The sessions include:

John Frehse Executive Masterclass (WERC Kickoff Session) on Monday, May 18 | 8:00 AM

The Future of Workforce Leadership in a Shifting Economy

Transform your workforce challenges into opportunities. Leaders are currently facing unprecedented challenges. Tariffs, evolving regulations, inflation, and persistent labor shortages are reshaping the landscape, and traditional workforce strategies may no longer be enough to address these issues. As workforce dynamics grow more complex, leaders must find new, innovative ways to drive success and sustain their people’s growth. Leading labor expert John Frehse, Head of Global Labor Strategy at Ankura, reveals critical strategies every leader should prioritize to optimize their hourly workforce. Drawing on over 25 years of research from the Leadership Lab, this session will highlight five key focus areas that are essential for people leaders managing large hourly teams in 2026 and beyond:

• Using artificial intelligence to manage, not to lead
• Determining the true cost of overstaffing and understaffing
• Understanding the correlation between employee experience and business results
• Fixing employees’ lack of trust in leadership
• The most powerful thing any leader can do (and how to start doing it right away)

Tyler Gillum Keynote on Monday, May 18 | 11:30 AM

Score a Culture Home Run the Savannah Bananas Way

Savannah Bananas Head Coach Tyler Gillum built the most successful sports team in America – not by focusing on baseball, but on buy-in. In this keynote, learn how Gillum creates a culture of excellence through a leadership approach that emphasizes commitment over compliance. He’ll detail the team’s journey from the creation of "Banana Ball" to becoming the greatest show in sports by nurturing an environment where teams both thrive and achieve the extraordinary. Learn Gillum’s approach to energy, mindset, and servant leadership, including how to define and build culture from the top, and how to ensure that dedication to the mission flows through every level. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to help create a championship-level culture that’s fully embraced by your team.

Jason Schenker Keynote on Tuesday, May 19 | 11:30 AM

From Strategy to Execution: How Economic and Technology Trends are Reshaping Material Handling and Warehouse Operations

Join top-ranked economist and bestselling author, Jason Schenker, for a dynamic keynote and fireside chat that connects global economic and technology trends to the realities shaping today’s material handling and warehouse operations. Jason will unpack the latest developments in AI, automation, labor markets and geopolitics, translating them into practical insights for both the material handling industry and professionals leading warehouse and distribution operations. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how economic shifts and emerging technologies are influencing investment priorities, supply chain resiliency, and operational performance – and how to turn those trends into a lasting competitive advantage.

Facility tours

You can also see distribution processes in action with guided facility tours in the Jacksonville, Florida region. Some tours include:

Anderson DuBose: The Anderson DuBose Jacksonville distribution center opened in August of 2025 and is a 165,000 square foot facility that services restaurants in the Southeast Georgia/Northern Florida market. It operates in all three temp zones and currently supports 200 restaurants. The DC utilizes a low-ammonia system for cooling, offering enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and environmental sustainability benefits. The DC’s location to its service market, along with it being a rail site, drives significant miles reduction to the system. 

Johnstone Supply: Johnstone Supply is a wholesale distributor serving professional HVACR contractors. Johnstone has the largest selection of equipment and genuine OEM parts in the industry. On this tour, participants will view real-time operations and voice-picking. Johnstone’s core mission—Making it Easy for the HVACR Contractor to do Business—emphasizes product selection, availability, and eCommerce. The Jacksonville Distribution Center services ninety branches across seven states in the Southeast.  

Henry Schein: On this tour of Henry Schein, a provider of medical and dental supplies, participants will experience a facility that runs for 21 hours a day, Monday through Friday. During this tour of a VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) warehouse, complete with wire guidance, turrets, and a 3-level full case pick mode, participants will view the RF technology that is used for receiving, putaway, replenishment, and cycle count functions. This facility also utilizes picking with Voice directed picking technology and conveyors that route packages to multiple trailers for shipments to their customers in the Southeast.
  

