Modern Materials Handling Magazine Archives

March 2023 Modern Materials Handling

In this Issue:

  • ProMat 2023 returns to Chicago
  • Show Preview: ProMat 2023
  • Special Report: Productivity Achievement Awards
  • Big Picture: Robotics at ProMat
  • Lift Truck Series: Telematics update
Sure, you’ll see hordes of robots at ProMat 2023, but what are they doing for operations in terms of high-value applications, and how do they integrate to help material flow? To find out, we asked a few exhibitors about the top warehouse robotic apps and trends.
Gap Inc. has mastered the art of using automation to take touches out of its processes and simplify the flow from receiving to shipping.
Modern’s annual Productivity Achievement Awards honor companies that have made exceptional operational gains in warehouse automation, robotics applications, DC network strategy, and a spirit of innovation.
A new 800,000-square-foot DC in Texas optimizes fulfillment processes and the network.
The 2023 edition of ProMat—produced by show sponsor MHI—features more than 1,000 exhibitors spread across 560,000 square feet of exhibit space.
From real-time operational data to fleet right-sizing, lift truck telematics have a strong role to play in everything from safety to maintenance and even operator training. If at first it seems overwhelming, step back, take a deep breath and go small.
The story for finding and retaining techs continues to be challenging, but manageable.
Lift truck attachments, like side positioners and clamps, can make work faster and more efficient, but they can impact the performance and set up of your forklifts.
Probably not. But now might be a good time to evaluate what they can do to improve your productivity and efficiency for not a lot of money.Probably not. But now might be a good time to evaluate what they can do to improve your productivity and efficiency for not a lot of money.
Manufacturer taps autonomous tow tractors to automate the hauling of large, heavy parts and equipment to assembly, cutting non-value added activities and enhancing safety in the process.
Modern's editor sat down with Kim Douglass, Assembly associate at Toyota Materials Handling to discuss the Toyota Material Handling Group Global Skills Competition and more.
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Latest in Materials Handling

Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas group celebrates 10th anniversary of National Forklift Safety Day
Logisnext is supporting National Forklift Safety Day through a variety of safety-focused activities. The group, which offers five leading forklift brands--Cat lift trucks, Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Jungheinrich, UniCarriers Forklifts and Rocla AGV Solutions--stresses safety first.

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.



Latest Resources

2023 Automation Study: Usage & Implementation of Warehouse/DC Automation Solutions
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How Your Storage Practices Can Affect Your Pest Control Program
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