Robots/Automated Equipment Archives - Material Handling Wholesaler

The next growth opportunity in Aftermarket Distribution is better visibility

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 05:00:25 +0000

For years, growth in aftermarket distribution came mostly from breadth. More SKUs, more suppliers, and more geographic reach usually meant a stronger competitive position. Distributors and wholesalers now operate in a different environment. Customers still want selection, but they increasingly care about certainty. They want to know that the right part is available, that it can be found quickly, and that it can reach the right location without friction. In aftermarket distribution, that certainty matters because the stakes are often tied directly to service levels, equipment uptime, and customer retention. Aftermarket networks across industrial equipment, healthcare, automotive, retail, and other service-driven industries are under pressure to move faster on tighter margins, through unpredictable disruptions, and against rising customer expectations. End users have grown accustomed to real-time visibility and fast fulfillment in other parts of their lives. They now expect the same from the aftermarket operations that keep their equipment, facilities, and businesses running. For manufacturers and solution providers trying to expand through dealer and distributor partnerships, that shift is both a challenge and an opportunity. The companies gaining ground are not simply putting another product into the market. They are helping distributors solve operational problems that affect service levels, inventory performance, and customer satisfaction. Visibility has become one of the clearest differentiators. Aftermarket distribution is especially complex because demand is often difficult to predict. A distributor may carry thousands of slow-moving parts, many of which are ordered infrequently but become urgent the moment they are needed. Inventory may be spread across central distribution centers, branches, dealers, service locations, technician vehicles, and supplier networks. The part may exist somewhere in the network, but if teams cannot see it, allocate it, or move it quickly, the customer still experiences a service failure. Many distributors still run on fragmented systems that make it hard to maintain an accurate, real-time view of inventory across warehouses, branches, suppliers, and fulfillment channels. Teams burn time reacting to shortages, chasing down stock, or reconciling information by hand across disconnected platforms. Those inefficiencies create delays that spread through the supply chain. Technology, data, and operational intelligence are starting to change how the aftermarket runs. Real-time visibility tools, AI-driven forecasting, and smarter warehouse execution help distributors shift from reacting to predicting. Instead of discovering problems after a service commitment is already at risk, teams can see demand patterns, identify shortages earlier, rebalance inventory, and improve fulfillment across locations. The value is not only in knowing where the inventory is. It is also in knowing what to do next. If an urgent service order comes in, distributors need to understand where the part is available, which orders should be prioritized, whether an alternate location can fulfill it faster, and how warehouse teams can execute without causing further disruption. Visibility becomes more powerful when it is connected to execution. For distributors, that shows up in real results. Order accuracy improves. Stockouts drop. Turnaround times shorten. Service teams respond faster, and customers stay longer. For manufacturers and solution providers, helping partners reach those outcomes builds a stronger case than product features alone. The strongest channel relationships are built on operational partnership rather than transactional selling. That means understanding what distributors deal with day-to-day, including labor constraints, warehouse complexity, intermittent demand, and growing service expectations. It also means recognizing that distributors must support multiple fulfillment models simultaneously, from bulk replenishment and branch transfers to direct-to-customer shipping, technician replenishment, and urgent service calls. Partners who simplify that complexity and improve agility earn their value over time. Growth does not always mean entering new markets. Often, the bigger opportunity sits in helping existing partners operate more effectively and profitably. That can mean better inventory intelligence, improved warehouse workflows, smarter replenishment, more accurate allocation, or wider visibility across the supply chain. Even small operational gains add up when they scale across a large distribution network. The aftermarket has always run on relationships, reliability, and responsiveness. Those fundamentals hold. What has changed is the level of operational performance required to deliver them consistently. As distributors navigate economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and shifting customer expectations, they will favor partners who help them move with more speed, confidence, and resilience. The opportunity for growth is no longer about adding another line to the catalog. It is about helping distribution partners clear the operational hurdles that stand between them and better service. The companies that recognize that shift and build around visibility, intelligence, and execution will be positioned to grow. About the Author Vee Srithayakumar is a product leader in warehouse management at Tecsys, driving innovation through AI-driven and advanced warehouse execution system initiatives. His contributions to the supply chain industry earned him recognition as a 2024 Supply & Demand Chain Executive “Pros to Know.”

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E Tech Group to host live session on Hidden IT/OT Risks Blocking AI adoption in manufacturing

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:17:00 +0000

E Tech Group, a provider of industrial automation and systems integration, 2025 System Integrator of the Year, and Platinum certified Rockwell Automation Partner, today announced an upcoming live session, “AI-Ready or Not: The Hidden IT/OT Risks Blocking AI in Manufacturing.” Taking place June 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET, the session will explore the often-overlooked infrastructure and data challenges manufacturers must address to successfully deploy artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives at scale. As manufacturers accelerate investments in AI and advanced analytics, many encounter unexpected barriers rooted in their existing IT and operational technology (OT) environments. Challenges related to data quality, system integration, and infrastructure readiness remain key obstacles. Issues such as unstable network architecture, fragmented systems, inconsistent data, and gaps in historian strategy can significantly limit the effectiveness of AI-driven solutions. This live session is designed to help manufacturing leaders identify and address these foundational challenges before they derail AI initiatives. Register here: https://etechgroup.com/ai-ready-or-not-the-hidden-it-ot-risks-blocking-ai-in-manufacturing/ “Manufacturers are under pressure to adopt AI, but many are trying to build on a foundation that isn’t ready,” said Matt Wise, CEO of E Tech Group. “Without a secure, well-architected IT/OT environment, organizations risk stalled initiatives and missed ROI. This session will help leaders better understand the risks and take a more strategic approach to AI readiness.” The session will be led by E Tech Group subject matter experts Eric Medecke, Director of IT/OT Solutions, and Kevin Romer, Industrial IT Specialist, who bring deep experience in industrial cybersecurity, network architecture, and IT/OT convergence. Together, they will guide attendees through real-world challenges and practical solutions for strengthening the infrastructure required to support AI. During the session, attendees will: Identify common IT/OT risks that hinder AI deployment in manufacturing environments Evaluate the readiness of their infrastructure, data architecture, and systems integration Participate in an interactive “AI-Ready or Not?” diagnostic to benchmark their current state Learn practical strategies to improve data reliability, system connectivity, and scalability “Manufacturers need a clear picture of how their systems, networks, and data environments are performing and where vulnerabilities exist,” said Eric Medecke, Director of IT/OT Solutions at E Tech Group. “By identifying gaps in cybersecurity, network design, and system integration, organizations can prioritize improvements that reduce risk and create a scalable foundation for AI and other advanced technologies.” With deep expertise in industrial automation, digital transformation, and systems integration, E Tech Group helps manufacturers bridge the gap between IT and OT, ensuring data flows securely and reliably from the plant floor to enterprise systems. This integrated approach enables organizations to move beyond pilot programs and successfully scale AI initiatives across operations. The session is intended for professionals across manufacturing organizations, including leaders in IT, operations, engineering, and maintenance who are responsible for driving digital transformation and operational performance. For more insights into E Tech Group’s role in industrial automation, follow the Beyond Tech podcast and visit etechgroup.com.

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The Second Global Unmanned Forklift Application Scenario finals 2026 concluded successfully