Announced during interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reinforces a longstanding relationship between the two organizations while creating new pathways for North American manufacturers and suppliers to connect with global customers, partners, and emerging markets.

The MoU includes the creation of a dedicated PMMI North American Pavilion at interpack 2029 in Düsseldorf, Germany, organized and managed by PMMI.

The partnership reflects increasing demand for stronger cross-market collaboration as packaging and processing companies navigate evolving supply chains, automation investments, digital transformation initiatives, sustainability goals, and continued global growth opportunities.

As part of the agreement, PMMI will lead the development and management of the North American Pavilion at interpack 2029, creating a centralized destination for PMMI members  from across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The pavilion is expected to enhance visibility for participating companies while strengthening business connections between North American manufacturers and international buyers.

“Packaging and processing is a global industry, and our members are increasingly looking for stronger access to international markets, customers, and innovation partners,” says Jim Pittas, president & CEO, PMMI. “This partnership creates a strategic platform for PMMI members to expand their global footprint, build new business relationships, and showcase North American innovation on one of the industry’s most influential international stages.”

“For many years, PMMI and interpack have maintained a close and trusted dialogue that we highly value. This agreement is a natural next step to further develop that exchange and expand international connectivity for the benefit of our shared customers,” says Thomas Dohse, director of interpack.

The PMMI North American Pavilion at interpack 2029 will provide participating exhibitors with a unified presence and expanded visibility at one of the world’s leading processing and packaging events. The initiative is also expected to support broader industry collaboration around automation, sustainability, smart manufacturing, and next-generation packaging solutions.

Both organizations said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation and strengthening the global packaging and processing industry through greater international engagement and collaboration.

Companies in North America ordered 9,055 robots valued at $543 million during the quarter, according to A3. That represented a 0.1% decline in units ordered and a 6.4% drop in revenue compared to the same period last year.

The overall numbers were heavily affected by a slowdown in Automotive OEM orders, which fell 35.1% in units and 48.2% in revenue year over year. But outside of traditional automotive manufacturing, many industries posted strong gains.

Life sciences, pharma, and biomedical companies increased orders for robots by 54.1%. Semiconductor and electronics companies posted a 31.7% increase, while plastics and rubber companies saw orders climb 25.2%. Food and consumer goods companies also increased robot orders by 16%.

“The broader takeaway from the first quarter is that automation demand is becoming more diverse in terms of industries, applications and deployment models,” said Alex Shikany, Executive Vice President at A3. “That is an important signal for the long-term health of the market.”

The data point to a robotics market that is becoming much more diverse as companies across industries continue to invest in automation to improve productivity, address labor shortages, and stay competitive.

Collaborative robots, often called cobots, were one of the biggest bright spots in the report.

Companies ordered 1,637 collaborative robots during the quarter, up 55.6% from the same period last year. Revenue tied to collaborative robot orders increased 78.2% year over year to $69.8 million.

Collaborative robots accounted for 18.1% of all robot units ordered during the quarter, according to A3.

The strongest adoption of collaborative robots came from life sciences and pharma companies, where cobots accounted for more than 60% of robot orders. Semiconductor and electronics companies also showed strong adoption.

The AI-driven data center boom and the flow of electronics that support it are forcing companies to rethink how these shipments are packaged and protected. Just one damaged server can stop a project that runs in sequence: Servers go in after the racks; racks are installed after the power and cooling; and nothing can be tested until it’s all in place.

The need is real. According to JLL’s 2026 Global Data Center Outlook, the sector will grow at 14% annually through 2030, adding nearly 100 gigawatts of new capacity along the way. That will roughly double today’s capacity. The Americas is the largest data center region in the world, accounting for about half of global capacity. It’s growing faster than anywhere else, with the United States driving about 90% of that activity.

The money behind it is staggering. JLL estimates the industry will need up to $3 trillion in total investment by 2030, $1.2 trillion of which will go toward new facility construction and another $1 trillion to $2 trillion to outfit those facilities with GPUs and networking infrastructure. JLL says AI accounted for about 25% of data center workloads last year and could double that usage by 2030.    

