Drones (see graphic below) is therefore a valuable tool for finding robot solutions that fit their ever-changing operational needs.

Technologies that have advanced beyond the ‘Valley of Disillusionment’ and are currently on the ‘Slope of Enlightenment’ include autonomous mobile robots for transportation, robots for picking in aisles, and goods-to-person systems. According to Gartner, the trend indicates that the benefits of these technologies are becoming more widely recognized.

‘As organizations look to further improve their logistics operations, support automation and assist people in performing their tasks, supply chain leaders have turned to mobile robots to contribute to their strategy,’ says Dwight Klappich, VP Analyst at Gartner. According to Klappich, mobile robots continue to evolve, becoming more powerful and practical. This is paving the way for continued technological innovation.

Growing use of drones and mobile robots

Automation and AI solutions are booming, according to Gartner. They are approaching the ‘Peak of High Expectations’ in the hype cycle. These technologies are expected to deliver benefits over the next five to ten years.

Such solutions use drones and mobile robots to collect data autonomously. They also apply AI-driven image recognition or RFID to alleviate time-consuming tasks such as inventory management, inspection and monitoring. Furthermore, the technology can be used to address safety issues in warehouses, such as when workers have to do stock counts in hard-to-reach places.

Humanoid robots set to transform supply chain

Humanoid robots have now also entered the first phase of the hype cycle, the ‘Innovation Trigger’, according to Gartner. These robots, with their human appearance and good adaptability, are expected to transform the supply chain. Incidentally, according to the analyst firm, it may still take a decade or more before they are widely adopted.

‘For supply chains with high volumes and predictable processes, humanoid robots have the potential to augment or supplement supply chain personnel,’ notes Klappich. ‘But while the pace of innovation is encouraging, the industry is still years away from humanoid robots for general use in more complex retail and industrial environments.’