2. Robots have long been a key part of automation in manufacturing, but they are now increasingly used in distribution centers. Robots can do everything from moving merchandise to sweeping floors and counting pallets. For example, autonomous forklifts now efficiently and reliably perform a variety of repetitive pallet and product transportation needs in automated distribution centers. How will future automation affect the value that distribution centers provide in the retail supply chain? Is replacing humans with automated equipment a good thing? (AACSB: Written and Oral Communication; Reflective Thinking)