“Data centers are probably the biggest growth infrastructure sector in North America right now,” says Paul Budsworth, CEO at Specialized Packaging Group (SPG). “A lot of traditional manufacturing and construction activity has slowed over the last few years, but data centers and the hyperscalers (companies that build and run these facilities on a global scale) have gone the other way. They’re booming and continuing to grow.”

That’s a lot of protective packaging to think about. It also puts the cost of that packaging into perspective. “You’re shipping servers and racks that can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in some cases millions,” Budsworth says. “The protective packaging requirement is really significant, but the cost of the packaging is usually well below 0.1% of the cost of the item being shipped.”

It’s not just about physical damage either. Electrostatic discharge also comes into play. “Certain items (servers, circuit boards, etc.) need anti-static or static shielding to avoid damaging the circuitry,” says Budsworth. “It’s about ensuring the circuitry isn’t impacted during transit.”

Crews managing inbound flow at these massive sites have to balance limited space with high volumes and no margin for delay. That means the packaging has to both protect the equipment and keep pace with everything going on around it. 

“Space is limited in a data center, so getting equipment in and packaging out quickly matters,” Budsworth says. “Large volumes can arrive at once with very little notice, so operations have to react quickly.”  

The use of autonomous lift trucks and mobile robots is increasing and changing how we think about mobile devices. These devices are often built into automated equipment, allowing for even more streamlined operator guidance and training. 

Unlike traditional tablets or mobile devices that require operators to navigate system apps and data, these interfaces are designed to simply present the work at hand. 

“A built-in screen interface is purpose-designed for the robot and tightly integrated with its workflows, which makes it more intuitive and actionable than a general-purpose mobile device,” says Zac Dydek, chief technology officer, Vecna Robotics. “Rather than requiring operators to navigate apps or interpret system data, the robot’s on-board UI presents only what’s needed in that moment.” 

Operators receive step-by-step instructions and visual prompts, which help reduce mistakes and standardize process across shifts. Vecna Robotics’ standard screen shows updates like the battery level, status of the current mission, and a maintenance menu. 

The interface can also be used to send local assist information if a robot gets stuck in a situation where onsite intervention is required. 

But for many deployments, Dydek notes, the interface shows something as simple as a single “Go” button that the operator can press to confirm a load and then send the robot onto its next stop.

“In more advanced workflows, the screen can guide users through specific tasks, such as pallet pickup instructions, displaying order or bar code information at pick locations, or even allowing users to assign work directly to the robot by selecting from available routines,” Dydek explains. 

Because the interface is always co-located with the robot, Dydek says built-in mobile computing removes the need to manage separate handheld devices and simplifies and standardizes how operators interact with automation.

“Instead of relying on separate devices or complex systems, operators interact directly with the robot in a very task-oriented way,” he says. “In many cases, that interaction is minimal—pressing a button to advance a workflow—but in others, the screen provides guided instructions that reduce training time and improve consistency.” 

According to Dydek, this shifts the operator’s role from manually executing every movement to supervising and collaborating with the system. 

“The result is a more streamlined workflow where operators can focus on value-added tasks, while the robot handles the transport and coordination,” he adds. “Overall, the screen interface helps lower the barrier to adoption by making autonomous mobile robots easier to understand and interact with in day-to-day operations.”  

And, when installing an automated system within a new facility, it’s critical to allocate sufficient time for comprehensive testing. Proper preparation ensures smooth operations not only during startup but also throughout regular volumes and seasonal surges. 

While automation delivers significant efficiencies when functioning as expected, any breakdowns can lead to costly and disruptive manual workarounds.

Testing automated systems

Automated systems range from basic multi-level pick modules with sorters to advanced automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), shuttles, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and more. 

Regardless of technology, each system has multiple potential failure points that must be tested to ensure reliable performance during both regular and peak periods. 

