Deep Dive: Cognitive Logistics

‍Technologythat thinks for itself - this is now part of our everyday lives. Robots, networked systems and artificial intelligence are in use in many industries. In logistics in particular, the possibilities are numerous and promising. We have taken a closer look at the topic of cognitive logistics and report in detail.

The term Logistics 4.0 is closely associated with advancing digitalization. This can mean many things and covers various areas, as we have reported. Transport drones or the digital delivery bill are some concrete examples of how state-of-the-art technology can be used in the world of logistics and transport.

Another important field is cognitive logistics, which should always be understood as a sub-area of the overarching concept of Logistics 4.0. It is closely interlinked with many other aspects and is therefore blurred and cannot always be clearly defined. Basically, it can be said that it describes the development towards logistics systems that can act and make decisions independently to an ever greater extent.

Where a decade ago machines and computers were still mainly providing support, while the majority of the work still depended on humans, today they can take over entire processes independently. This can be observed by anyone who takes a look at modern warehouses, a dispatch center or a goods port. Many areas there now manage entirely without human coordination and control. Sensors, robots and vehicles communicate with each other and organize the collection, sorting and transport of stock independently. This means that visions of the future from two decades ago are already a reality today.

What's already possible: robotics and big data

We have become accustomed to robots, whether on a small or large scale. From vacuum cleaners or lawnmowers to fully automated production lines in industry, everything is possible - and yet we are only just at the beginning. Technological progress is enabling increasingly autonomous robots that can independently analyze their environments and communicate with other systems.

This offers great advantages in logistics. Especially in warehousing, order picking and loading and unloading, machines can show off their strengths; literally, if you compare the load capacity of the hydraulic systems of modern transport robots with the muscle power of a human being.

But it's not just about strength. Intelligence also counts: The German companies REWE and DM are using robots from the manufacturer Udica in some stores on a trial basis to check shelves after closing time and replenish goods if necessary. Cameras scan the barcodes of the products. What is "seen" is then processed by an intelligent system and compared with stock levels. Based on this data, the software can independently replace stock and order replenishment. These helpers cannot and should not replace human employees. However, they can greatly simplify many stock management and inventory activities.

What could be possible soon: Linking the physical with the virtual world

However, the current trends in technical and digital progress are not limited to the development of robots. For example, complex planning tasks such as route guidance or resource planning are already being optimized by artificial intelligence. These can use large amounts of data to make precise calculations and forecasts that optimize processes down to the last detail. The digital and physical worlds are becoming increasingly intertwined.

A pilot project by Telekom and Commerzbank also promises interesting findings. The companies are working with a partner from the logistics sector on a Supply Chain 4.0 that directly compares the parallel, digital financial flow with the real flow of goods. A whole range of network-enabled high-tech devices are being used in the process. This cognitive-digital optimization makes the supply chain as a whole clearer, easier to manage and also saves costs.

Technology that thinks for itself - but still has a lot to learn

So what about cognitive logistics? Will our goods be stored and transported entirely without human intervention in the future? The answer is a clear "yes". Artificial intelligence, autonomous robots, self-driving trucks - the foundations for all these things have already been laid and tested, and much of it has long been in use. Groundbreaking progress, particularly in the field of adaptive systems, is accelerating technological developments. There is no doubt that cognitive, "self-learning" systems arereal game changers. This applies to logistics, but also to almost all other sectors. However, we are still at the beginning. Regardless of the prophecies of tech disciples from Silicon Valley, there is a long way to go before cognitive systems take over all work steps and replace human labor. The future will show us when, how and if at all.

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