Due to the pandemic and self-isolation policy, smart manufacturing and unmanned distribution have shown strong growth potential recently. The advantages of unmanned technology are prominent, which can improve the transfer efficiency between logistic warehouses and consumers. Thus, smart logistics may accelerate its development in the post-Covid era. 

Chinese retailers are developing unmanned shops. For instance, Suning, the Chinese online shopping platform has already launched 5 unmanned shops in China, which apply facial recognition technology to payment services, and offer shoppers an intelligent shopping experience, based on their consumption habits. Apart from China, countries like India, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia are also witnessing an increase in demand for automated systems in the warehousing sector.

Smart logistics and Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) always go hand in hand. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing an increasing focus on the market for ASRS. According to Warehouse 2020 APAC Vision Study, 74% of companies in the Asia-Pacific region have plans to upgrade their warehouse with technology, specifically to raise investment in IoT, barcode scanning technologies, big data analytics, and warehouse loading automation during 2021-2026. Also, KBV research revealed that the ASRS Market in the Asia Pacific would witness market growth of 9.9% CAGR from 2021 to 2026. 

In many Asian countries, such as Japan, the growth of e-commerce leads to an increase in ASRS demand in the retail industry. Many believe that the rising adoption of ASRS by different vendors in Japan is anticipated to drive ASRS market growth. Japan’s Daifuku is a key player in the global ASRS market involved in designing and manufacturing innovative solutions. They focus majorly on introducing new products into the market with the help of its substantial R&D capabilities. 

The additional benefits of ASRS like optimum space utilization and increased control over inventory are acting as an inspiration for the sectors to opt for ASRS, due to high warehouse expenses. It is suggested that ASRS should be fully integrated into the material flow so that the material supply can be delivered just in time to reduce inventory level. More warehouse space will be freed up for value-added operations.

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