Modern Materials Handling Magazine Archives

March 2022 Modern Materials Handling

In this Issue:

  • MODEX 2022: On the ground at MODEX
  • System Report: CJ Logistics meets the integration challenges
  • Special Report: 2022 Productivity Achievement Awards
  • Big Picture: Automation: Why software is the star
  • Lift Truck Series: Autonomous lift trucks
Once considered the purvey of the far-off future, autonomous lift trucks have arrived. Here’s what they can offer.
CJ Logistics is integrating mobile robots, autonomous lift trucks and other technologies to improve its processes. The 3PL turned to an integration platform to bring it all together.
As fulfillment centers and warehouses become more highly automated facilities with multiple types of automation, software’s role looms larger. Issues like coordinating multiple systems around cut-off times and service levels, as well as knowing when and how to scale automated systems to accommodate peaks in demand, are two leading reasons why.
Yes, there are too few maintenance technicians. No, this doesn’t have the earmarks of an industry crisis. But it sure needs to be a priority of individual companies to hire and retain people capable of high performance levels.
In this transcript of an ISM-sponsored Webcast, Andrew Kelley and Rob Fijalkowski discuss spare parts strategy during Covid and the future.
Selected from our top System Report cover stories from the previous year, Modern’s annual Productivity Achievement Awards honor companies that have made exceptional operational gains through means like warehouse automation projects, robotics, DC network strategy and a spirit of innovation.
The AGV deployment at TRUMPF Group’s Smart Factory near Chicago allows the company’s workforce to focus on value-added manufacturing processes, while the AGVs take care of the supporting material moves, fully synchronized with the manufacturing process.
The economy has maintained strength, e-commerce is booming, and companies with distribution operations are struggling to keep up.
Yes, you read that right. Here’s the story of a patent-pending tote for automated storage systems that holds loads of 70 pounds and acts just like a sprinkler head if a fire ever breaks out.
To maximize efficiency and uptime with autonomous lift trucks, attachments are going all electric, lessening energy drain on AGVs and AMRs while allowing adoption of a predictive maintenance approach.
Modern Material Handling editor sat down with Gary Steen to talk about his career with Hannibal and the racking industry.
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Latest in Materials Handling

Services economy activity grows again in May, reports ISM
The Services PMI—at 50.3 (a reading of 50 or higher signals growth)—fell 1.6% off of May’s 51.9 reading, growing, at a slower rate, for the fifth consecutive month. ISM said that the services sector has seen growth in 35 of the last 36 months, with December 2022 being the one month with a decline. 

Autonomous mobile robot provider MiR marks its 10th anniversary
Founded in Denmark in 2013 and now part of Teradyne, MiR currently employs more than 420 people globally

Hy-Tek Intralogistics and Hai Robotics announce partnership
Hai Robotics' flexible ASRS technologies, including their HaiFlex and HaiPick A3 solutions, to be leveraged under formalized partnership with Hy-Tek Intralogistics.

KPI Solutions expands with a new Atlanta office
Supply chain consulting, software, systems integration, and automation supplier says new location extends its resources for Eastern U.S. clients and technology partners

Manufacturing declines for the seventh straight month in May, says ISM
The report’s key metric, the PMI, registered a 46.9 reading (a reading of 50 or higher indicates growth), falling 0.2% off of April’s 47.1 reading.

National Forklift Safety Day coming up on June 13
Organized by the Industrial Truck Association, National Forklift Safety Day focuses on the importance of lift truck operator safety training, with a live event in Washington, DC, and virtual/streamed component as well.

Made4net acquired by Ingka Group, with global software rollout with IKEA coming
Acquisition by investment arm of company which operates over 480 IKEA stores is expected to accelerate investment in Made4net’s supply chain software platform, and expand Made4net's global customer footprint.

Automate 2023 analysis: Simplicity and speed will further robotics uptake
Automate show analysis of warehouse robotics trends. Robotic systems are cool, now vendors tap partnerships, integration, and easy-to-use software to make solutions simpler to deploy

CLARK Material Handling Co. names J. Michael Binnie as COO/CAO for North America operations
Binnie will oversee daily operations at CLARK, working closely with the CLARK dealer network, facilitating the continued innovation of the company, as well as working closely with the CLARK management team to build on the success of the company.

Savant WMS and Locus Robotics partner on integration
Under the partnership, Savant mid-market focused cloud WMS gains integration with Locus Robotics' autonomous mobile robots and fulfillment platform.

Equipment leasing survey: April new business volume down 8% year-over-year
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s monthly survey also sees decline in new business volume versus March

enVista joins Manhattan Associates’ partner program as Gold Partner
Manhattan Associates recognizes enVista as a trusted partner and third-party integrator of its software solutions suite

OTTO Motors unveils North American certified dealer network
Autonomous mobile robot (AMR) provider partners with leading material handling equipment organizations, with the program introducing over 215 regional offices and 2,000 technicians to the rapidly-growing AMR industry.

Rockwell Automation partners with autonox Robotics
Unified robot control solutions address need for flexible solutions for manufacturing efficiencies.

IFR: Robot installs in North American manufacturing up 12% in 2022
Strong demand from carmakers, International Federation of Robotics reports as highlight of preliminary results



Latest Resources

2023 Automation Study: Usage & Implementation of Warehouse/DC Automation Solutions
2023 Automation Study: Usage & Implementation of Warehouse/DC Automation Solutions
This research was conducted by Peerless Research Group on behalf of Modern Materials Handling to assess usage and purchase intentions forautomation systems...
How Your Storage Practices Can Affect Your Pest Control Program
How Your Storage Practices Can Affect Your Pest Control Program
Discover how your storage practices could be affecting your pest control program and how to prevent pest infestations in your business. Join...

Warehousing Outlook 2023
Warehousing Outlook 2023
2023 is here, and so are new warehousing trends.
Extend the Life of Brownfield Warehouses
Extend the Life of Brownfield Warehouses
Today’s robotic and data-driven automation systems can minimize disruptions and improve the life and productivity of warehouse operations.
Power Supply in Overhead Cranes: Energy Chains vs. Festoons
Power Supply in Overhead Cranes: Energy Chains vs. Festoons
Download this white paper to learn more about how both systems compare.