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:36:45 +0000

On May 22, the highly anticipated “The Second Unmanned Forklift Application Scenario Competition Finals and Embodied Wheeled Humanoid Robot Skill Demonstration 2026,” which garnered significant industry attention, was held in Hangzhou’s Qiantang District. Under the theme “Human-Machine Collaboration, Intelligence Leading the Future,” the event brought together leading unmanned forklift manufacturers and cutting-edge companies developing embodied wheeled humanoid robots for competitive demonstrations. This annual flagship gathering for intelligent logistics and smart manufacturing attracted nearly 10,000 professional attendees from across the country, both in-person and online, who witnessed the proceedings. Numerous end-user enterprises participated in on-site business discussions, generating a cumulative intended order value of RMB 500 million during the event. This competition is jointly organized by the Development and Reform Bureau of Qiantang District, Hangzhou Cit, the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), the Xinwan Subdistrict Office of the People’s Government of Qiantang District, Hangzhou City, China Mobile Robot Industry Alliance (CMRA), and Humanoid Robot Scene Application Alliance (HRAA), undertaken by Shenzhen New Strategy Media Co., Ltd., and co-organized by the Human Resources and Social Security Bureau of Qiantang District, Hangzhou City, Hangzhou Polytechnic, Zhejiang HCGZ Intelligence Technology Robot Co., Ltd., Hefei Gen-song Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., Kuka Robotics (Guangdong) Co., Ltd., Hangzhou EED Transmission Equipment Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Zhongzhi Chuangtuo Technology Co., Ltd., and Zhejiang Rebot Technology Co., Ltd. The competition also received strong support from five technical support partners: Hangzhou LINKOM Information Technology Co., Ltd., Shandong Free-Optics Technology Co., Ltd., Zhejiang IPLUSMOBOT Technology Co., Ltd., Orange Rabbit Automation Manufacturing (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., and Deutronic Electronic Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., which provided precise positioning, detection, and network support for the event. The Second Unmanned Forklift Application Scenario Competition Finals 2026 continued to focus on real industrial scenarios, featuring three competition tracks: Track 1 emphasized high-precision stacking and transfer; Track 2 focused on flexible handling and obstacle avoidance; and the outdoor track tested platform loading/unloading and stacking capabilities. Eight companies advanced to the finals, competing fiercely with their unmanned forklift solutions. Compared to the inaugural competition, the most significant innovation of this event is the introduction of an embodied wheeled humanoid robot skill demonstration. The manufacturers of these robots showcased models capable of autonomous reasoning, training-free disordered grasping, 3D visual perception, and “multi-form” collaborative control capabilities. To ensure the professionalism and fairness of the competition, a panel of judges from terminal manufacturing companies monitored the entire event. Additionally, referees, commentators, technical consultants, and notaries were invited to conduct rigorous evaluations on multiple criteria, including processing time, precision, safety, and compliance with standards. After a day of intense competition, the major awards were finally announced: [Outdoor Track] Gold award Hefei Gen-song Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Silver award Zhejiang HCGZ Intelligence Technology Robot Co., Ltd. Bronze award Hefei Hagong Kuxun Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Image: Chi Ma, Deputy General Manager of Siasun and Chairman Unit of CMRA, presented the award to Gen-song Image: Chi Ma, Deputy General Manager of Siasun and Chairman Unit of CMRA, presented the award to HCGZ Intelligence Image: Chi Ma, Deputy General Manager of Siasun and Chairman Unit of CMRA, presented the award to HRG [Track 1] Gold award Shanghai Noblelift Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Silver award Shenzhen New Trend International Logistics Technology Co., Ltd. Bronze award Zhejiang HCGZ Intelligence Technology Robot Co., Ltd. Suzhou Beacon Robot Technology Co., Ltd. Efficiency Excellence Award Suzhou AGV Robot Co., Ltd. Image: Maoqing Xie, Deputy Dean of Intelligent Manufacturing at Hangzhou Polytechnic and Deputy Dean of the New Manufacturing Training College, presented the award to Noblelift Image: Maoqing Xie, Deputy Dean of Intelligent Manufacturing at Hangzhou Polytechnic and Deputy Dean of the New Manufacturing Training College, presented the award to NTI Image: Maoqing Xie, Deputy Dean of Intelligent Manufacturing at Hangzhou Polytechnic and Deputy Dean of the New Manufacturing Training College, presented the award to HCGZ Intelligence Image: Maoqing Xie, Deputy Dean of Intelligent Manufacturing at Hangzhou Polytechnic and Deputy Dean of the New Manufacturing Training College, presented the award to Beacon Robot Image: Maoqing Xie, Deputy Dean of Intelligent Manufacturing at Hangzhou Polytechnic and Deputy Dean of the New Manufacturing Training College, presented the award to AGV [Track 2] Gold award Shenzhen New Trend International Logistics Technology Co., Ltd. Silver award Shanghai Noblelift Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Bronze award Suzhou Beacon Robot Technology Co., Ltd. Smart Scheduling Award AGILOX China Co., Ltd. Suzhou AGV Robot Co., Ltd. Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to NTI Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to Noblelift Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to Beacon Robot Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to AGV Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to AGV [Comprehensive Performance Award] Gold award Shanghai Noblelift Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Zhejiang HCGZ Intelligence Technology Robot Co., Ltd. Silver award Shenzhen New Trend International Logistics Technology Co., Ltd. Bronze award Suzhou Beacon Robot Technology Co., Ltd. Suzhou AGV Robot Co., Ltd. Image: Huan Chen, Director of the Third Economic Development Division at the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), presented the award to Noblelift Image: Huan Chen, Director of the Third Economic Development Division at the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), presented the award to HCGZ Intelligence Image: Huan Chen, Director of the Third Economic Development Division at the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), presented the award to NTI Image: Huan Chen, Director of the Third Economic Development Division at the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), presented the award to Beacon Robot Image: Huan Chen, Director of the Third Economic Development Division at the Development and Construction Command of Hangzhou Eastern Bay New City (Inno & Entre Town), presented the award to AGV The First Wheeled Humanoid Robot Skill Demonstration Excellent innovation award Chengdu Ruixinxing Technology Co., Ltd. Elite Intelligent Robot Co., Ltd. Guian New Area VMR Technology Co., Ltd. Anhui LindenBot Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. Image: Jinke Li, Secretary-General of CMRA, presented the award to the winning enterprises This competition serves not only as

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Noblelift wins two Gold awards and one Silver at the 2026 Unmanned Forklift Application Competition

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:29:44 +0000

From May 21–23, 2026, the 2nd Unmanned Forklift & Wheeled Humanoid Robot Industry Forum and Competition took place in Hangzhou. The competition focused on real-world logistics scenarios, including unmanned forklifts, high-density storage, loading/unloading, sorting, and multi-system coordination. For participating teams, it was more than a technical showcase—it was a comprehensive test of execution, stability, efficiency, and adaptability to real-world scenarios. This year, Noblelift’s consistent performance earned: 🏆 Gold – Unmanned Forklift for Efficient Loading & Sorting 🏆 Gold – Unmanned Forklift for High-Density Storage 🥈 Silver – Overall Performance Award Noblelift was the only team to win two gold awards and one silver in this competition. Last year, Noblelift also won double championships. From last year’s success to this year’s two gold awards and one silver, these results reflect long-term technical expertise and practical scenario experience. Unmanned forklifts are moving from demonstration to practical intralogistics applications. In loading and sorting, equipment must respond quickly, follow paths accurately, and ensure smooth material flow. In high-density storage, systems need precise positioning, stable control, and reliable path planning in tight spaces. Overall performance tests include not only speed but also safety, stability, collaboration, and continuous operation—key challenges for implementing intelligent logistics. The competition has ended, but the real-world application of smart logistics continues. As unmanned forklifts, AGVs, smart warehousing systems, and robotics evolve, the industry increasingly asks: Can the technology operate reliably in real-world warehouse environments? This remains a key focus for Noblelift. Looking ahead, Noblelift will continue to apply its technology in real-world scenarios, enhancing product reliability, system adaptability, and solution implementation capabilities, thereby driving intelligent logistics toward greater stability and efficiency. Noblelift thanks the competition organizers, judges, and all on-site industry partners for their participation and support. From technical expertise to real-world validation, Noblelift will continue advancing intelligent intralogistics.

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Humanoid robot revenue to reach $15bn by 2035

Fri, 22 May 2026 13:06:37 +0000

The humanoid robot sector is ‘an emerging market with huge opportunities for growth’. Annual shipments projected to reach >700,000 units and $15bn revenue by 2035. China is expected to account for over 65% of real-world application shipments in 2035. Only ~10% of the robots produced were deployed in real-world operations by 2025, but this segment will become dominant by 2035. Humanoid robots are not yet seeing commercial deployment at scale in the workforce, but strong growth is forecast during the 2030s. According to new research from Interact Analysis, with annual shipments still below 100,000 units, demand is driven by small-scale deployments, subsidies, and strategic partnerships rather than workforce-scale commercial economics. The new Humanoid Robots – 2026 report from the market intelligence specialist predicts that the long-term commercial inflection point will occur in 2032, with shipments exceeding 700,000 units in 2035 and market revenue reaching approximately $15 billion. However, this outlook remains conditional on achieving economic viability thresholds, as well as breakthroughs in embodied AI to enable autonomous, reliable task execution, clearer regulatory frameworks, and acceptable efficiency rates. China and the US to dominate humanoid robot demand by 2035 By 2035, Interact Analysis anticipates China will account for over 65% of real-world application shipments. This will be driven by government investment, subsidies, and procurement by state-owned enterprises. The US market, in a distant second place, will see growth driven by capital markets, AI investment, and high labor costs. Together, China and the US will account for over 85% of the demand for humanoid robots by 2035. Short-term mass commercialization of humanoid robots is restricted by immature core technologies and the lack of established regulations and industry standards. At present, industrial manufacturing and warehousing are leading near-term deployments due to structured environments and a high concentration of early technology adopters. This is followed by public services, driven by Chinese state-backed programs. Household use cases remain a longer-term opportunity, constrained by safety and environmental complexity. Four end-use sectors forecast to experience transformative growth Interact Analysis forecasts that the following four end-use sectors will show significant growth in humanoid robot adoption through 2035: Real-world applications Academic R&D Robot training and data collection Entertainment While academic R&D and entertainment applications currently dominate production volume statistics, both are expected to grow at more moderate rates once markets mature. The robot training and data collection sector, on the other hand, is forecast to expand in the short term but stabilize over the long term as simulation technologies advance. However, the most transformative growth is expected to come from the real-world applications sector, which is forecast to expand from around 10% of total production in 2025 to become the dominant market segment by 2035. Real-world applications are set to dominate the humanoid robots market by 203 Marco Wang, Research Analyst at Interact Analysis, says, “Within the humanoid robots market, technology readiness remains a primary constraint, with gaps in embodied AI capability, severe data scarcity, and insufficient hardware durability and manufacturing consistency. Ecosystem and risk frameworks remain underdeveloped, with safety standards, certification pathways, and insurance mechanisms still required to enable economically viable deployment. “The market is shifting from hype to pragmatism, with vendors and early adopters prioritizing operational stability over headline specifications. For example, wheeled platforms are emerging as the preferred near-term form factor for real-world industrial deployment.”

