Retailers are using robotics to transform their operations by automating and simplifying the processes involved in production, warehousing and logistics, and last-mile delivery. In store, robotics is used for inventory management and shopper services.

These topline observations are offered by Coresight Research, which has published a new report that takes a deep dive into how robotics is transforming the retail value chain. As Coresight notes, robotics is increasing efficiencies and enabling greater speed to market, customization and new ways to engage with shoppers.

Here are some of the report’s key insights:

• Robotics can significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of operations, boosting productivity, enhancing the consumer experience and delivering more accurate and reliable results. Automation using robots is enabling greater customization, reduced costs and faster speed to market.

• Advancements in what the technology can do and the promise of lower labor costs are encouraging adoption. Alibaba announced it will invest RMB100 billion ($14 billion) over five years for warehousing and logistics. The global sales value of logistics robots reached $9.2 billion in 2018, a 32 percent increase year over year, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR).

• Coresight expects more retailers to invest in robotics, as industry players try to keep up with first-movers. Total investment in robotics for logistics is expected to climb at an impressive 57 percent CAGR through 2022, according to the IFR.

• Robotics is finding applications throughout the retail value chain, from production to last-mile delivery, enabling greater efficiency and more agile operations.