Key areas to evaluate include:

• Control software integration and functionality;

• Equipment dimensions and weight handling;

• Throughput rates and speed;

• Product and equipment alignment;

• Inventory dimensions and weight;

• Travel paths and routes; and

• System reporting and alerts.

Traditional live testing

Live testing remains the most direct method for confirming system readiness, particularly in new facilities. While it may temporarily impact daily operations, it provides critical insights into real-world performance.

 A successful live testing strategy typically involves:

• Securing necessary inventory (e.g., cases, pallets);

• Loading and processing inventory through the system;

• Allocating staff to support testing activities;

• Coordinating with other operational or installation schedules; and

• Identifying and documenting issues for resolution.

Simulation modeling

If live testing isn’t feasible due to time or resource constraints, consider building a simulation model. This analytical approach allows you to evaluate system performance and identify areas for improvement without disrupting operations. 

Simulation modeling is especially valuable during the detailed engineering design phase to validate concepts and optimize performance. With this approach to testing, you avoid the need to manually handle inventory, use labor resources, and impact the day-to-day operations. 

Simulation models can be developed for a focused area and provide results within a month or take 12+ weeks to build for a large/complex system when data is not available.  Although building a full simulation model can take months, interim results can be assessed section by section to guide adjustments.   

The basic simulation requirements include the following:

• Collecting and validating data files (inventory, orders, etc.);

• Data model processing and analysis;

• Defining/validating operational system descriptions;

• Building physical simulation model/logic development;

• Running scenarios and reporting findings; and

• Testing resolutions and documenting recommendations.

Developing a testing strategy

Start by defining your peak season expectations: inventory levels, order volumes, SKU mix and order profiles. Then assess your available resources and timeline to determine whether you can pursue live testing, simulation modeling, or both.

Remember, testing is only part of the process. If issues arise, you’ll need time to develop, test and implement adjustments such as:

• Modifying order wave timing;

• Revising shift schedules or staffing plans;

• Tweaking control software; and

• Making equipment changes.

Conclusion

Identifying and resolving issues before peak season and on-going is critical to maintain performance and avoiding disruptions. Clearly the time to do that is now, before the wave of seasonal volume lays bear any shortcomings in your facilities automated equipment.  

Norm Saenz is a managing director and partner with St. Onge Company. He has 32 years of experience with distribution operations and materials handling and storage equipment planning through implementation. He has worked on hundreds of projects, published articles and presented at many industry events.  

The partnership responds to rising customer needs for scalable and adaptable automation solutions that integrate seamlessly into both existing production lines and next-generation manufacturing environments. By leveraging the complementary portfolios, technological capabilities, and business models of both companies, the agreement enables a broader and more accessible offering for global customers.

Looking ahead, COMAU and Omron view this partnership as a platform for future joint initiatives. Together, the companies aim to unlock new levels of operational efficiency, flexibility, and performance for their customers by integrating robotics hardware, advanced control technologies, and software-driven automation tailored to diverse manufacturing environments around the world.

“This initiative is fully aligned with our strategy to expand Comau’s solution portfolio through high-impact partnerships,” said Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau. “Omron is an ideal partner, sharing our vision of open innovation and customer-centric value creation. By combining Comau’s robotics expertise with Omron’s complementary technologies and software capabilities, we enable the delivery of solutions that are easier to deploy, highly adaptable, and future-ready. This collaboration also strengthens Comau’s presence in high-growth sectors and new geographies, helping customers effectively manage increasing industrial complexity through reliable, safe, and scalable automation.”

“Through this collaboration, we are bringing together two complementary portfolios with a shared focus on customer success,” said Olivier Welker, CEO of OMRON Robotics. “By aligning our expertise in robotics, applications, advanced control, and intelligent automation technologies, we can help manufacturers respond faster to changing market demands. Together, this new collaboration will allow us to deliver more flexible, connected, and sustainable production systems that support long-term growth for our customers.” 

In this roundtable webinar, industry experts will examine how the AMR market is maturing; where adoption is accelerating; and what’s changing in robot capabilities, navigation intelligence, and fleet orchestration as deployments scale.

