How Technology Is Modernizing Commercial Warehouses
Technology is an undeniable factor driving transformation within every industry, including commercial real estate. Change is inevitable and sometimes difficult to accept; however, the latest industrial boom due to the expansion of e-commerce sales and faster delivery times has accelerated the need for automation in warehouse facilities.
According to the NAIOP article, Technology is Changing the Shape and Value of Warehouses, “We at the MIT Center for Real Estate think of autonomous real estate as including automated systems like robots that are zipping up and down the aisles, and indoor drones that fly around inside the warehouse and pick things off the shelves. There are driverless forklifts and pallet movers.
Outside of the four walls, there is some autonomous activity in the yard. There are autonomous electric yard trucks that don’t go beyond the front gate but move things around in the yard, like getting containers to the right docks. There are drones that remain in the yard and monitor the outside of the building or they monitor and direct traffic around the yard.
One person I interviewed described these kinds of automated warehouses as vending machines with roofs. They are not devoid of people, but they are so automated that the people operate around the edges.”
This brings new meaning to the phrase “the new normal.” The innovation and capabilities of these advanced technologies are extraordinary. As automation drives the evolution of warehouses, structural and building requirements are also transforming.
Why Modern Warehouses Need Structural Upgrades
The once-simple warehouse—with loading docks, high ceilings, and open floor plans—is now evolving into high-tech facilities with state-of-the-art specifications. For existing buildings, ensuring the core infrastructure can support these advancements is essential to prevent vulnerabilities.
Prepare Your Warehouse for the Future with Saunders Seismic
As warehouses evolve with cutting-edge technology, it is crucial to ensure your building’s core infrastructure can support these advancements. Saunders Seismic specializes in commercial seismic retrofits and structural strengthening to help your facility meet modern demands.
Contact us today to discuss your building’s needs and embrace the future of industrial innovation.