In this article, we’ll explain why warehouse robotics is gaining speed, how SAP EWM supports its adoption, and what companies need to connect the two.
In 2023, Amazon deployed over 750,000 robots in its warehouses — up from 350,000 just three years earlier. Was it a strategic move? Not exactly. It was a necessity to meet the 12% annual growth in global E-commerce demand.
Today, many businesses are relying on robots to keep up with growing demand and labor shortages. But plugging a robot into a warehouse isn’t enough. Without a system that tells it what, when, and how to do something, even the smartest machine will just sit there. This is where the real challenge — and opportunity — begins.
In this article, we’ll explain why warehouse robotics is gaining speed, how SAP EWM supports its adoption, and what companies need to connect the two. You’ll see what works in practice, what to expect during implementation, and how to make sure your robots don’t turn into expensive decorations.
Robots are not just for giant retailers anymore. Smaller and mid-sized companies are also adopting automation, and not because it's trendy, but because it pays off. Here are four main reasons why warehouses increasingly use robotics:
In short, robots are here to stay, not as a futuristic bet, but as practical machines solving very real problems. But to make them work — really work — warehouses need a system that speaks their language.
Robots may do the heavy lifting, but they need direction. Without a system to coordinate their actions, they’re just idle machines waiting for input. SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) is one such system.
SAP EWM acts as the digital backbone of the warehouse. It tracks inventory, assigns tasks, manages exceptions, and keeps everything in sync — across people, robots, and processes.
For companies using robotics, EWM becomes the control tower. It communicates with devices like AMRs, AGVs, shuttle systems, and sorters, handling everything from task distribution to real-time inventory updates.
Let’s break down a few popular types of robotics and how they pair with SAP EWM:
These robots navigate freely through the warehouse. EWM assigns them tasks like moving bins, transferring packages, or supporting picking processes. The system calculates optimal routes and updates tasks in real time.
High-speed cranes or shuttles are robots that store and retrieve items in racking systems. EWM manages the logic: where items go, when they are retrieved, and how to integrate them with the next step (e.g., packing or quality check).
These are used for item picking in E-commerce, pharma, or small parts warehouses. EWM controls picking sequences and tells the robot what to grab, based on order data and inventory position.
Still an emerging tech, drones are increasingly used for stocktaking. They scan barcodes or RFID tags from above. EWM updates inventory in real time based on what the drones see.
These robotic systems don’t think for themselves, but with EWM in charge, they move goods where they’re needed, reduce walking time, and organize packages for outbound shipments.
Below are the key functions of SAP EWM that support automation and make robotics useful, not chaotic.
Before robots can operate, they need to know the warehouse layout. EWM models the entire warehouse — from storage bins to work centers — so robots follow and interact with digital maps. This is the foundation for accurate movement and task execution.
Robots involved in unloading, sorting, and/or picking need clear instructions. EWM organizes inbound and outbound flows, task assignments, time management, and traffic management at docks. It ensures robots (and people) don’t get in each other’s way.
EWM keeps real-time records of stock locations and quantities. Robots rely on this to know what to pick, where to put it, and what’s available. No blind spots, no guesswork — every move is based on up-to-date inventory data.
This is where the action happens. EWM creates and assigns tasks to machines and operators based on workload, priority, and availability. Whether it’s a robot retrieving a pallet or delivering goods to a packing station, task assignment is smart and automatic.
Tasks are grouped into orders for better execution. EWM builds these orders based on type, urgency, and location. It helps coordinate robotic and human tasks to avoid delays and bottlenecks — for example, combining robot-driven transport with manual repacking.
Even with robots, people are still part of the workflow. EWM monitors workforce performance, shift planning, and workload distribution. It ensures that automation fills the right gaps and does not overlap with available labor or create idle time.
For fast-moving operations, robots may bypass storage entirely. EWM supports cross-docking, routing goods directly from receiving to shipping. It also integrates robots into packing, labeling, or kitting processes, turning them into part of the value chain, not just movers.
EWM doesn’t stop at the warehouse door. It manages truck arrivals, gate check-ins, and staging areas. Robotic systems can be used outside, too — in unloading zones or trailer transport. EWM keeps everything coordinated, so dock-side delays don’t affect warehouse throughput.
This is what makes robotics possible. EWM connects with different hardware and control systems using standard protocols (like OPC UA, MQTT) and custom APIs. It allows for seamless communication with AGVs, AS/RS, conveyors, and more — giving companies flexibility in choosing tech without losing visibility or control.
Once SAP EWM and robotics start working together, companies see real, measurable improvements across warehouse operations.
In addition, SAP EWM allows gradual automation, so companies can start with one area (like goods movement or pallet retrieval) and scale up based on business needs.
SAP EWM can be used across industries and warehouse types, from high-volume distribution centers to tightly regulated production environments.
Industries:
Warehouse types:
This flexibility makes EWM a good match not only for big players, but also for growing businesses looking to future-proof their logistics setup.
Adding robots to your warehouse is more than just a hardware upgrade — it’s a systems challenge. You can’t simply switch them on and expect things to flow. They need instructions, coordination, and real-time updates — and that’s where integration with SAP EWM comes in.
The most common issue is misalignment between the physical and digital layers. A robot may be ready to move a pallet, but if the system doesn’t know where it’s supposed to go, or if the task isn’t properly assigned, things break down fast. Companies also struggle with legacy systems, unclear processes, or robotics vendors that don’t provide ready-to-use connectors.
Another challenge is deciding where to begin. Not all operations benefit equally from automation, and not all robots speak the same “language” out of the box. That’s why the way you deploy SAP EWM — and connect it with robotics — matters.
SAP EWM can be implemented in different ways, depending on your setup, goals, and timeline:
Start with a simple question: do you already run SAP S/4HANA? If yes, embedded EWM is often the easiest and most efficient route. If not, and your warehousing is complex or high-volume, decentralized deployment (on either SAP ERP or SAP S/4HANA) gives you room to grow and integrate new tech with less disruption.
Review our decision tree to help you choose the right deployment option.
SAP EWM and robotics work well together — if integrated correctly. But getting there takes more than plugging things in. It requires smart planning, precise configuration, and a clear understanding of both your warehouse and your tech stack.
At LeverX, we help companies bring their automation goals to life with SAP EWM. Here’s what we offer:
Are you already running SAP EWM, but not seeing the value you expected? We’ll audit your system, find what’s slowing things down, and help you get it back on track.
For a free consultation on automating your warehouse with SAP EWM, contact our team.