The Logistics of Logistics AI Literacy in Logistics with Gather AI's Andrew Hoffman
In “AI Literacy in Logistics with Gather AI's Andrew Hoffman”, Joe Lynch and Andrew Hoffman, CTO at Gather AI, discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming warehouse operations by using visual data from drones and other machines to identify issues, suggest next steps, and ultimately improve efficiency and accuracy.
About Andrew HoffmanAndrew Hoffman is the Chief Technical Officer at Gather.ai, an AI-powered intralogistics optimization firm that empowers 3PLs, manufacturers, and retailers to improve margins and on-time order fulfillment in the widest range of logistics environments - from ambient to cold chain storage. Andrew has technical and leadership experience scaling supply chain-focused robotics companies from founding to exit, with over 20 patents in logistics, robotics, and robot coordination. He was a founding engineer at two supply chain robotics companies which were later acquired by Amazon – Kiva Systems (now Amazon Robotics) and CANVAS Technology. Most recently, he served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at tech-focused venture capital firm, Xplorer Capital, a Gather AI investor.
About Gather AIGather AI is an intralogistics AI company which collects visual data from drones, forklifts, and connected machines, integrates it with warehouse management systems (WMS) and cloud platforms, and uses AI to identify issues and suggest next steps.
Key Takeaways: AI Literacy in Logistics- In “AI Literacy in Logistics with Gather AI's Andrew Hoffman”, Joe Lynch and Andrew Hoffman, CTO at Gather AI, discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming warehouse operations by using visual data from drones and other machines to identify issues, suggest next steps, and ultimately improve efficiency and accuracy.
- AI as a Co-Pilot, Not a Replacement: The podcast reframes artificial intelligence as a collaborative tool that amplifies human capability. Much like a calculator assists a mathematician, AI acts as a "co-pilot" in the warehouse, providing real-time data and insights that enable staff to work more efficiently and accurately.
- Demystifying Core Concepts: The discussion breaks down key industry terms, clarifying the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) (the broad field of intelligent machines) and machine learning (ML) (the specific technique of systems learning from data). It also defines computer vision as the ability of a machine to "see" and interpret a warehouse environment.
- Proven ROI and Real-World Results: The episode highlights a concrete case study with Stadium Goods, a customer of Gather AI. By using the company's solution, they increased inventory accuracy to over 99%, reduced "inventory shrink" from 2% to a fraction of a percent, and saved over $200,000 by eliminating manual counting.
- Actionable Insights from Data: The conversation explains that AI systems learn from data over time, allowing them to transform complex data queries into natural language questions. This helps warehouse staff make better decisions on the fly, such as locating a specific pallet or finding an empty space in an aisle.
- The Collaborative "Agent": The concept of an "agent" in AI is reframed from a technical term to a collaborative entity. Gather AI's system—the drone, software, and computer vision—works as a partner to the warehouse staff, providing the data needed for faster, more accurate decisions and freeing up employees for more valuable tasks.
- A Leader with a Track Record of Innovation: Andrew Hoffman's background as a founding engineer at two logistics robotics companies, both later acquired by Amazon, establishes his deep expertise. His journey offers valuable insight into the past and future of scaling technology in the supply chain industry.
- A Clear Path to Getting Started with AI: For listeners looking to begin their AI journey, the podcast recommends starting with a pilot project to solve one specific problem, such as cycle counting. It also advises seeking partners who offer a comprehensive solution and a clear path to return on investment, rather than just a technology.
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