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Designing Safer Workflows in the Warehouse

Wed, 20 May 2026 05:00:28 +0000

Safety in material handling rarely breaks down because people do not care. It breaks down when the operation places too many judgment calls in the middle of a busy shift. When work piles up, equipment is shared across zones, and supervisors are focused on service levels, the floor becomes a chain of fast decisions. Most of those decisions are reasonable on their own. The risk builds as they stack up, and the pace leaves little room to pause. A warehouse management system (WMS) can reduce that decision load by shaping how work is released, sequenced, and verified. When the system is designed with that in mind, it limits the number of moments where associates need to improvise. It also makes it easier to see when a process starts to drift. Near misses tend to follow patterns before an incident. The same aisle gets crowded at the same time each day. The same exceptions repeat. The same shortcuts appear when the volume rises. Designing for safety starts with a simple constraint. Conditions on the floor will not stay steady. The work needs to hold up when it changes. Where safety slips Most facilities can identify the obvious risks. Lift equipment and pedestrians share the same lanes. Tight aisles. High racks. Mixed case work requires constant stops and starts. The more common issues sit in the gray areas. A pick face runs empty, and someone pulls from reserve without confirming the pallet. A driver cuts through a cross aisle because the next task is nearby, and time is tight. A heavy item gets handled by one person because the team lift path is unclear, and the order needs to be moved. These choices do not come from bad intent. They show up when the system does not make the safe option clear and efficient. That is where WMS design has a direct impact. Work released into crowded areas forces people to manage traffic on the fly. Except for handling that leaves too much discretion invites shortcuts. Task assignment that ignores certification eventually pushes someone into work they are not trained to handle. Congestion-aware work release Most operations know where congestion forms. Narrow aisles that carry both picking and lift traffic. Cross aisles that connect zones. Staging areas that fill when inbound and outbound overlap. Even with that awareness, work release can still send too much activity into those areas at once. A more controlled approach examines where activity is building and adjusts the release pace. Work does not need to be pushed out the moment it becomes eligible. Sequencing can also group replenishment by aisle or zone, reducing crisscross movement and limiting mixed interactions in tight spaces. The goal is to keep the floor stable enough that people do not have to manage traffic in real time. When congestion is controlled, supervisors can focus on issues that actually need attention. Safer travel paths in task logic Every warehouse has preferred routes. Some are documented; others exist through habit. One-way aisles often develop informally, even if enforcement varies. Problems tend to arise when task assignments run counter to those patterns. Task sequencing can keep people in the same zone longer and reduce unnecessary crossings. It can also support one-way travel and preferred paths by how work is grouped and dispatched. This matters most at intersections and cross aisles where lift equipment and pedestrians share space. Consistency matters more than precision. A travel pattern that only works during slower periods will not hold when volume increases. When the system supports safer movement under pressure, there is less need for people to improvise. Risk-based task assignment Labor constraints are part of the reality. Turnover happens. Cross training is often incomplete. Under pressure, work tends to be assigned to whoever is available. That approach breaks down when equipment and load types carry different levels of risk. A WMS can support more controlled assignments by restricting certain tasks to certified operators. This includes work tied to specific equipment classes, attachments, or conditions, such as narrow-aisle travel or elevated handling. Heavy and awkward picks also benefit from clearer direction. In some operations, that means routing them to trained associates. In others, it means directing them into a team lift workflow instead of leaving the decision to the moment. Traceability supports this process. Supervisors need to understand why a task was blocked or rerouted, and associates need to know why it cannot be accepted. Clear rules reduce the chance that workarounds become the default. Exception handling that removes the temptation Exceptions are where safe habits are tested. When locations do not match, inventory is missing, or a pick face runs dry during peak activity, people look for ways to keep work moving. That is when unsafe reaches, unstable pulls, and unverified substitutions start to appear. Exception workflows can be structured to reduce that pressure. Substitute locations can be limited unless verification steps are completed. Exceptions can be routed into a defined resolution process instead of leaving them as judgment calls in the aisle. This does not add friction everywhere. It places control where shortcuts create the most risk. Forward pick and replenishment design also influences how often these situations occur. When pick faces are undersized, and replenishment does not reflect the actual workload, the floor shifts into a reactive mode. Work builds up, priorities change, and people look for faster ways through the problem. Stabilizing those processes reduces the need for those decisions in the first place. Using signals without turning work into surveillance Most operations already have the signals they need. Repeated congestion in the same aisle. Clusters of substitute picks. Spikes in exceptions tied to a zone. Unusual task times that suggest searching or confusion. These patterns point to where the process is pushing people into difficult choices. Not every deviation needs a response. Too many alerts create noise and lead to disengagement. Focusing on patterns with a clear link to risk is more effective and makes it easier to address the cause. Safety culture still plays a role. People still make a difference. Strong workflows help that culture hold up under pressure. When safe execution is built into how work is

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Intelligent indoor/outdoor automation company MyBull Robotics opens new US headquarters

Tue, 19 May 2026 15:41:05 +0000

Autonomous robotics and logistics company MyBull Robotics U.S. celebrated its new headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on May 14th 2026. The company is creating a hub to increase the supply of its indoor/outdoor automated logistics solutions and support for companies across North and South America. Formally introducing MyBull Robotics’ North American presence in Farmington Hills, the event showcased its automation capabilities to customers, partners, and the local business community. MyBull Robotics U.S. is providing local investment and job creation in the Detroit area, with a current US team of 12 and a strong focus on expanding engineering and technical roles. The Grand Opening follows its successful appearance at the MODEX 2026 industry show in April. Comprising flatbeds, forklifts, and tuggers, MyBull Robotics’ robust range of autonomous machines operates seamlessly in all weathers and on challenging terrain, helping companies become more efficient and resilient. Featuring lidar, vision cameras, multi-source fusion positioning, and more, they offer safe, rugged indoor and outdoor material handling and fast return on investment, alongside MyBull Robotics U.S.’s round-the-clock support. Grand opening attracts business and community leaders, partners, and customers The Grand Opening at the new North American headquarters of MyBull Robotics U.S. in Michigan consisted of two structured sessions (morning and afternoon) and a flexible open-house networking period at the end of the day. Located at 37735 Enterprise Ct., Farmington Hills, the facility comprises a dedicated showroom, a warehouse configured for proof-of-concept demonstrations, and on-site engineering, sales, and after-sales support resources. Intelligent mobile machines from MyBull Robotics are already deployed in real-world industrial environments in the US, with the showroom and facility intended to demonstrate their capabilities in a practical, accessible way. The event introduced MyBull Robotics’ North American presence, demonstrating real-world examples of how the company’s technology can help North and South American manufacturing and logistics companies become more efficient. Each structured session included a company introduction and product overview, showroom presentation, live equipment demonstrations of forklifts and tuggers in the warehouse, use case demos, and a Q&A with the MyBull Robotics U.S. team. Attendees came from the local business community as well as existing and potential MyBull Robotics U.S. manufacturing and logistics customers, integrators, and partners. Vinh Tran, Managing Director of MyBull Robotics U.S., says, “MyBull Robotics is establishing its North American presence in Farmington Hills to support long-term growth in the US automation and robotics market. We intend to become a long-term contributor to Michigan’s and the US’s advanced manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem, enhancing supply chain innovation and workforce development. “At MyBull Robotics U.S., we take pride in our excellent engineering, project management, and after-sales service. Our comprehensive, rugged, safe, and reliable autonomous AMRs, tow tractors, tuggers, and forklifts provide flexible indoor and outdoor operation in complex, dynamic environments. Combined with our excellent customer support, AI-driven fleet management, and intelligent warehouse orchestration, we are able to improve the efficiency and performance of companies across a wide range of industrial sectors throughout North America.” During its recent appearance at MODEX 2026 in Atlanta, MyBull Robotics U.S. officially launched the IP-rated TMN-T50US five-ton AMR-capable tugger, providing robust towing performance, consistent uptime, safe, precise navigation, and seamless integration into existing workflows. It was unveiled alongside the TMN-FP20 autonomous forklift, which allows for seamless switching between manual and automatic driving modes, and is equipped with multi-sensor fusion navigation technology for strong environmental adaptability in warehouses, factories, logistics parks, and docks.

