The AI Impact Timeline: What to Expect
The automation of manual material moving tasks is accelerating. By 2028, approximately 60% of these jobs will be impacted by advanced technologies. Entry-level positions performing routine loading/unloading, basic inventory movement, and simple sorting face the earliest disruption, with potential impacts as soon as 2026.
The mid-wave of automation will affect standard material handling processes. As warehouse robots, automated material handling systems, and AI-powered logistics become more sophisticated, the need for purely manual labor will diminish significantly, transforming the operational landscape.
By 2031, those who have successfully transitioned to skilled logistics roles will see extended career prospects. This transformation shifts the industry from human physical labor to technology-enabled systems, creating new demands for specialized expertise.