Artificial intelligence is all the rage at the moment. It’s the hot new technology that’s supposed to redefine our future. But what are its applications within logistics, how can integrating AI change the way we work within the sector? Here are some of the benefits of AI in logistics.
How to use AI in logistics
There are two ways of implementing artificial intelligence in logistics: planning and operations. Operational AI would include developments like self-driving vehicles and automated warehousing services, such as picking and packing performed by robots. The operations of which can be optimised by implementing AI systems which can help further reduce operations costs.
Use of AI in planning means using AI systems to optimise routing of goods, allowing it to be reactive and suggest changes to routes based on emerging information. These optimisations can result in significant cost savings over time, as the AI suggestions can increase operational efficiency.
What is the future of AI in logistics?
While artificial intelligence can help people make decisions about a wide variety of things, some advocate for AI to be able to make decisions for itself. While this could aid efficiency by completely removing the need for a person from a process, it could lead to disastrous results.
Any AI algorithms deployed in this manner need to be transparent. This means that it is possible to reverse engineer why it made a decision. If an AI makes a decision which results in an error, it needs to be possible to see why and make adjustments. For now, humans should remain the ones making decisions, even if these decisions are informed by AI.
AIT has a long term plan to assess the possibilities afforded by implementing AI in logistics. Learn more about our services on the website.