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VisionNav Robotics launches industry’s first autonomous precision stacking system for cages

Wed, 13 May 2026 13:41:37 +0000

Up to 8.8-Feet in Width, Reaching Heights up to 22 Feet. Unveiled at Modex 2026, the company’s VNE40-66 Autonomous Precision Stacking Solution combines robust strength, exacting accuracy and uncompromising safety for large container marketplace environments, such as automotive facilities. VisionNav Robotics has introduced an autonomous stacking system engineered specifically for large container environments where accuracy, stability and safety are paramount. Introduced at Modex 2026, the company’s VNE40-66 Autonomous Precision Stacking Solution can stack 8.8-foot-wide cages weighing up to 6,150 pounds at heights of up to 22 feet – the market’s first such solution to achieve such robust capabilities. To achieve this level of performance with total stability and accuracy, the unit utilizes VisionNav’s proprietary sensor fusion technology that provides millimeter-level precision compatible with various post types, ensuring each placement is exact despite differing container sizes or environmental conditions. Reliable and robust, the system carries a rated payload of 6,150 pounds, making it suitable for the exceptionally heavy, wide containers common in automotive and other heavy-duty settings.  Among the VNE40-66’s most attractive features is its Smart Retry Functionality, which continuously monitors for misalignments and anomalies in real time; if misaligned containers, incorrect position posts or other adverse issues are identified, the system aborts and retries without requiring operator input. This dramatically reduces downtime, minimizes risk of product damage, and supports fully autonomous operation in high-throughput environments where human intervention would create untenable bottlenecks.  Technology-driven Safety Features The VNE40-66 Autonomous Precision Stacking Solution’s safety capabilities are as sophisticated as its stacking precision. This intelligent, context-aware safety envelope ensures that the system responds appropriately to real operating conditions rather than relying on static safety margins. For example, during straight-line travel, a dynamic brake zone scales to the size of the load being carried, with larger goods generating wider, deeper boundaries. Through corners and curves, zones reconfigure to match the vehicle’s turning geometry. A key differentiator of the VNE40-66 is its dedicated manual forklift fork protection system, which detects approaching forklift forks across three distinct scenarios. Critically, the solution can detect whether other vehicle forks are on the ground or lifted – a capability especially valuable in mixed human-robot environments. Dedicated protection zones are applied during the forklift lifting cycle itself, with distinct profiles for both empty and full load conditions. The module’s protection zone geometry adjusts depending on whether the forklift is carrying a load, ensuring the right level of protection across various operational states. “After years of working in real warehouse and manufacturing environments, one thing is clear: automation doesn’t happen in isolation,” said Ahmad Stokes, Senior Director of Sales at VisionNav Robotics. “You’re always dealing with mixed traffic, especially manual forklifts, and something as simple as forks left on the ground can create serious risk. The VNE40-66’s ability to detect those forks and respond in real time adds a critical layer of collision prevention, making automation more practical, flexible, and ultimately safer to deploy at scale.” VisionNav’s VNE40-66 Autonomous Precision Stacking Solution’s reliable detection system can identify obstacles as small as 4×4 inches. Equally important, its dedicated personnel protection functionality employs multi-layered 3D sensing to identify the presence of workers in the vehicle’s operating area and respond accordingly. A departure from conventional standalone 2D or LiDAR obstacle protection, the VNE40-66 integrates both into a single comprehensive safety system. A mechanical safety design ensures structural integrity throughout all operational scenarios, with safety lasers providing 360-degree assessment – a comprehensive awareness perimeter regardless of approach direction. Complementing these features, an auxiliary 3D protection system adds a dynamic layer of spatial intelligence based on real-time monitoring of the vehicle’s maximum operating length and width.

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What Forklift Dealers should know before customers invest in Automation

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:06 +0000

Warehouse automation is having a moment. Goods-to-person systems, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and robotic picking solutions are becoming more common. The case studies are compelling, and in the right operation, the payback is real. Before committing to that level of investment, it helps to step back and look at how the current operation runs. In many facilities, there is still meaningful room to improve performance by tightening slotting, forward pick design, and replenishment logic. These are not new ideas, but they are often underdeveloped. When they are supported with the right data, they reduce travel, limit firefighting, and bring more consistency to the floor. Walk through most distribution centers, and the same patterns show up. Pickers cover more distance than necessary because fast movers are not positioned well. Work gets interrupted when pick faces run empty during peak periods. Supervisors spend time managing shortages, expediting replenishment, and adjusting slots throughout the day. Over time, those issues blend into the routine, even though they continue to chip away at productivity. Stabilizing forward pick and replenishment tends to produce faster gains than adding new equipment. It also creates a more predictable operation, which becomes important when automation enters the discussion. Start with a forward pick design, not the equipment list Forward pick sets expectations for the picker. The SKU is in place, the quantity is sufficient, and the location is easy to understand. When that breaks down, the cost shows up immediately in extra travel, search time, and exception handling. Slotting decisions are often based on averages. Average demand, average lines, average movement. Those numbers are easy to calculate, but they rarely reflect how work actually arrives. A more reliable approach examines actual demand patterns, case pack constraints, and how demand shifts over time. Shipped units and order line frequency often tell different stories. Some SKUs do not move the most volume but still drive a large share of picks, which makes their placement more important than their size might suggest. Replenishment also happens in full cases. When pick faces are not sized with that in mind, the team ends up making constant partial-case decisions that slow execution. Variability tends to be the breaking point. Layouts that hold up during steady periods can struggle during promotions or seasonal spikes, which is when the operation is already under pressure. Designing around those conditions reduces the need for constant adjustments later. Replenishment rules should reflect the real workload Replenishment logic is often built around minimum and maximum inventory thresholds. Once the inventory drops below a level, a task is triggered. Once it is refilled, the task ends. That structure leaves out what is happening across the floor at the time the task is created. When replenishment is triggered without considering workload or available labor, it competes directly with picking. The result is familiar. Work builds up in multiple areas, priorities shift, and service levels become harder to maintain. Bringing workload into the equation changes how replenishment behaves. Open picks, wave timing, and labor availability all influence when a task should be created and how it should be sequenced. Time-to-empty calculations can help anticipate when a location will run out based on expected picks rather than on current inventory alone. Grouping replenishment work by aisle or zone reduces unnecessary movement and helps limit congestion in high traffic areas. With these adjustments, replenishment becomes easier to plan and less disruptive to the rest of the operation. Use expiry awareness where it matters Date-sensitive inventory tends to expose slotting issues quickly. Without some level of expiry awareness in forward pick, avoidable write-offs and handling issues begin to appear. First-expired, first-out (FEFO) should influence more than just how items are picked. It should be considered when deciding where inventory sits and how it is replenished. Items with tighter dating often benefit from smaller pick faces that turn more frequently. Keeping inventory with similar expiry dates together reduces confusion during picking. Limiting unnecessary handling also lowers the chance of errors. Even in less regulated environments, the same idea applies. Forward pick works better when it reduces exceptions rather than creates them. Keep slotting aligned with how the business actually moves Slotting tends to drift as product mix and demand patterns change. Layouts that once worked well can gradually fall out of sync with how workflows through the facility. Using heatmaps based on pick frequency and travel patterns provides a clearer view of where activity is concentrated. Looking at different periods across the year helps identify where those patterns shift, whether due to seasonality or broader changes in demand. Rather than redesigning the entire layout, targeted updates focused on the SKUs that have changed the most are usually enough to bring performance back in line. This limits disruption while keeping slotting aligned with current conditions. Why this work matters before automation Automation depends on consistency. If pick faces run empty, automated systems wait. If replenishment is uneven, flow becomes harder to manage. If slotting is misaligned, inefficiencies carry forward. Addressing forward pick and replenishment first tends to simplify what comes next. Travel requirements become easier to manage, replenishment becomes more predictable, and the data used for modeling becomes more reliable. Before investing in new equipment, focus on the mechanics that shape day-to-day performance. Fix the pick faces. Revisit replenishment triggers. Align slotting with how the business actually moves. From there, automation decisions become clearer and easier to execute. About the Author Vee Srithayakumar is a product leader in warehouse management at Tecsys, driving innovation through AI-driven and advanced warehouse execution system initiatives. His contributions to the supply chain industry earned him recognition as a 2024 Supply & Demand Chain Executive “Pros to Know.”

