The integration of automation and artificial intelligence into the logistics sector: A Caribbean perspective

Abstract

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are technologies that make a global impact by optimizing manual and time-intensive processes using data analytics and robotics, thus making the task more efficient, effective and less time-consuming. This is represented in the cyber-physical context, in which humans and technologies are allowed to coexist and learn from each other.

Design/methodology/approach

The logistics and supply chain sector consists of numerous partners and stakeholders, and despite the limited inclusion of automation and AI within the sector, there are still many manual and repetitive tasks.

Findings

Stakeholders in the logistics and supply chain sector are creating awareness and slowly implementing AI and automation within their operations. The majority of shipping and logistics is done through the maritime sector, and this is expected to increase in line with the world’s population.

Research limitations/implications

Research was limited to Jamaica and a few other countries in the Caribbean. Broadening the scope to include other regional shipping and logistics industry stakeholders would be helpful.

Practical implications

The removal of sometimes mundane and even more complex manual processes in the logistics supply chain will give rise to more efficiencies and possibly increased revenue.

Social implications

Creating awareness in the Caribbean of international trends is a challenge. Empowering people to use automation and AI for the mitigation and adaptation of climate change and other disasters is yet to be fully realized. However, those who took part in the study did show a significant inclination toward the use of automation and AI in their every-day lives.

Originality/value

The purpose of this paper is to examine statistical data on the understanding of automation and AI within education, the port authority and major operators in the shipping and logistics sector throughout the Caribbean.

Citation

Foster, M.N. and Rhoden, S.L.N.H. (2020), "The integration of automation and artificial intelligence into the logistics sector: A Caribbean perspective", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 56-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-10-2019-0070