The trend is obvious: human labor is increasingly being replaced by automated systems. At least when it comes to repetitive tasks, but also in the case of more complex work processes. FedEx recently began using an AI-driven sorting robot at its distribution center at Cologne-Bonn Airport. It is the first of its kind within the carrier’s European network.
The fact that the trial phase was successful is not explicitly stated in the integrator’s press release. However, this is to be assumed, otherwise the traditionally rather media-shy integrator would not issue a release on the subject.
Cologne is the largest of FedEx’s seven air freight locations in Germany and employs over 900 people. In view of the continuing high demand for labor and FedEx’s constant growth, none of them need fear that the sorting robot will take away their jobs.
Advanced sensor technology
Provider of the robot is Dutch specialist, Hellebrekers B.V. For safety reasons, the machine used by FedEx is encased in a protective wire netting, allowing smaller parcels to be fed into the side of the cage. It supports the team and ensures that they can take on other and more complex tasks. According to FedEx, the robot is primarily used for sorting documents and smaller parcels with a maximum weight of 4 kg. In full operation, it can sort up to 1,000 shipments per hour and cover around 90 destinations simultaneously thanks to its advanced sensor technology.
“E-commerce is one of the growth drivers in our industry,” says Boris Stoffer, Managing Director Network Operations Germany for FedEx. “AI-supported technologies help us to better manage and handle our shipments and offer our customers an optimal service experience. This strengthens our competitiveness. Another positive effect is that our team members benefit from the use of modern technologies. The robotic arm relieves them physically by taking over repetitive, high-volume tasks.”
A testament to innovation
“This robotic sorting system is a testament to FedEx’s commitment to innovation,” says Georgiana Constantin, Manager Planning & Engineering Innovation & Properties Design. “Our customers are our top priority, and innovation helps us to provide them with a first-class service.”
The U.S. parcel delivery service company jumped on the automation bandwagon at the beginning of this decade. Then, FedEx began installing four robotic arms at its hub in Memphis, Tennessee, to automate the sorting of small parcels. Further sorting robots followed in 2022, at the Guangzhou distribution and sorting center and its hub in Singapore. Meanwhile, the integrator has equipped 17 additional U.S. facilities with robot technology, including its facilities in Las Vegas, New York and Ohio.
Broad market perspective
The use of sorting robots reflects broader industry trends. Logistics companies are optimizing their operational efficiency from warehouse management to last mile delivery. At the recent Air Cargo Europe in Munich, a Robot Dog was presented to the attendees, arousing great interest. It was developed by Boston Dynamics and is currently being tested by the Frankfurt Fraunhofer Institute for use in warehouses or on airport aprons. It can walk up and down stairs, recognize pallet systems and can be used for monitoring and surveillance tasks, reports Harald Sieke, Head of Aviation at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics. Prior to this, Fraunhofer engineers and technicians have developed a robot named evoBOT, that can perform multiple tasks at aprons or within distribution centers, which reduces the inhibition threshold for interaction between man and machine due to its cute look.
According to database, Statista, the global market for warehouse automation is expected to exceed USD 51 billion by 2030. It is an AI-based segment with rapid growth in learning and a broad scope of applications. Its future in air freight and logistics has only just begun.
