Robotics

Warehouse and DC managers are feeling the pressure of e-commerce growth, high order volumes, as well as deep concerns around labor availability and international supply chain snarls. In response, our survey found that they’re ramping up spending for automation—but also spending more on their labor force to ensure an adequate pool of workers to keep goods flowing.

These automated fulfillment systems are part of the latest wave of technology, and they are already scoring huge improvements in distribution efficiencies. Here are some best practices to make your own army of piece picking robots successful.

Companies combined technologies target efficient ecommerce fulfillment with robotic sortation for parcel and unit-sorting, scaling automation in warehouses across the country

Expanded warehouse execution platform for end-to-end optimization product line adds heavier payload capability to address new use cases with flexible and coordinated, multi-bot integration with fast ROI.

Warehouse robotics today involves more than automating a single, discrete task that would otherwise have to be carried out by a human. At MODEX, exhibitors with robotics solutions were talking up the criticality of software for inventory optimization and order release, as well as partnerships that combine robotics systems to achieve a fully automated workflow.

After a two-year absence and a pandemic, Modex came roaring back.

Oceaneering International (Booth B9408) has completely revamped its autonomous mobile robots (AMR) product portfolio and announced the North American launch of three new mobile robots.

Vanderlande joins as a charter member

MHS (Booth B7255), a provider of materials handling automation and software solutions, unveiled an integrated, robotic order fulfillment solution developed in tandem with Mujin and HAI Robotics.

Berkshire Grey (Booth B4207), a provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled robotic solutions, introduced its new Robotic Pick and Pack with Identification (BG RPPi) system, which now includes auto-identification and item manipulation technology, for touchless e-commerce autobagging.

During a press conference on Monday afternoon, HAI Robotics (Booth C4585) discussed the recent grand opening of its demo center, which is located in Silicon Valley.

Boston Dynamics (Booth B6222), the global leader in mobile robotics, has announced Stretch, its newest robot designed specifically for warehouses and distribution centers, is now available for commercial purchase.

Honeywell (Booth B7619a) recently announced a strategic collaboration with Clearpath Robotics, giving warehouses and distribution centers the ability to easily automate operations and increase supply chain productivity through autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

After a 2-year hiatus, live trade events return and automation is the star of the show

There are sure to be some interesting autonomous mobile robot designs and features to learn about at MODEX, but what really perks my interest are integrated workflows that unite robotics with other forms of automation, with fewer manual scans or system inputs needed.