Attendees will gain practical insight into where AMRs are delivering the most value today, common challenges teams face as fleets grow, and what warehouse and DC leaders should expect from the next phase of AMR evolution.

The Switzerland-based company announced Friday that it has acquired Royal Apollo Group, a Netherlands-based business known for its spiral conveyor systems, as well as logistics and baling equipment. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded nearly 180 years ago, Royal Apollo Group operates three manufacturing sites and supports customers through installation, maintenance, modernization, and spare parts services. The company has built a global business around vertical conveying systems that are commonly used in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing operations.

Interroll said the deal helps fill a gap in its existing conveyor lineup while also strengthening its aftermarket business.

“With this acquisition, we add Royal Apollo Group’s spiral conveyor technology to Interroll’s conveying portfolio, closing a gap in our offering and strengthening our lifecycle services and spare parts business,” said Markus Asch, CEO of Interroll. “The businesses are complementary, and we will focus on integration and making this product range available to our customers and system integrators worldwide as well as new customers that we will be able to reach thanks to this move”.

The acquisition also gives Royal Apollo Group access to Interroll’s larger international footprint.

“Royal Apollo Group is joining Interroll,” said Claudia van den Pol, CEO and owner of Royal Apollo Group. “This move gives us access to Interroll’s much wider global network, an opportunity we would not have had if we remained independent. Our products and services complement Interroll’s offering well, and together we will combine our strengths to align product development, operations, and go-to-market activities over time.”

The move comes as warehouse operators and manufacturers continue to invest in automation, conveyor systems, and material-flow equipment to improve throughput and handle rising order volumes.

The companies said the signing and closing of the transaction both took place on May 7.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are honored to have Rob join us at such a pivotal time,” commented Chairman of the Board Christian Wolf. “We are confident that Rob’s experience, leadership approach, and strategic mindset will support TURCK’s ambitious growth plans and long-term success. Rob brings a deep respect for what we have built over the last 60-plus years and a vision for where TURCK USA needs to go next. We look forward to continuing our mission with Rob at the helm as a proven, high-impact leader,” Wolf continued.

Nugent brings an impressive track record of profitable growth, operational excellence, and market leadership within complex, international industrial technology companies. As a veteran leader with full P&L ownership, he excels at aligning strategic vision with go-to-market execution to drive sustainable, long-term results.

Most recently, Nugent served as President and CEO of RJG, Inc., a global industrial technology and services company in the injection molding industry. He led a company-wide transformation that delivered substantial financial results and accelerated growth in non-traditional markets. Nugent was recognized for strengthening organizational leadership and making significant gains in both recurring revenue and employee engagement.

Prior to this role, Nugent held several long-term leadership positions at Rexnord and Rockwell Automation, where he gained extensive senior leadership experience leading successful global and regional businesses.

“I am honored to be chosen as the next leader of Turck Inc. in the U.S.,” Nugent said. “I will remain focused on driving sustainable growth by creating real value for our customers and partners, strengthening trusted customer and channel relationships, and continuing to invest in our employees. This commitment will continue to guide our strategic direction going forward,” he said.

Nugent holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and has completed advanced certifications in product, channel, and growth strategy. 

Together, Geekplus and Mindugar will deliver integrated, scalable automation solutions tailored to the needs of Latin American businesses. The partnership will focus on deploying Geekplus’s industry-leading Shelf-to-Person solutions, including P800 and PopPick, alongside its high-performance Tote-to-Person system, RoboShuttle Plus (RSP). These solutions are powered by Geekplus’s intelligent software platform, enabling customers to increase throughput, improve accuracy, and optimize warehouse space.

“Latin America is a dynamic and fast-growing market for logistics innovation,” said Xi Chen, Head of Latin America at Geekplus. “Our partnership with Mindugar allows us to bring proven, scalable automation solutions closer to customers in the region. By integrating our robotics technology with Mindugar’s deep expertise in racking systems, we are uniquely positioned to deliver high-performance solutions that drive efficiency, flexibility, and long-term value.”

