The logistics industry is changing faster than ever. With increasing global trade, rising e-commerce demand, and supply chains growing more complex, businesses are looking for smarter, faster, and more efficient ways to move goods. Enter robotics.

Robotics and automation are reshaping logistics, improving speed, reducing costs, and minimising errors. From robotic warehouses and autonomous delivery systems to AI-powered sorting centres, technology is transforming the way businesses handle logistics.

The demand for faster and more reliable deliveries has skyrocketed, especially with the rise of e-commerce and digital retail. Companies can no longer rely only on manual labour and traditional supply chain models, they need speed, precision, and cost efficiency.

This is where robotics plays a major role. Warehouse automation, last-mile robotic deliveries, AI-driven supply chain tracking, and robotic process automation (RPA) are now mainstream solutions helping businesses scale up.

The global logistics automation market is valued at $34.56 billion as of 2023 and is projected to grow at a 15% annual rate, reaching nearly $90 billion by 2030. This rapid expansion is due to:

• Increased reliance on e-commerce: More online shopping means more deliveries.

• Growing demand for efficiency: Reducing errors and speeding up processes is crucial.

• Labour shortages: Companies are facing difficulties in hiring warehouse and delivery workers.

• Technology advancements: AI, sensors, and machine learning are making automation more effective and accessible.

1. Smarter warehouses

Warehousing is one of the biggest areas where robotics is making an impact. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) are replacing traditional manual processes.

For example:

• AMRs navigate warehouse floors independently, moving items from storage to packing stations. They cut down walking time for workers, improving efficiency.

• AI-powered robotic arms can sort and pick items much faster than humans, processing up to 600 picks per hour compared to 100–150 manually.

• Automated storage systems reduce warehouse space requirements by up to 40%, maximising efficiency.

2. Last-mile delivery

The last mile, the final step of delivery from a warehouse to a customer, is often the most expensive and time-consuming part of logistics. Companies are now experimenting with drones and self-driving delivery robots to speed up this process.

• Drone deliveries are being tested in remote and urban areas, reducing delivery time and fuel costs. Zipline, a leading drone delivery company, has already completed 1.3 million deliveries globally.

• Autonomous delivery robots are being deployed in controlled environments such as university campuses and corporate parks, bringing down costs.

• In India, drone deliveries are gaining traction, especially for urgent shipments such as medical supplies in rural areas.

3. AI and robotics in supply chain management

Beyond physical automation, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is streamlining back-end supply chain processes.

• Automated order tracking and inventory management reduce delays and improve forecasting.

• AI-powered route optimisation helps trucking companies reduce fuel consumption and delivery times.

• Smart sensors and IoT (Internet of Things) improve real-time shipment tracking, helping businesses prevent losses.

These systems cut administrative costs by up to 30% while improving accuracy and efficiency.

India is making major strides in logistics automation, with government policies and private investments driving growth.

1. Booming warehouse robotics market

India’s warehouse robotics market is expected to grow from $338.4 million in 2023 to $900 million by 2029, at a CAGR of 14.56%.

• Companies like Flipkart and Amazon India have already introduced robotic fulfilment centres for faster order processing.

• GreyOrange, an Indian robotics startup, has raised over $110 million for AI-driven warehouse automation.

• Delhivery, a major logistics company, is investing heavily in robotic sorting centres.

2. Government support for logistics automation

The Indian government is actively promoting automation in logistics through:

• The National Logistics Policy (NLP), which aims to cut logistics costs from 14% of GDP to 8% by 2030, a goal that, requires significant automation.

• The PM Gati Shakti program, which focuses on improving supply chain infrastructure using technology.

• The Drone Policy, which is enabling faster approvals for drone-based deliveries across India.

3. Global investments in India’s robotics sector

• Foreign companies like ABB and Kuehne+Nagel are expanding their robotics and automation operations in India.

• Indian robotics companies like Addverb Technologies are now manufacturing over 100,000 robots annually, supporting local demand and exports.

• The industrial automation market in India is expected to reach $17.28 billion by 2025, doubling by 2030.

With such strong momentum, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in logistics automation.

Looking ahead, robotics in logistics will only grow more advanced and widespread. Key trends to watch include:

• Widespread adoption of AI-powered robotics in every stage of supply chain management.

• Autonomous trucking solutions gaining traction in large-scale freight transport.

• Expanded use of drones for deliveries, especially in developing regions.

• Blockchain and robotics integration for enhanced security and transparency in logistics.

The days of manual logistics processes are fading fast. In a world driven by speed, accuracy, and efficiency, robotics is not just an upgrade; it’s a survival strategy for businesses.

For India, embracing robotics will be the key to becoming a global logistics powerhouse. With government support, strong investments, and rapid technological progress, the country is poised for a revolution in automated logistics.

As businesses adapt to these changes, those who invest in robotics early will gain a huge competitive edge, ensuring faster deliveries, lower costs, and stronger supply chains.

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Alan Lancy Barboza is the Executive Director of Flomic Global Logistics Ltd. His expertise in freight forwarding and logistics operations, combined with a deep understanding of market trends, has enabled him to identify growth opportunities and penetrate new markets effectively. Barboza’s leadership style is rooted in fostering a culture of accountability and innovation within his team.  He also has demonstrated a sharp acumen for contract negotiation and profit optimisation. Barboza’s strategic approach to managing supplier and client agreements has led to increase in profit margins. By collaborating with operations, finance, and customer service teams, he has streamlined workflows and enhanced cross-functional efficiency, contributing to the overall scalability of the business.