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Every dealer is becoming a Tech Company—Ready or Not

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:02 +0000

Last month, I outlined what turned out to be the first four pages of the AI 2030 Strategic Framework. I covered a basic summary of where the industry currently stands and how distributors feel about the process and the opportunity. This month, we will move on to next four pages, which further covers steps to take to produce a workable plan to produce meaningful steps and personnel to guide management through the process and eventually to the decision making of how to invest in AI as well and execute and generate a tech investment that will pay off and keep the company in line with their competition. But, before we dive into the details, I would like to share some data I have received over the last month that is meaningful in our current financial environment. I sent these docs to Dean, and he has them saved and available if you want to read them. Two BDO papers on accounting for tariff transactions. A confusing topic where it would be nice to have support if you have a potential refund available. Another paper from BDO covering the current M&A market, whether you are a buyer or seller. AI issues will drive a number of transactions, and this provides all the steps you will need to address if you are a player. An article entitled WHAT YOU’RE NOT BEING TOLD ABOUT THE ECONOMY. The best article to date that makes sense, with parts of the conclusion dealing with the M&A issue. (FYI, I was an audit partner at BDO) Moving on to the Strategic Framework for AI, it seems someone has to lead the charge to keep the process on track. These could all be internal people, or a tech company with the experience of getting your company from point A to point B, producing a workable, profitable new system to lower costs and improve margins. The issues that need to be addressed Skill gaps. Tech gaps. Training before any pilot launches. Invest in training as necessary. Executive participation a must. Begin with HIGH -ROI applications. Those are the easiest to attain. Keep scalability in mind. Move up to advanced applications. Engage current system providers to ensure outcomes align with expectations. Make sure upside potential is available. Invest in skills and partnerships. These are the folks who fill that “WHO” need for a partner who can guide the process and help with investment spend and decision-making. They can also help educate employees to ensure they can support this AI effort. Management change programs are a must. Educate all employees about what is going on. Engage in role-playing before launch and thereafter until all systems are synced, providing the data needed. Review and update all data creation and movement processes. Audit the data from each department, list any problem areas, and adjust as necessary. Be especially careful regarding data flow between existing revenue silos. This will be a tough assignment requiring assistance from your conversion partners. Determine ROI performance against the original plan. Devise a plan to calculate the returns. Use ROI metrics to track results. Measure ROI over a 3–5-year period. Here again, your partner should help prepare the metrics used in the calculation. A long-term plan is helpful and can be compared to financial data on a quarterly basis against the original plan and prior quarters, with adjustments made as necessary to meet goals. I would suggest that your partner should drive this process and offer suggestions for improvement. Management should also question operating results against the plan, their competitors, and industry data available. Having a performance group to assist with this process will help identify departments needing adjustments. This gets me to page 8 of the program. More next month. As a result of this AI work, I made it a point to try to find a PARTNER a dealer could use who has experience and can guide the process to ensure your investment produces what you need to run your business. After numerous discussions with folks, I received a call from Columbus Global, which has a small number of experienced leaders who can help set up a program and guide you through it. Columbus Global is prepared to produce a white paper based on dealer activities that cover. The Problem- A four-pillar framework to get it done. AI Governance and what Dealers need to know. Measuring AI return – A scorecard for Dealer Operations. What they need, however, is some volunteers to participate in the program. In other words, they will work with the volunteers and then highlight how the process could apply to lift truck dealers. No participant information would be disclosed. These are folks who do this for a living. If we can get some volunteers to help out, the white paper would help dealers decide how to move ahead regarding these issues. Maybe an OEM would be interested in this information. No matter what, every dealer needs to go through this process or decide if private equity is a better option. In other words, if you do not participate in a process such as this in the near future, chances are an exit program will be more likely. As you have probably heard, the Tech conventions have recently taken place. And guess what? Jensen Huang stated that eventually every industrial company will become a robotics company. Manufacturers are projected to more than double their use of AI and automation by 2030. Think about helping out with the AI transition program. You will help yourself and the industry. About the Columnist: Garry Bartecki is a CPA and MBA with GB Financial Services LLC, and a Wholesaler columnist since August 1993. E-mail editorial@mhwmag.com to contact Garry.

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BlueBotics to highlight fleet manager standardization and advanced obstacle avoidance for AGVs/AMRs at MODEX 2026

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:21:10 +0000

The Swiss navigation leader will share expertise on unified fleet management, efficient AGV and AMR operation, and advanced obstacle avoidance, highlighting how its ANT technology supports predictable, scalable mobile robot operations. Autonomous navigation and fleet management leader BlueBotics will highlight fleet manager standardization, obstacle avoidance, and vehicle navigation at MODEX 2026, taking place April 13–16 in Atlanta, Georgia, through on-stand educational sessions, expert discussions, and a joint seminar with Kohler focused on unified fleet management. At booth C13394, BlueBotics will present its ANT navigation and fleet management technology, including SmartPass, a new innovation that enables automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to overcome path obstructions efficiently while maintaining the structured, predictable behavior required in industrial environments. “Industrial users don’t just need autonomous vehicles — they need systems that remain predictable, coordinated, and scalable as operations grow,” said Dr. Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics. “At MODEX, we look forward to discussing how bounded autonomy allows fleets to handle obstacles more intelligently while maintaining smooth, predictable operations.” Fleet manager standardization seminar with Kohler BlueBotics will place fleet manager standardization at the center of its MODEX presence through a joint seminar with kitchen and bath leader Kohler titled The Power of One: Unlocking AGV/AMR Efficiency Through Unified Fleet Management. The session will take place on Tuesday, April 14, from 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM at the Supply Chain Resiliency Theater. During the session, BlueBotics CEO Dr. Nicola Tomatis and Brian Gruzdis, Senior Staff Engineer – Warehouse Automation Lead at Kohler, will discuss the benefits of standardizing an AGV/AMR fleet manager, the potential risks involved, and best practices for selecting a fleet manager partner and deploying fleet management enterprise-wide. Drawing on real-world experience, Gruzdis will explain how standardizing Kohler’s AGV software platform has supported the company’s global AGV and AMR operations by accelerating deployments, reducing integration risk, and enabling greater flexibility in deploying different vehicle types across multiple production sites. On-stand expertise and live knowledge sharing Throughout the show, BlueBotics’ experts will host short on-stand educational sessions, offering visitors practical insights into key automation challenges and solutions. Topics will include the pros and cons of obstacle avoidance, mobile robot interoperability, fleet manager standardization, and best practices for integrating automated vehicles into complex industrial environments. Visitors will also have the opportunity to discuss their specific automation projects with the BlueBotics team, from vehicle development to system integration and fleet manager standardization. Driving efficient, scalable fleet operations By combining structured navigation with controlled obstacle avoidance, BlueBotics enables fleets to maintain efficient material flow while minimizing disruption and reducing the risk of deadlocks. Its ecosystem of “ANT-driven” vehicles spans a wide range of vehicle types, all of which can be managed through a unified fleet management platform based on BlueBotics’ ANT server fleet manager. This approach reflects a growing industry focus on system-level performance, where predictability, interoperability, and centralized control are essential to scaling automation successfully across sites and applications. Visit BlueBotics at MODEX 2026 Visitors can meet the BlueBotics team at booth C13394 to attend on-stand sessions, explore key autonomous vehicle topics, and discuss their specific projects with the company’s experts.

