Evaluating Factors of Adopting Autonomous Machinery in Distribution Centres using Analytical Hierarchy Process
Keywords:
Autonomous Machinery, Distribution Centers, Technology Adoption, Analytic Hierarchy Process, Industry 4.0Abstract
The rapid growth of logistics in Malaysia, particularly in Selangor, has increased the demand for more efficient and technologically advanced Distribution Centres (DCs). Autonomous machinery offers significant potential to enhance operational efficiency, reduce labour dependency, and improve accuracy in logistics operations. This study investigates the key factors influencing the adoption of autonomous machinery in distribution centres in Selangor by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Data were collected through purposive sampling of 10 experts with at least three years of experience in logistics and automation. The AHP analysis structured the decision problem into a three-level hierarchy, followed by pairwise comparisons to determine weightings and priorities. The results reveal that operational factors are the most influential, accounting for 55% of the decision weight, with infrastructure readiness and workplace safety ranked as the top sub-
factors. Internal factors, particularly maintenance costs and return on investment, ranked second, highlighting the importance of financial sustainability. External factors, such as data security and market scale, were found to be less influential but remain relevant for long-term adoption strategies. The study concludes that successful implementation of autonomous machinery requires balancing technological readiness, financial justification and workforce adaptation. Limitations of this study include the small sample size and short time frame, which restrict generalisability. Nonetheless, the findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, managers and industry stakeholders to strengthen Malaysia’s logistics competitiveness in alignment with Industry 4.0 initiatives.
References
Bonini, M., Prenesti, D., Urru, A., & Echelmeyer, W. (2015). Towards the full automation of distribution centers. 2015 4th International Conference on Advanced Logistics and Transport (ICALT), Valenciennes, France. (pp. 47-52). https://doi.org/10.1109/ICAdLT.2015.7136589
Boysen, N., Briskorn, D., Fedtke, S., & Schmickerath, M. (2019). Automated sortation conveyors: A survey from an operational research perspective. European Journal of Operational Research, 276(3), 796-815. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2018.08.014
Boysen, N., & de Koster, R. (2024). 50 years of warehousing research—An operations research perspective. European Journal of Operational Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2024.03.026
Chen, T.-L., Chen, J. C., Huang, C.-F., & Chang, P.-C. (2021). Solving the layout design problem by simulation-optimization approach–A case study on a sortation conveyor system. Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 106, 102192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.simpat.2020.102192
de Souza, R., Goh, M., Sundarakani, B., Wai, W. T., Toh, K., & Yong, W. (2011). Return on investment calculator for RFID ecosystem of high-tech companies. Computers in Industry, 62(8-9), 820-829. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2011.08.002
Dubey, V. K., & Veeramani. D. (2024). A decision-making framework for automating distribution centers in the retail supply. Heliyon, 10(10), e30854-e30854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30854
Filippi, E., Bannò, M., & Trento, S. (2023). Automation technologies and their impact on employment: A review, synthesis and future research agenda. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 191(191), 122448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122448
Görçün, Ö. F. (2022). Autonomous robots and utilization in logistics process. In İyigün, İ., & Görçün, Ö. F. (Eds.), Logistics 4.0 and future of supply chains. Accounting, finance, sustainability, governance & fraud: Theory and application. Singapore: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5644-6_6
Javaid, M., Haleem, A., Singh, R. P., & Suman, R. (2021). Substantial capabilities of robotics in enhancing industry 4.0 implementation. Cognitive Robotics, 1(1), 58-75. Sciencedirect. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogr.2021.06.001
Kai, A., Sim, K. S., & Lew, K. L. (2024). Review of automated storage and retrieval system for warehouse. Journal of Informatics and Web Engineering, 3(3), 77-97. https://doi.org/10.33093/jiwe.2024.3.3.5
Kapoor, G., Lee, Y., Sikora, R., & Piramuthu, S. (2024). Drone-based warehouse inventory management of perishables. International Journal of Production Economics, 109437-109437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2024.109437
Karim, N. H., Abdul Rahman, N. S. F., & Syed Johari Shah, S. F. S. (2018). Empirical evidence on failure factors of warehouse productivity in Malaysian logistic service sector. The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 34(2), 151-160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajsl.2018.06.012
Lavender, S. A., Sommerich, C. M., & Kachlan, A. (2025). Identifying ergonomics practices currently used by grocery distribution centers. Applied Ergonomics, 125, 104440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104440
Lotfi, F., Fatehi, K., & Badie, N. (2020). An analysis of key factors to mobile health adoption using fuzzy AHP. International Journal of Information Technology and Computer Science, 2, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.5815/ijitcs.2020.02.01
Machado, T., Fassbender, D., Taheri, A., Eriksson, D., Gupta. H., Molaei, A., Forte, P., Rai, P., Ghabcheloo, R., Makinen, S., Lilienthal, A. J., Andreasson, H., & Geimer, M. (2021). Autonomous heavy-duty mobile machinery: A multidisciplinary collaborative challenge. 2021 IEEE International Conference on Technology and Entrepreneurship (ICTE), Kaunas, Lithuania. (pp. 1-8). https://doi.org/10.1109/ICTE51655.2021.9584498
Marenco-Porto, C. A., César Nieto-Londoño, Lopera, L., Escudero-Atehortúa, A., Giraldo, M., & Jouhara, H. (2023). Evaluation of Organic Rankine Cycle alternatives for the cement industry using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology and energy-economic-environmental (3E) analysis. Energy, 281, 128304-128304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.128304
Mayadunne, S., Rajagopalan, H. K., & Sharer, E. (2024). A multi-step mixed integer programming heuristic for warehouse layout optimization. Supply Chain Analytics, 8, 100088. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sca.2024.100088
Nguyen, T. H., Le, X. C., & Vu, T. H. L. (2022). An extended Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework for online retailing utilization in digital transformation: Empirical evidence from Vietnam. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity,
Nikou, S., & Mezei, J. (2013). Evaluation of mobile services and substantial adoption factors with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Telecommunications Policy, 37(10), 915-929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2012.09.007
Sepasgozar, S. M., & Davis, S. (2018). Construction technology adoption cube: An investigation on process, factors, barriers, drivers and decision makers using NVivo and AHP analysis. Buildings, 8(6), 74. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8060074
Simic, V., Dabic-Miletic, S., Tirkolaee, E. B., Stević, Ž., Ala, A., & Amirteimoori, A. (2023). Neutrosophic LOPCOW-ARAS Model for prioritizing industry 4.0-based material handling technologies in smart and sustainable warehouse management systems. Applied Soft Computing, 143, 110400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asoc.2023.110400
Sun, P., Wan, Y., Wu, Z., Fang, Z., & Li, Q. (2024). A survey on privacy and security issues in IoT-based environments: Technologies, protection measures and future directions. Computers & Security, 148, 104097-104097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2024.104097
Tagashira, T. (2022). Information effects of warehouse automation on sales in omnichannel retailing. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 66, 102903. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2021.102903
Tornatzky, L. G., & Fleischer, M. (1990). The processes of technological innovation. Lexington Books.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Maritime Logistics
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
