Eva Ponce, Research Scientist and Director of the Omnichannel Supply Chain Lab at MIT’s Center for Transportation & Logistics, and Matthias Winkenbach, Director of the MIT Intelligent Logistics Systems Lab, joined Mecalux software expert Chris Huber to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping e-commerce and logistics centres. The webinar, The Role of AI in e-Commerce and e-Fulfillment, was organised by the MITx MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management, which Ponce leads.
“Over the last 10 years, warehouses have radically changed their role in supply-chain and distribution networks. They’ve shifted from being simple ‘big boxes’ to store goods to becoming complex fulfilment engines,” said Winkenbach. His research team is currently working on two projects that will leverage AI tools and algorithms to optimise inventory positioning in omnichannel networks and improve operations with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
AMRs are versatile devices that transport loads within warehouses. They navigate independently, following dynamic routes generated by intelligent software. In collaboration with Mecalux, MIT is training these robots with AI and machine learning. This will enable them to be deployed across multiple types of facilities without requiring reconfiguration, greatly simplifying implementation. “Traditional automation is rigid. However, these kinds of solutions bring the flexibility companies need — especially in the fast-paced e-commerce environment,” said Ponce.
Huber highlighted how retailers are redesigning their networks by moving inventory closer to customers and expanding access points for returns. “The decentralised fulfilment model alone no longer works when customers expect same-day or next-day delivery,” he said. “In practice, this means adding more micro-fulfilment centres outside urban hubs and, in some cases, setting up hybrid nodes that can handle both in-store and online purchases.”
Watch the full webinar on the future of supply chains.