Sebastián García, Mindugar CEO added: “This partnership represents an important step forward for our customers and for the region. By working with Geekplus, we are able to combine best-in-class automation with our infrastructure capabilities, creating fully integrated solutions that address the evolving needs of modern warehouses. Together, we will help customers improve productivity while building a strong foundation for future growth.”

Geekplus’s Shelf-to-Person solutions are designed to support high-throughput picking operations with flexible storage configurations, while its Tote-to-Person systems enable efficient goods-to-person workflows with high storage density and rapid order fulfillment. Backed by global deployment experience and localized support, Geekplus and Mindugar will work closely with customers from design through implementation and ongoing optimization.

This partnership underscores Geekplus’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in high-growth markets by collaborating with strong regional partners and delivering tailored automation solutions that meet local operational needs.

Gartner surveyed 140 senior supply chain leaders on their AI strategies in November, 2025. The data showed that only 17% of supply chain organizations are pursuing immediate transformational redesign of their processes and workflows, while 83% are either applying AI incrementally to specific use cases or gradually scaling it into integrated processes.

Even as growing geopolitical volatility fuels new disruptions and drives interest in the potential of AI-orchestrated supply chains, most organizations need to continue taking an incremental approach, as gaps in data readiness, the need for employee upskilling, and fragmented vendor landscapes constrain progress on technology deployment and adoption in the near term.  

“Persistent volatility is driving interest in evaluating AI‑orchestrated capabilities, but investment remains constrained by foundational readiness,” said Caleb Thomson, Senior Director Analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain practice. “Even among leading supply chain organizations that have demonstrated success with performance gains and ROI on their AI investments, few have truly embedded AI into their core operations.”

Unlike traditional planning and execution tools, AI-powered orchestration promises to continuously monitor network events and simulate response scenarios. This enables rapid human-to-AI collaboration for critical, time-bound decisions. These results promise to help CSCOs better anticipate and respond to future supply chain disruptions and mitigate their impacts through centralized, end-to-end network-wide visibility, cross functional analytics, and increasingly agentic automation.

Thomson highlighted the following challenges to wider market adoption:

• Fragmented vendor landscape: Supply chain orchestration is built across multiple planning, visibility and analytics tools, and not delivered today through a single “one‑stop” vendor platform.
• Data gaps constrain adaptability: Orchestration depends on data quality, yet many organizations struggle with foundational master data alignment that technology alone cannot fix.
• Inconsistent partner data: Data quality challenges extend across the supply network, as information from trading partners can often be incomplete or unreliable.
• Human expertise remains essential: Achieving greater decision autonomy requires sustained upskilling and gradual adoption, with AI augmenting—not replacing—human judgment.
• Process maturity is foundational: Clear processes, aligned roles and standardized data models are critical to enabling orchestration and effective decision governance.

“Today’s technical and organizational feasibility challenges should not be reasons to delay pursuing the underlying capabilities needed for AI-powered supply chain orchestration,” said Thomson. “Gartner research shows that the business value will be transformative, as it lays the groundwork for future agentic orchestration across the end-to-end supply chain network.”

Building on the PMMI Foundation’s long-standing participation at SkillsUSA events, ICPF is joining efforts this year to expand visibility and reach while connecting with students, educators, and future industry talent through both organizations’ networks.

Together, ICPF and the PMMI Foundation are leveraging this national platform to expand awareness of career opportunities in the corrugated and packaging industries and to help address the growing skilled labor gap across manufacturing.

ICPF is proud to participate as a Silver Sponsor of SkillsUSA this year — an investment that supports the organization’s national programming while enabling deeper engagement with its network of more than 444,000 career and technical education (CTE) students and teachers nationwide. As part of this expanded involvement, ICPF is collaborating with SkillsUSA on a coordinated set of workforce development initiatives, including a national communications effort and a speaker series connecting industry professionals directly with classrooms.

