Gartner: Humanoid Robots Just a Supply Chain 'Blip'

The recent drive to implement humanoid robots within the supply chain is destined to be a momentary blip, according to new predictions from Gartner.

Warehouses have increasingly looked toward robotic helpers to meet the rising demand for supply chain efficiency, particularly amid concerns regarding labour gaps and skills shortages.

However, while supply chain innovation has reached an all-time high recently – driven by attempts to make operations more efficient through AI and automated tools – this specific trend may not progress much past the pilot stages.

Supply chain hype

Gartner, a global information services firm offering actionable and objective business insights, suggests the trend will not take off. Despite humanoid robots being developed and trialled across warehouses to assist in supply chain operations, the firm remains sceptical.

According to Gartner, fewer than 100 companies will progress humanoid robot proofs, with fewer than 20 going live in production across supply chains and manufacturing by 2028. During this period, deployments will likely be limited to controlled environments rather than busy supply chain operations.

Humanoid robots are designed to resemble human workers. They have gained significant focus from supply chain leaders aiming to reduce ongoing workforce challenges, including labour gaps, skills gaps and rising labour costs. These robots often include AI-enabled systems, machine learning algorithms for adapting to multiple tasks and advanced sensors for spacial awareness.

However, the hype surrounding them outweighs the readiness for large-scale deployment.

“The promise of humanoid robots is compelling, but the reality is that the technology remains immature and far from meeting expectations for versatility and cost-effectiveness,” explains Abdil Tunca, Senior Principal Analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain practice.

Abdil adds: “CSCOs (Chief Supply Chain Officers) must carefully evaluate readiness and avoid overcommitting resources to solutions that cannot yet deliver on their potential.”

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Barriers to adoption

Through a series of advanced mechanics, humanoid robots replicate the human form and movement. Their heads are equipped with sensors and cameras, their arms and grippers allow them to pick up and carry objects and their legs allow them to move around the warehouse or distribution centre.

Despite these advantages, Gartner notes that alternative designs are often better suited for supply chain operations. The firm points to polyfunctional robots, which utilise wheels or sensors in unconventional placements to allow for better performance and adaptability.

Gartner highlights several limits to supply chain, manufacturing and logistics adoption:

• Technological limitations: Current models cannot meet the complex needs of high-demand warehouses, lacking the dexterity, intelligence and adaptability required.
• Integration complexity: Many robots cannot form compatibility with existing workflows and systems.
• High costs: Due to high upfront costs and ongoing maintenance needs, there are not enough proofs of return to justify the expense. They also deliver lower throughput than polyfunctional robots at a higher price.
• Energy constraints: These robots have a limited battery life, meaning they cannot meet the operational time needed for high-mobility tasks.

Alternative solutions

Gartner points to polyfunctional robots as a strong alternative. These machines, often equipped with wheels and telescopic arms, are able to move boxes, pick cases, scan inventory and perform inspections. When compared to humanoid robots, these tasks are undertaken faster and with less energy use.

Polyfunctional robots also possess the capabilities to enhance efficiency and durability through the integration of new features. As a result, they are better suited for fast-paced and demanding supply chain environments such as warehouses and distribution centres.

“Companies with a high risk appetite and focus on innovation are the best candidates for pursuing humanoid robots at present, given the unproven capabilities of these solutions, and related lack of clarity for return on investment,” adds Caleb Thomson, Senior Director Analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain practice.

“For the majority of companies that will need to prioritise robots that maximize throughput-per-dollar invested, we expect polyfunctional robots to be the superior solution,” Caleb concludes.

Gartner suggests that supply chain leaders make strategic decisions regarding robotics investments, including pursuing pilot programmes to ensure validity. They should be open to collaboration with emerging providers to align solutions with operational needs.

To track performance and ensure improvements can be undertaken, there must be an implementation of continuous monitoring alongside an encouragement of innovation and calculated risk-taking.

Finally, supply chain leaders need to target specific bottlenecks and prioritise outcome-driven automation rather than working to a generalised strategy.