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SYNAOS and OTTO by Rockwell Automation Announce Collaboration to Accelerate Interoperable Mobile Robotics

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:00:42 +0000

Successful VDA 5050 certification of OTTO AMRs enables seamless integration into the SYNAOS Intralogistics Platform, empowering customers to scale heterogeneous fleets across use case scenarios and deployments. SYNAOS has announced a strategic collaboration with OTTO by Rockwell Automation. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the adoption of the VDA 5050 interoperability standard, particularly in the North American market, where multi-vendor automation is rapidly becoming the industry norm. Following a rigorous ten-stage onboarding process, the OTTO 100, OTTO 600, OTTO 1200, and OTTO 1500 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) have been officially certified for the SYNAOS Intralogistics Platform. This integration allows manufacturers and logistics providers to seamlessly orchestrate OTTO AMRs alongside other VDA 5050-compliant vehicles, forklifts, and manual operations within a single, centralized system. As industrial facilities increasingly deploy diverse robotic solutions to address specific workflow requirements, the need for standardized, vendor-agnostic fleet management has never been more critical. The SYNAOS IMP addresses this challenge by providing top-level intelligence that optimizes routes, prevents deadlocks, and dynamically allocates tasks across heterogeneous fleets. “The integration of OTTO AMRs into our partner ecosystem is a powerful validation of the VDA 5050 standard’s growing global footprint, especially in North America,” said Dr. Philipp Schäfers, Head of Partner Management & Business Development at SYNAOS. “By combining OTTO’s robust, production-proven hardware with our advanced orchestration capabilities, we are providing our customers with the flexibility to select the best robots for their specific needs without sacrificing centralized control or operational efficiency. This is what future-proof intralogistics looks like.” By operating under the SYNAOS Intralogistics Platform, OTTO AMRs can now collaborate seamlessly within mixed mobile robot fleets, eliminating the siloed control systems that have traditionally hindered large-scale automation deployments. “Manufacturers are increasingly seeking interoperable solutions as they scale mobile robotics applications across their factory floors,” said Jay Judkowitz, Director of AMR Product Development at OTTO by Rockwell Automation. “Our commitment to open standards like VDA 5050 reflects our belief in an open ecosystem where different technologies can work together. Collaborating with SYNAOS gives our customers greater flexibility in how they manage diverse robot fleets as their operations evolve.” The collaboration highlights a shared vision for the future of industrial automation: an open, interoperable ecosystem where different technologies operate together without custom interfaces. This approach not only reduces integration complexity and costs but also enables companies to scale their automation initiatives more rapidly. Industry professionals can learn more about this collaboration and the future of interoperable fleets at MODEX 2026 in Atlanta (April 13-16). SYNAOS will be exhibiting at Booth A1106, while OTTO by Rockwell Automation will showcase its autonomous operations solutions at Booth B13723.

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HOJ Innovations Announces New Addition to AMR Demo Lineup

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:06:55 +0000

Customers will now be able to test a first of its kind low-profile autonomous pallet jack HOJ Innovations has announced the addition of a new model to its next-generation Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) demo fleet, Seer’s SPT-1500UL. Customers can now interact with these AMRs in real time at the company’s dedicated demo center located in Salt Lake City. The SPT-1500UL will join HOJ’s current demo fleet of eight AMRs including counterbalance forklifts, lifting and rotating tops, conveyor tops and autonomous pallet jacks. Watch the SPT-1500UL in action here “HOJ strives to stay on the leading edge of technology and identify what we can offer to help our customers increase fulfillment capabilities and efficiency while maintaining industry safety standards. The technology is now at a point where these machines have not only been proven safe and efficient, but have also become economically feasible, and we see them solving longstanding challenges in both warehouse/distribution and manufacturing facilities,” said HOJ Innovations CEO, Tim Hoj. The SPT-1500 UL is an innovative low-profile autonomous pallet jack that is compatible with a vast array of pallet types, including GMA, without the need for a pick-up and delivery stand. With a weight capacity of 3,300 pounds and a 51×65 in footprint, these units help to maximize warehouse workflow efficiency and flexibility with the ability to be smoothly delivered and staged in a facility without manual intervention. Equipped with AI deep learning, it adaptively recognizes pallets and objects with various specifications from multiple angles. This model has also achieved full UL certification, meeting rigorous North American safety regulations.

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SVT Robotics introduces SOFTBOT® Intelligence; Powering the data backbone for enterprise and physical AI

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:32:04 +0000

New capability captures and contextualizes real-time execution data to enable AI-driven performance and optimization— debuting at MODEX 2026 SVT Robotics has announced the launch of SOFTBOT® Intelligence, a new data capability that transforms how organizations see and leverage performance data across live automation environments. Built on the SOFTBOT Platform, SOFTBOT Intelligence captures and contextualizes real-time execution data as it flows through integrated technologies, creating the high-fidelity data backbone required for reliable, AI-driven outcomes. As the SOFTBOT Platform orchestrates execution events across robotics, software, and enterprise systems, SOFTBOT Intelligence continuously captures and correlates these events with millisecond-level precision—revealing relationships, dependencies, and cause-and-effect between technologies. It transforms fragmented system activity into contextualized, actionable insight and gives IT and operations leaders a unified, real-time view of how automation and software technologies perform in production. “Companies have no shortage of data. But without context in real time, that data has limited value—especially for AI,” said A.K. Schultz, CEO and Co-Founder of SVT Robotics. “SOFTBOT Intelligence changes that by normalizing raw system transactions into AI-ready information that reflects how software and robotic technologies behave together. It gives organizations the high-fidelity data required to maximize AI’s effectiveness and the visibility they need to optimize performance.” “In industrial environments, performance issues often don’t live inside a specific, individual system; they happen within the interactions occurring between technologies,” said Jim Hodson, Senior VP of Customer Operations and Co-Founder at SVT Robotics. “SOFTBOT Intelligence gives teams the contextualized view they need to uncover those constraints earlier and act on them faster so they can optimize now and utilize AI at scale with confidence.” SOFTBOT Intelligence provides a unified, dependable data layer purpose-built for enterprise and physical AI. By correlating execution events as they occur, organizations provide AI with the context it needs to generate accurate predictions, uncover hidden performance constraints, and drive continuous optimization in real time. With a complete view of the automation environment, AI can deliver more precise recommendations and operational impact. “What we’re delivering with SOFTBOT Intelligence is a level of functional visibility that hasn’t been possible until now,” explained Nick Leonard, Senior VP of Product at SVT Robotics. “At MODEX, we’ll show how teams can move beyond isolated metrics to a complete, cross-system understanding of performance that enables faster optimization and harvesting of reliable data AI can trust.” SVT Robotics will be at MODEX 2026 in Atlanta, April 13–16, at booth A2314, where attendees can explore SOFTBOT Intelligence with SVT experts and see how contextualized automation data can improve system performance and create a scalable foundation for logistics AI.

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SUN Automation Group welcomes Dawn Wittkopf

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:19:34 +0000

SUN Automation Group has announced the appointment of Dawn Wittkopf as West Coast Capital Equipment Sales Manager, strengthening the company’s presence and support for customers throughout the western United States. In this role, Wittkopf will focus on developing new opportunities for SUN’s capital equipment solutions while providing strategic guidance and industry expertise to corrugated manufacturers across the region. Wittkopf brings a strong technical and commercial background to SUN. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Eastern Washington University and previously served as a Sales Application Engineer at Alliance Machine Systems International, LLC, where she spent more than three years working closely with customers to evaluate equipment needs and deliver tailored solutions. Her experience combines engineering knowledge with customer-focused sales, enabling her to effectively support corrugated manufacturers in achieving their operational goals. Throughout her career in the corrugated industry, Wittkopf has demonstrated steady professional growth and a commitment to building strong relationships with customers and colleagues alike. She is known for continually expanding her technical knowledge while developing meaningful partnerships that help drive long-term success. “Dawn’s engineering background and customer-focused mindset make her an excellent addition to the SUN team,” said Greg Jones, Executive Vice President at SUN Automation Group. “Her ability to connect technical solutions with real customer needs will be a valuable asset as we continue to expand our support for corrugated manufacturers across the West Coast.” SUN Automation Group continues to invest in experienced talent to strengthen its ability to support customers with innovative solutions, reliable service, and industry-leading expertise.

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FANUC America announces $90 Million investment to create production-ready capacity for Robot Manufacturing in the U.S.

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:20:01 +0000

New 840,000 sq. ft. Michigan site will deliver flexible, production‑ready space to support future robotics growth and U.S. manufacturing demand FANUC America, a global manufacturer of robotics and automation systems, has announced plans for a $90 million investment to acquire property and construct a new 840,000 sq. ft. facility in Michigan, providing production-ready space for the potential expansion of the company’s existing U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities for robots. Targeted for completion in late 2027, this strategic project is expected to add 225 jobs. This expands FANUC America’s engineering capacity and advanced manufacturing capabilities to support growing demand for automation solutions across North America, including physical AI, virtual commissioning, and digital-twin technologies. “This investment builds on FANUC America’s Michigan manufacturing footprint, which has included producing robots for paint application domestically for more than four decades,” said Mike Cicco, President and CEO, FANUC America. “By expanding its U.S. presence, FANUC America will strengthen domestic manufacturing, improve responsiveness to customer needs, and support industries that rely on automation to stay competitive.” With this announcement, FANUC America will have invested nearly $300 million in multiple new facilities, increased the company’s footprint to 3 million sq. ft., and created more than 700 jobs in the United States since 2019. “FANUC America is committed to supporting U.S. reindustrialization by delivering state-of-the-art automation technologies to customers and broadening access to advanced manufacturing workplace training services,” Cicco said. “The newly expanded FANUC Academy—opening in Auburn Hills, MI, later this year—will become the largest robotics and automation skills-development center in the United States, helping address the national manufacturing skills gap, rising demand for automation talent, the shift toward AI-enabled robotics, and the country’s overall competitiveness.”

