EXPERT SPEAK
BOOSTING WAREHOUSE PERFORMANCE WITH AI AND ROBOTICS
In the Middle East , many businesses are already using robotic storage solutions to maximise space and improve order fulfilment and projections show that by 2025 , autonomous robots will manage up to 50 % of e-commerce orders , explains Rami Younes at Swisslog Middle East .
The warehousing and logistics industry is changing quickly , driven by new technologies , customer preferences , and the demand for better efficiency . In the Middle East , governments are playing a significant role in transforming the region into a global logistics hub . The UAE is now recognised as one of the top 11 countries on the World Bank ’ s Logistics Performance Index , a key indicator of the country ’ s growing logistics strength .
As businesses adapt to overcome challenges and embrace automation , they pave the way for a future focused on operational efficiency , resilience , and innovation . Here are some of the major trends shaping the industry in 2025 .
The global disruptions of recent years have highlighted the need for more resilient and flexible supply chains . Nearshoring , the practice of moving production closer to key markets , is helping companies reduce transportation costs , manage risks , and gain better control over their supply chains . Although global supply chains remain essential , nearshoring has become a key strategy for balancing cost , speed , and supply chain resilience .
Rami Younes , General Manager , Swisslog Middle East
This trend has brought renewed focus to pallet-handling technologies . High-bay warehouses , supported by crane-based AS , RS systems , are essential for efficiently managing palletised goods . Solutions like the Vectura Stacker Crane are highly effective in utilising space and providing long-term reliability , while lifecycle services ensure these systems remain adaptable to future demands .
Advanced data analytics and warehouse management systems , WMS are changing how warehouses operate . These tools provide real-time insights into inventory levels , order patterns , and potential bottlenecks , allowing businesses to optimise resource use and improve processes .
Big data also supports predictive maintenance , which helps reduce equipment downtime by identifying potential issues early . Digital twin technology allows businesses to simulate various scenarios , helping to minimise risks and enhance decision-making . This data-driven approach allows warehouses to continuously improve , achieve higher performance , and stay competitive .
As the warehousing and intralogistics industry progresses , the adoption of
The UAE is now recognised as one of the top 11 countries on the World Bank ’ s Logistics Performance Index .
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