Robots are increasingly used in industrial automation, not just in manufacturing, but also to support logistics and warehousing. A BBC news report from November $2022$ claimed that $[$a$]$lready about three quarters of the packages delivered by the e$-$commerce giant $[$Amazon$]$ have been touched by some kind of robotic system$$ with the expectation of reaching $100\%,$ or just about, in the next five years$($BBC News, $2022).$

A search on YouTube for fulfilment robot $($ocado OR amazon$)$ turns up a large number of short documentary style videos that provide a glimpse inside the warehouse facilities of two companies that make significant use of robots in fulfilment centres.

Write a short article about the current state of robotics used in the warehousing and fulfilment sector. You may include robots and artificial intelligence $($AI$)$ systems that are commercially available or that exist as prototypes. You should base your research on written as well as video sources.

Write no more than $700$ words, excluding your reference list.

Your article should be based on the following plan.

Give three examples of robots or AI systems designed for use in warehouses or fulfilment centres. For each example you should outline the tasks the robot or AI system can complete.

$(3$ marks$)$

Give a brief description of each robot or system, referring to concepts and topics discussed in the robotics block. You should cover four elements for each system, such as the level of autonomy, the sensors used, the actuators used, how the system is powered or how $$intelligent$$ the system is$.$

$(12$ marks$)$

Briefly discuss some of the potential difficulties in using robots in a warehouse setting.

$(3$ marks$)$

Briefly discuss any relevant safety related issues and how safety concerns might be addressed.

$(3$ marks$)$

Briefly discuss any social or ethical issues associated with using robots in fulfilment centre roles.

$(3$ marks$)$

Give full references to the sources you use, including any module materials and external sources. Make sure you cite those references where appropriate in your answer. Use the Cite Them Right Harvard referencing style and follow the guidance at Referencing and plagiarism.

$(3$ marks$)$

Marks will also be allocated for the overall quality of your writing in this question $($including clarity, structure, spelling, punctuation and grammar$).$