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How AI Agents are entering the warehouse

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:00:37 +0000

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already finding a place in the warehouse. It can forecast labor, monitor inventory movement, and highlight operational trends that would otherwise go unnoticed. Most of these applications function as insight tools or chatbots. They analyze data, surface recommendations, and leave the final decision to a planner or supervisor. A new phase is emerging with conversation shifting from simple chatbots to AI agents. Agentic AI may sound abstract or futuristic. In reality, its most valuable applications in material handling are grounded and practical. Agentic systems do not replace warehouse leadership. They operate within defined guardrails, continuously monitor live data, and take or recommend structured actions based on specific triggers. While chatbots will help you report what’s happening, AI agents can help the workforce coordinate what the best next actions are. For distribution operations under constant pressure to respond to real-time demand, this shift matters. From chatbots to orchestrators A chatbot suggests. An orchestrator coordinates. In a warehouse setting, that coordination can take many forms. An agent may monitor inventory thresholds and trigger an internal task when conditions are met. It may triage exceptions, group similar issues together, and prioritize them based on impact. It may guide a supervisor through a structured resolution workflow when a shipment is at risk. These are not autonomous systems making unsupervised decisions. They operate within defined parameters based on rules that operations leaders set. The value comes from their ability to monitor hundreds of signals at once and respond consistently when patterns emerge. In environments where demand fluctuates hourly and labor is constrained, speed of response often determines performance. This is where agentic workflows shorten the gap between signal and action. Guardrails are not optional As interest in agentic AI grows, so does the need for discipline. Warehouse operations cannot afford black box decision-making. Every action that affects inventory, labor allocation, or customer shipments must be traceable. Teams need visibility into why an agent triggered a task, what data it used, and what confidence threshold was applied. Human oversight is equally important. Agents can monitor continuously, but supervisors retain authority. In many cases, the most effective model is guided execution. The agent flags a condition, suggests a course of action, and routes it to the appropriate role for confirmation. Confidence scoring also plays a role. Not every anomaly deserves the same urgency. Systems should distinguish between high-probability risk and minor deviations. That clarity prevents alert fatigue and builds trust over time. When guardrails are clearly defined, agentic workflows become reliable extensions of the operation rather than experimental overlays. Let’s take a look at some of the most high-value use cases where agentic AI can be deployed today: 1. Preventing expiry before it becomes loss Managing expiry and high-value inventory has always required vigilance. Aging reports provide a snapshot, but they depend on someone to review them and act in time. An agentic approach is more proactive. Imagine a system that continuously monitors inventory movement, shelf life, and order velocity for high-value or time-sensitive items. If movement slows below a defined threshold, the agent triggers a sequence. It may alert sales teams to prioritize certain SKUs. It may recommend relocation to a faster-moving facility. It may flag procurement to pause replenishment. The key is timing. Instead of discovering risk weeks later, the operation is alerted while corrective action still protects the margin. This workflow does not require speculation about the future. It relies on known data points and defined business rules. When inventory behavior deviates from expectation, the agent responds immediately. 2. Dynamic shift staffing based on real demand Labor orchestration is another area where agentic AI can deliver measurable impact. Traditional workforce planning often relies on historical averages. Supervisors review projected order volumes and assign staff accordingly. But actual pick rates, absenteeism, and demand spikes rarely align perfectly with forecasts. An agentic system can monitor live pick rates, backlog volume, and estimated remaining workload throughout a shift. If one zone is falling behind while another has capacity, the agent identifies the imbalance and recommends redeployment. In some cases, it may automatically generate reassignment tasks for approval. The decision remains human. The insight and coordination happen continuously. This approach reduces last-minute scrambling and overtime while improving service levels. Instead of reacting to bottlenecks after they form, supervisors receive early guidance on where to intervene to have the greatest effect. As labor challenges persist across the industry, smarter orchestration becomes more valuable than incremental productivity gains alone. 3. Outbound audit through behavioral signals Mispicks remain a persistent risk in distribution. Even in highly automated environments, small deviations can slip through and affect customer satisfaction. Traditional quality checks rely on sampling or manual review. Agentic AI introduces another layer. By monitoring behavioral data across the picking process, an agent can identify anomalies that correlate with higher mispick probability. If a pick took twice as long as usual, it may indicate confusion or search time. If a pick was completed significantly faster than historical averages, it could signal a shortcut or skipped verification step. The agent aggregates these signals along with SKU similarity, order complexity, and operator history. When risk crosses a defined threshold, it flags the outbound container for additional audit before shipment. Not every deviation triggers intervention. Only those that meet a defined risk profile. This selective approach preserves throughput while strengthening quality control. It adds intelligence to existing processes rather than layering on blanket inspection. Agentic AI to evolve the workforce Agentic AI is not about removing people from the warehouse. It is about enabling consistent and timely responses in an environment defined by variability. The most successful implementations begin with narrow, high-impact workflows such as expiry monitoring, labor balancing, and targeted outbound audits. Each use case builds confidence and reinforces data discipline. Over time, these orchestrated workflows connect. Inventory signals inform labor allocation. Quality data influences slotting strategy. The warehouse becomes not just visible, but responsive. Agentic systems do not eliminate complexity. They help manage it. For material handling operations facing persistent labor constraints and rising customer expectations, that distinction matters. The goal is not autonomy for its own sake. It is real-time operational control, supported by intelligence that operates within clear boundaries. The future of AI in the warehouse will not be defined by science fiction. It will be defined by practical workflows that reduce risk, protect

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AI, Automation & Enterprise Value: A Strategic Crossroads for Distributors

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:00:44 +0000

From everything I am reading, executives are taking a hard look at AI, automation, and eventually robots to help run the business and improve margins and “Sales per Employee” numbers. The Distribution Strategy Group’s 45-page report provides an overview of where distributors are in the evaluation process and outlines individual steps to move forward. 63% in the exploring stage. 27% are cautious observers. 43% actively investing. One distributor can be included in multiple categories. Virtually all distributors now recognize AI as critical to business success and a top priority for growth. A dramatic mindset shift from just a few years ago. Early Adoption is reporting big performance improvements As of today, at least 61% of distributors and related sectors plan to use autonomous AI systems. Expect big changes by 2028. A small percentage is actually fully installed. Survey indicates that the Performance Gap and the ability to catch up are narrowing. By 2027-28, the performance gap will become insurmountable. Smaller distributors can leapfrog larger competitors. Obstacles at this time are. Skill gaps, Change Resistance, Budget concerns, and Incomplete data. Leadership gaps These are comments from just the first four pages of the report. 40 pages to go, and I will cover them. The ELEPHANT in the room for some of you is the PERFORMANCE GAP issue, which I must have mentioned at least 20 times over the last couple of years. A bad outcome can result from “Doing Nothing,” as noted above, or from doing something that requires a major investment, which, because of installation problems or poor planning, fails to deliver the AI-related advantages. In either case, the value of your company presently will be reduced to what your balance sheet is worth, net of any debt on the books. In other words, worth net book value, which is substantially less than what it is worth now at some multiple of EBITDA or Free Cash Flow. And here we go again. If you are near retirement age or lack the capital to invest in these changes, you should investigate how to transition out of the business at current value. NOW! There are many avenues available to you, and if you wish to discuss this process, give me a call, and we can discuss options (at least 3 or 4). I have a list of professionals I work with regarding taxes, equipment valuations, legal documents, etc. Done this many times and know the drill. On the other hand, this is a perfect opportunity to expand your current operation by rolling up those dealers not wanting to venture into the AI adventures. There is private equity out there looking for a home. Interested? You can call me as well. Another topic to think about is the type of equipment and equipment/robots or some combination thereof that will be purchased by manufacturers and wholesalers to use in sync with their shop and warehouse technology. There seem to be numerous options for humanoid models that can walk, run, and move things, etc. What you don’t want to do is wind up with used units and rental assets that will be hard to sell 3-5 years from now. I have to think that customers are going through the same thought process, and don’t want to wind up with used units worth less as a percentage of the new price in 2026. I can see customers wanting to rent more or asking for an RPO (Rental Purchase Option), deal to minimize their risk. Some surveys I saw recently regarding construction equipment indicate these options are requested more by customers. Dealers are being asked to increase their rental units rather than purchase new units for inventory. I know that last month’s issue included a market analysis stating that all markets will be a “go”. And I can agree with that, as long as the AI, Automation, and Robots upgrades are installed on shop floors and in warehouses. But will the equipment required for these new systems match what you are buying this year and next? Or what customers are buying this year or next year? Let’s discuss something more exciting. TARIFFS! What a mess. I am writing this the day after the Supreme Court issued its ruling. All I could think about was the mess that would be created if they had to refund those who paid them. And, of course, they have to be paid back. (LOL with that one). So, there I am, sitting in my office, listening to the tariff news and wondering how they will ever get around to refunds, if need be. And lo and behold, a gentleman appears on Squawk Box, stating he has the import and related tariff data for all inputs. The company name is FlexPort. It uses a platform that coordinates global logistics from the factory to the customer’s door. CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS? I thought some of you may need help if you are looking to issue refunds and/or have to return refunds to customers. And I hope none of your tariff sales were collected on items without a tariff… could get expensive. But the best part of this day was getting up at 6 am to watch the 7 am Hockey Game. What a game! About the Columnist: Garry Bartecki is a CPA and MBA with GB Financial Services LLC, and a Wholesaler columnist since August 1993. E-mail editorial@mhwmag.com to contact Garry.

