How Mobile Robots and RTLS Are Transforming Warehouse Safety
Warehouse workers worldwide are raising concerns about safety, and a recent study confirms just how pressing this issue has become. The report, “Elevating Every Move: The Formula for High-Performance Warehousing”, surveyed over 1,700 warehouse associates and decision-makers across industries like manufacturing, logistics, retail, transportation, and wholesale distribution.
The key takeaway? Workers believe their lives would improve if their employers integrated more automation into their workflows. As Andres Boullosa, global warehouse vertical strategy leader at Zebra Technologies, puts it: “Automating material movement, data collection, and information management helps make busy warehouses safer.”
Why Automation is Key to Safer Warehouses
With warehouse operations growing more complex, businesses must strike a balance between efficiency and safety. Increasing order volumes and the demand for faster fulfilment place immense pressure on workers. Without automation, this can lead to fatigue, higher injury risks, and operational bottlenecks.
It is therefore no surprise that the shift toward warehouse automation is accelerating, and the numbers tell a clear story. The market itself reached a value of €6.67 billion ($7.2 billion) in 2023. As illustrated below, the market is expected to grow to €15.38 billion ($16.6 billion) by 2030 — increasing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13% during the forecast period.
By implementing intelligent automation and real-time tracking solutions, companies can ensure their workforce remains safe while meeting the growing expectations of modern supply chains.
A Growing Demand for Automation and Safety
Taking the figures above into consideration, it is no surprise that warehouse spaces are expanding rapidly. Interact Analysis has forecasted that global warehouse square footage will increase from 3 billion square metres (33 billion square feet) in 2023 to 3.9 billion square metres (42 billion square feet) in 2030 — an increase of 27%.
At the same time, spending on warehouse labour is expected to increase at a CAGR of 7%. With this expansion comes a pressing need to ensure operational safety as well as efficiency.
As explained by Automated Warehouse, the demand for automation is now not only coming from the customers, but also from employees. Moreover, according to the report, warehouse leaders are taking note:
82% agree that equipping workers with more technology would boost productivity while reducing strain and injuries.
71% of those adopting automation aim to mitigate errors.
70% prioritise automation to meet SLAs and maintain a steady, reliable flow of goods.
54% want automation to increase worker efficiency.
53% focus on reducing order errors and manual picking.
How Robotics and RTLS Improve Warehouse Safety
A significant portion of the growth of the warehouse software market comes from warehouse automation-related software, which currently makes up 31% of the total market but is expected to expand its share to 46% by 2030. This trend reflects an industry-wide shift toward smarter, more automated solutions that enhance efficiency and safety in warehouse operations.
As automation continues to reshape the market, fleet management systems and Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) are playing an increasingly vital role. With the rise in mobile robot deployments, businesses require intelligent traffic control, real-time asset tracking, and seamless integration between automation systems. The growing demand for warehouse automation-related software aligns with this need, as companies seek solutions that not only optimise workflows but also enhance workplace safety by reducing human-machine interaction risks.
The traditional divide between warehouse management software and automation-related software is becoming less distinct, as businesses look for comprehensive platforms that integrate multiple functions. This trend is driving greater adoption of unified fleet management solutions like Meili FMS, which bridge the gap between mobile robot control, RTLS, and overall warehouse operations. By offering real-time monitoring, traffic coordination, and automation oversight, Meili FMS enables companies to manage both human workers and autonomous systems efficiently and safely.
The Role of RTLS in Modern Warehousing
Robots have already begun reshaping warehouse environments, taking over repetitive and physically demanding tasks. This shift reduces the risk of workplace injuries while improving overall efficiency. However, to fully harness the potential of robotics, businesses must ensure seamless coordination between human workers and autonomous systems.
This is where RTLS comes into play. RTLS enables precise tracking of robots, vehicles, and personnel, creating a safer and more efficient environment.
RTLS technology provides real-time visibility into the location and movement of assets, ensuring that both human workers and robots can operate safely and efficiently. By using a combination of tracking tags, sensors, and software, RTLS enables warehouses to:
Enhance worker safety by preventing collisions and alerting workers about potential hazards.
Optimise fleet coordination by providing real-time location updates for mobile robots, ensuring smooth navigation in dynamic environments.
Reduce inefficiencies by identifying bottlenecks and optimising material flow.
Enable data-driven decision-making through analytics that help improve warehouse layout, traffic control, and workforce planning.
By integrating RTLS with fleet management solutions like Meili FMS, warehouses gain the ability to synchronise robot movements with warehouse operations, creating a safer and more efficient workflow.
Meili FMS: Expanding Safety with RTLS
At Meili Robots, we recognise the power of automation and RTLS in making warehouses safer. Our universal fleet management system Meili FMS integrates RTLS technology, offering businesses real-time monitoring and intelligent traffic management for their mobile robot fleets.
With RTLS-enabled Meili FMS, warehouses can:
Prevent collisions and bottlenecks by dynamically adjusting robot paths.
Improve worker safety with better visibility of both humans and machines in the workspace.
Optimise material movement by ensuring robots take the most efficient, safest routes.
Enhance operational efficiency by seamlessly integrating automation with existing workflows.
Strong Partnerships for Smarter, Safer Warehouses
We’re strengthening our impact through key partnerships with Wipelot and RGO Robotics, both leaders in RTLS and automation technologies.
Wipelot provides cutting-edge RTLS solutions that offer real-time tracking and analytics, helping warehouses better monitor both autonomous systems and human workers.
RGO Robotics specialises in advanced perception systems that improve mobile robots’ ability to navigate complex environments. By integrating their solutions, Meili FMS ensures precise, real-time navigation, reducing the risk of accidents.
With its combination of flexibility, user-friendliness, and advanced features, Meili FMS not only meets but exceeds the demands of modern robot fleet management. By providing a universal solution, it empowers businesses to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and unlock new possibilities in automation.
Final Thoughts
As warehouses continue to grow and evolve, safety must remain a top priority. Robotics and RTLS are not just improving operational efficiency — they are actively making workplaces safer. Meili FMS is at the forefront of this transformation, providing businesses with the tools they need to integrate automation seamlessly while protecting their workforce.
The future of warehousing is smart, connected, and safe. Are you ready to make the shift?
Contact one of our team members to learn more.
