Warehouse automation is becoming more affordable and practical for SMEs, driven by scalable technologies and changing industry needs.
In the past, warehouse automation was a luxury that only large-scale distribution centres could afford. However, advancements in technology have democratised access to automation solutions, enabling small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their operations without incurring prohibitive costs. A prime example of this shift is the collaboration between Automate-X and Geek+, which has made cutting-edge automation accessible and scalable for businesses of all sizes.
The changing landscape of warehouse automation
The warehouse automation market is experiencing growth, projected to reach USD $55 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 per cent between 2024 and 2030. This surge is driven by the need for efficient, flexible, and scalable solutions that can adapt to the evolving demands of the supply chain industry.
Traditionally, implementing automation required substantial investments in fixed infrastructure and complex programming, often involving modifications to existing systems. This approach was not only costly but also rigid, making it challenging for smaller distribution centres to adopt and scale.
“Larger companies were the only ones who could really justify traditional fixed infrastructure automation,” says Jordan McFall, Co-Founder of Automate-X. “They had a lot of CapEx funds to invest in these massive projects. But now, with mobile robotics, the cost is far lower, the solutions are scalable, and even SMEs can explore automation. It just wasn’t the case 10 years ago.”
Geek+’s flexible and scalable solutions
Geek+, a specialist in mobile robotics for logistics, offers flexible and scalable solutions tailored to the needs of SMEs. Its autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can be seamlessly integrated into existing warehouse environments, allowing businesses to start with a modest setup and expand as needed – without significant additional investments.
One of the standout features of Geek+’s technology is its adaptability. Whether a company begins with a single robot or a fleet, the system can grow in tandem with the business. This scalability eliminates the need for upgrades to existing infrastructure. Instead, additional robots can be introduced, or an extension of the grid installed to enable more storage or throughput.
“We believe Geek+ is the best AMR company in the world,” Jordan says. “They’ve done the most installations globally, and the flexibility of their solutions outweighed everyone else in the field.”
Moreover, Geek+’s solutions are designed to maximise efficiency and accuracy. Implementations have demonstrated a 200 to 300 per cent increase in productivity and 99.99 per cent accuracy rates, with a quick return on investment within one to three years.
Real-world impact: Businesses leading the way
One local example is Davis Food Distribution, who turned to Automate-X to help them maximise its pallet storage efficiency without the need for a major warehouse expansion. By implementing a mobile robotic four-way shuttle solution, Davis streamlined operations and increased throughput – all without blowing the budget or disrupting day-to-day activity.
Another case involves a logistics startup that built its operations around a Geek+ shelf-to-person solution from the outset. By designing its warehouse with automation at its core, the startup was able to offer fast, accurate, and scalable fulfilment from day one – all while keeping their team lean and agile.
“A lot of businesses look at automation later, once they grow,” Jordan explained. “But this client was different. They knew from the start that if they wanted to grow at speed, they’d need the right technology. It’s the same approach Amazon took – they wouldn’t be where they are today without fast, scalable automation.”
Automate-X has completed three projects for the startup to date, with another currently in implementation. Their ability to deploy quickly and scale effectively has made them a standout SME in the space.
Automate-X: Bringing automation to SMEs
Automate-X has been instrumental in making advanced automation technologies accessible to smaller distribution centres. By partnering with Geek+, Automate-X offers tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by SMEs. Its approach emphasises flexibility, allowing businesses to implement automation at a pace that aligns with their growth trajectories.
“We’re seeing more leads from small to medium businesses who are becoming the forerunners in this space,” Jordan added. “They want to be innovative, and our job is to educate them, guide them through the ROI, and show them how this tech can work for their business – whether they’re growing or just want to run more efficiently.”
Jordan also pointed out that the scalability of AMR solutions often surprises clients. “One example is a project we’re currently installing in New Zealand,” he says. “Before the robots even arrived, the customer extended the grid to accommodate a new contract. It only added a small percentage to the overall cost but gave them much more capacity.”
The future
The evolution of warehouse automation signifies a departure from the notion that such technologies are reserved for industry giants. With solutions from companies like Geek+ and integrators like Automate-X, SMEs can now harness the power of automation to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
“Automation is accessible for any warehouse now,” Jordan concluded. “It’s not just about rapid growth ¬– it can help with everything from solving labour shortages to improving accuracy and reducing reliance on difficult working conditions. There’s a solution for everyone, and it starts with learning what’s possible.”
As the market continues to grow, the emphasis on flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions will become increasingly critical. SMEs that adopt these technologies position themselves competitively, ready to meet the dynamic demands of the modern supply chain landscape.
Ultimately, warehouse automation is no longer the exclusive domain of large corporations. The collaboration between Automate-X and Geek+ exemplifies how innovative technologies can be tailored to meet the needs of smaller distribution centres – ensuring that businesses of all sizes can thrive in an increasingly automated world.