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Introducing Seeq Intelligence: Bridging Industrial AI and Human Expertise for smarter operational decisions

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:22:14 +0000

Seeq, has unveiled Seeq Intelligence, ushering in the era of intelligence-led operations. Seeq Intelligence creates comprehensive, AI-driven decision intelligence that infuses confidence, clarity, and velocity into every operational decision, unlocking breakthrough operational and business performance at enterprise scale. Industrial organizations face growing complexity, increasing talent loss, and critical expertise that is locked in siloed systems and individual experience, making it more challenging to improve performance, create consistency, and build competitive advantage. Seeq Intelligence empowers organizations to make decisions at the speed and scale needed to accelerate and sustain advantage. By applying advanced AI to contextualized real-time operational data, institutional knowledge, domain expertise, prior actions, and decision history, Seeq Intelligence creates a powerful engine for high-velocity decisions that drive measurable gains in efficiency, margins, and sustainable performance. Designed to amplify the creativity and intuition of subject-matter experts and infuse that invaluable—and previously impossible-to-scale—expertise into an organization’s operational DNA, Seeq Intelligence becomes a driver of transformation. It surfaces unseen opportunities, elevates high-impact decisions, and guides actions that improve daily execution and strategic long-term outcomes. By creating a comprehensive, connected view of manufacturing operations, enriched with accumulated experience, Seeq Intelligence becomes a continuously evolving system of learning and improvement, helping teams address current and future challenges and driving more confident decisions at every level of the enterprise. Seeq Intelligence introduces advanced agentic AI capabilities to operational decision-making, including: Agent Q, a premium natural language, domain‑aware AI analyst that delivers rapid, comprehensive decision intelligence, which deepens operational understanding, answers complex questions, reveals hidden insights, and unlocks operational and business breakthroughs. It quickly assembles diverse, unstructured information and expertise—historical operational events, prior analyses, past actions, documents, and know‑how—into coherent investigations, traceable intelligence, and prioritized recommended actions. Build Your Own Agent allows Seeq users to create custom AI agents that execute multistep workflows on demand or on schedules and triggers, orchestrating data retrieval, analytics, and reporting steps to produce repeatable outputs such as reports, summaries, and automated actions. Agent Extensibility, which enables secure agent-to-agent connections between Seeq AI agents and customer systems and information. This allows users not only to retrieve additional, highly relevant, and up-to-date context—such as recent data windows or work orders—but also to initiate workflows and automate actions across those systems. By providing richer context and enabling closed-loop automation directly within the Seeq interface, Agent Extensibility reduces context switching and supports faster, more comprehensive decision making. Document Access that enables the extraction and synthesis of information from unstructured and semi‑structured documents into actionable and contextualized intelligence. It searches, reads, contextualizes, and interprets documentation to support Q&A and produces summaries of procedures, reports, manuals, and past analyses. “Seeq Intelligence represents a step change in how industrial companies create value,” said Mark Derbecker, Chief Product Officer at Seeq. “By synthesizing context, history, and irreplaceable domain expertise with patented advanced AI, we’re giving organizations a continuously learning system that sharpens decision-making and accelerates operational transformation. It’s about helping customers compete — and win — in a world where speed, insight, and adaptability define future leaders.” “Seeq Intelligence is a notable step forward in the fast-moving Industrial AI ecosystem,” said Matthew Littlefield, President and Research Lead at LNS Research. “Agent Q can reach across the broad stack of operational technologies, incorporate the expertise and context contained in Seeq, and provide the agentic layer needed to change the speed, quality, and strategic priority of decisions.” Seeq Intelligence includes all capabilities of the Seeq Enterprise package, with the addition of new agent capabilities, and is now available.

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Toyota Industries Corporation announces global leadership of Toyota Automated Logistics

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:22:52 +0000

Hitoshi Matsuoka, Thomas Hibinger, and Aaron M. Jones to Lead New Global Warehouse Automation Business, Debuting at LogiMAT and MODEX Toyota Industries Corporation (“TICO”) has announced the appointment of three industry leaders as CEOs of Toyota Automated Logistics (TAL), its new warehouse automation business. Hitoshi Matsuoka will serve as TAL’s CEO, Central. Thomas Hibinger will serve as TAL’s CEO, EMEA and APAC, and Aaron M. Jones will serve as TAL’s CEO, Americas. Debuting at LogiMAT and MODEX, TAL unites the combined strengths of Bastian Solutions, Vanderlande’s Warehousing business, and viastore under one brand, formally launching April 1, 2026. This powerful combination enables the delivery of scalable systems, intelligent software, and comprehensive lifecycle services – all with the quality and reliability associated with the Toyota brand. “Thomas and Aaron have a solid track record of strong performance leading two of our warehouse automation businesses. Their vision has shaped the future of automated warehousing and guided the delivery of innovative and pragmatic solutions to solve customers’ complex and shifting logistics challenges,” said Hitoshi Matsuoka, Central CEO, TAL. “Their appointments as regional CEOs reflect TICO’s commitment to build on the collective depth and breadth of our world-class technologies, software, and services while delivering a seamless customer experience across regions.” Hitoshi Matsuoka, CEO, Central: Matsuoka joined Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd. (now Toyota Industries Corporation) in 1990, where he was involved in the sales of textile machinery and materials handling equipment. From 2020 to 2025, he served as President of Toyota Automated Logistics North America. Since 2025, Mr. Matsuoka has served as an Executive Officer at Toyota Industries Corporation and is a board member of Toyota Material Handling Europe. Thomas Hibinger, CEO, EMEA and APAC: Hibinger is currently the president and CEO of viastore and leads a diverse portfolio of innovative material flow and distribution solutions. Under his strategic leadership, the company provides comprehensive warehouse automation technologies, systems, and software to a vast network of more than 3,000 facilities across Europe. Aaron M. Jones, CEO, Americas: Jones is currently the president and CEO of Bastian Solutions, and has overseen a significant era of growth, more than quadrupling the company’s revenue. After succeeding the company’s founder as President, Jones led the organization through the transition to become a subsidiary of Toyota Automated Logistics Group and five strategic acquisitions. The fast-growing market for warehouse automation is driven by growing demand for next-day or same-day deliveries, ever-faster throughput, absolute order accuracy, and optimal warehouse performance. Through seamless integration across the automation landscape, TAL addresses these needs end-to-end. This approach supports organizations at every stage of their automation journey, whether taking the first steps to automate manual processes in legacy warehouses or refining the advanced distribution centers relied on by the largest e-commerce platforms and the global fulfillment operations of leading brands. “Intralogistics is increasingly complex and requires a partner with deep expertise and a forward-thinking approach,” said Jones. “The launch of TAL supports these needs by drawing on the collective strength of three companies with 285 combined years of logistics experience and a track record of continual innovation for customers, no matter where they are in their adoption of automation. Thomas and I are eager to reshape the logistics arena with TAL’s unified approach to offering its customers one connected solution and a seamless journey.” “Warehouse and fulfillment operations never stop nor are they constrained by time zones or geography,” added Hibinger. “Aaron and I have the opportunity to combine the talents of TAL’s dedicated team to deliver an exceptional level of responsiveness and service. Our goal is to redefine what is possible with warehouse automation.” Toyota Automated Logistics will share how seamless integration helps customers design and scale logistics facilities to match their business’s changing needs at LogiMAT, booth 1J31 in hall 1, and MODEX, booth #B14719. Warehouse, fulfillment, and manufacturing leaders are invited to hear from Hibinger and Jones at the shows. To schedule an appointment with TAL at LogiMAT, visit toyota-automated-logistics.com/logimat. To schedule an appointment at MODEX, visit toyota-automated-logistics.com/modex.

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