ICPF and the PMMI Foundation will be on-site at NLSC, sharing exhibit space at PMMI’s Booth #857 to increase visibility, foster engagement, and connect directly with students exploring careers in manufacturing.

As part of the conference experience, both ICPF and the PMMI Foundation will participate in the SkillsUSA scavenger hunt, an interactive, digital experience that encourages students to explore the show floor, visit exhibitor booths, and engage with industry representatives. Attendees are encouraged to stop by Booth #857 on June 2–4, 2026, to take part in multiple scavenger hunt experiences, learn more about packaging career pathways, and explore opportunities for employment across the industry.

“Opportunities like SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference allow us to expand awareness of careers in our industry while also creating opportunities for direct engagement,” said Caitlin Salaverria, president of ICPF. “It’s about helping students understand what these careers look like and where they can fit within the industry.”

Together, ICPF and the PMMI Foundation are committed to closing the skills gap by expanding industry awareness, strengthening education connections, and creating clear pathways into rewarding careers.

Via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the MoU establishes a framework for the two companies to evaluate joint development in key areas of focus including advanced robotics, autonomous systems, and automated warehouse and logistics systems.

“Robotics and industrial automation are evolving quickly, with systems that sense, think, and act in real time at the edge,” said Jay Bellissimo, Senior Vice President and President, Intelligent Systems, Software and Services, Aptiv. “Through our work with Comau, we aim to combine Aptiv’s advanced perception, compute, and software solutions with Comau’s deep expertise in robotics and large-scale industrial deployment, to help customers build smarter, safer automation without the cost and complexity that has historically slowed adoption.”

“Comau’s planned partnership with Aptiv creates a powerful combination of complementary strengths. Together, we can deliver advanced robotic and digital solutions that help customers in many different sectors modernize operations, accelerate AI adoption, and prepare for a future where autonomy is foundational to industrial productivity,” said Giovanni Volpes, Chief Extended Europe Officer, Comau.

The proposed collaboration combines Aptiv’s industry-leading portfolio, including proven Wind River edge platforms and Aptiv PULSE sensor and high-performance interconnect solutions, with Comau’s technology portfolio and expertise in robotics, automation, and large-scale deployment across complex production environments all over the world.

This initial phase of the cooperation is expected to explore several high-value use cases across the industrial automation landscape:

• Advanced Robotics: Next-generation perception solutions and compute reference architectures for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Collaborative Robots (CoBots) and other autonomous platforms, validated with real-world Comau use cases.
• AI-Enabled Warehouse & Logistics Automation: Enhancement of Comau’s Automha logistics software, drawing on Wind River cloud and edge technologies to support AI/ML at the edge, improve system intelligence, real-time responsiveness, and lifecycle management across logistics operations.
• High-Performance Interconnect for Industrial Environments: Ruggedized cabling, micro and modular connectors, and cable assemblies engineered for performance, durability, and weight efficiency in demanding robotic applications.
• Radar & Vision-Based Industrial Safety: Alternative safety architecture integrating deterministic compute and multizone monitoring to improve worker protection while reducing cost and system complexity.

This collaboration seeks to build on Comau’s longstanding use of Wind River’s VxWorks in its industrial controllers as well as the use of Comau robots in Aptiv manufacturing facilities, with the goal of extending the relationship across Aptiv’s broader portfolio of perception, compute, sensing, and interconnect solutions.

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Those themes will take center stage this year at Automate, the largest robotics and automation event in North America, June 22–25, 2026, in Chicago at McCormick Place.

Industry leaders from Siemens Digital Industries and Standard Bots will headline keynote sessions exploring the growing role of AI in automation, workforce transformation, and the expanding capabilities of robotics across manufacturing, logistics, and other industries. The program will also feature a leadership conversation with Chicago Bears Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher and longtime Bears radio voice Jeff Joniak.

Automate is expected to attract more than 50,000 people, with 200+ expert speakers, 140+ conference sessions, and 1,000+ exhibitors across 450,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Keynote Lineup
The keynote program will highlight the most important trends shaping automation today, from industrial AI to workforce transformation and leadership.

