AI and Automation Set to Drive India’s Warehouse Revolution
India’s warehousing sector continues to expand, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is quickly becoming the cornerstone of its growth. According to a new report by Zebra Technologies, nearly two-thirds of warehouse leaders globally, including in India and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, are planning to implement AI-driven software within the next five years. The shift towards augmented reality (AR) is also notable, with 65% of warehouse operators in APAC, including India, aiming to adopt this technology during the same period.
The growing demand for faster and more efficient order fulfilment is driving businesses to modernise their warehousing operations. The report highlights that 64% of warehouse operators globally and 63% in APAC, including India, plan to increase investments in warehouse modernisation over the next five years. This move is in line with the broader global trend, with warehouse spaces set to grow by 27% globally, from 33 billion square feet in 2023 to 42 billion square feet by 2030.
However, challenges remain. Warehouse labour costs are expected to rise by 7% annually throughout the decade. To address this, companies are accelerating automation efforts, with 85% of warehouse workers worldwide, and 88% in APAC and India, acknowledging the need for technological investment to meet business goals. Despite these efforts, 74% of global workers and 77% in APAC, including India, feel they are spending too much time on tasks that could be automated.
Safety is another major concern. With warehouses handling larger volumes of goods, 72% of global workers and 79% in APAC, including India, express concerns about working in busy environments. Workplace injuries are also a key issue, with 70% of respondents worldwide worried about safety in increasingly automated settings.
As India’s warehousing industry continues its rapid expansion, AI and automation are set to play a pivotal role in enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and improving workplace safety. These advancements will also ensure that India remains competitive in the global logistics and warehousing sector, keeping pace with the growing demand for smarter, more efficient supply chain solutions.
