Robotics Materials Handling: The Future is Closer Than You Think

Don’t look now, but robotics are being applied inside our warehouse, distribution center and fulfillment operations around the U.S.— and it may already be happening inside your facility. In fact, recent research from IDC finds that global spending on robotics and related services will more than double by 2020, growing from $91.5 billion in 2016 to more than $188 billion in 2020.

In this Special Digital Edition, our editorial staff has picked out some of Modern’s best robotics coverage from over the last year. We take a snapshot of the current materials handling and logistics robotics market; dig into why early adopters are interested in robotics today and how the technology is evolving; and we’ll share case study examples that illustrate how early adopters are putting different robotic technologies to work in their facilities.

Through this coverage, Modern readers will better understand that robots are indeed reliable, productive and cost effective in the right application.

Inside this issue…

• The robots are ready for work
• Robotics piece picking hits tipping point
• Adabtability as king
• Goods-to-person technologies evolve and expand
• The future of retail distribution
• AGV’s: Predictably flexible
• Navigation gets a reboot for automatic vehicles

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