MONDAY, JUNE 22

The State of the Automation Industry: Leadership Roundtable
Mike Cicco, President and CEO, FANUC America; Andre Marino, SVP, Industrial Automation, Schneider Electric; Matt Moschner, President and CEO, Cognex; Wendy Tan White, CEO, Intrinsic

These industry leaders will share their perspectives on the current state of automation, key market trends, and the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry’s future.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

The Automation Impact: AI, Automation, and the Human Element
Annemarie Breu, Senior Director, Automation Software Deployment and Incubation, Siemens Digital Industries and Chris Stevens, President, U.S. Automation, Siemens Digital Industries

This session explores how manufacturers are integrating AI with automation systems to improve productivity, build more adaptive operations, and enable the workforce to scale new technologies responsibly.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

99% of Tasks Still Can’t Be Automated: How Physical AI Changes That
Evan Beard, Co-founder and CEO, Standard Bots

Beard will examine why most real-world tasks remain difficult to automate and how AI-native robots could dramatically expand the range of tasks automation can address.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

Built to Win: The Mindset Behind Championship Performance
Brian Urlacher, Former Linebacker, Chicago Bears and Jeff Joniak, Play-by-Play Announcer, Chicago Bears

This session explores the leadership principles behind sustained high performance, drawing parallels between elite sports teams and modern organizations.

Automate brings together automation professionals from around the world to explore the latest technologies in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision, motion control, and industrial automation.

When the event last took place in Chicago in 2024, it set an attendance record with 42,895 registrants and 867 exhibitors across more than 320,000 square feet of exhibit space, driving a nearly $50 million economic impact to the city. The 2026 event is expected to surpass those records as companies across industries accelerate their adoption of automation technologies.

For more information and to register for Automate 2026, visit automateshow.com.

The new offering, called Amazon Supply Chain Services, integrates freight, storage, and delivery into a single network. Instead of working with multiple providers, companies can manage more of their operations in one place.

Early users include Procter & Gamble, 3M, Lands’ End, and American Eagle Outfitters, which are already using parts of the network to move inventory and fulfill orders.

“Amazon is bringing the infrastructure, intelligence, and scale of its supply chain services—proven over decades—to businesses everywhere, much like Amazon Web Services did for cloud computing,” said Peter Larsen, vice president of Amazon Supply Chain Services. “Supply chain wasn’t just a function at Amazon—it was core to providing an exceptional shopping experience. Our differentiator. The reason we could offer fast, dependable delivery that nobody else could. And with the launch of ASCS, we’re confident we can give any other business access to the same cost efficiency, reliability, and speed that we’ve built for Amazon customers.”

From an operations standpoint, the biggest shift is how inventory can be handled across the network. Companies can bring products into the system, store them in bulk, and position inventory closer to demand, all within the same network that fulfills orders across multiple sales channels.

That approach is already being used by Lands’ End.

“Amazon is one of our key ecommerce partners, and we’re excited to leverage Amazon Supply Chain Services to position inventory closer to customers so we can reach them even faster,” said Andrew McLean, CEO of Lands’ End. “This consistency is central to our solutions-based approach, enabling us to serve customers with confidence and agility, especially during peak seasons.”

The deployment near Phoenix already is producing leafy greens and other products for a network of Whole Foods stores in the region, as well as for one regional food distributor, but the company has an ambitious national rollout vision that it says will cultivate higher quality, more sustainably produced products, while also cutting distance and time from the traditional distribution chain.

OnePointOne, or OPO, spent its first five years and $60 million developing its own robotics for its vertical farm concept. It then changed that strategy when it realized that leveraging the technology of a successful, global provider of robotic-based AS/RS (AutoStore) would be a more effective and focused approach, with an automation partner that could help OPO quickly spin up additional vertical farms.

“It is an AutoStore that we turned into a farm, is the simplest way to think about it,” says Sam Bertram, OPO’s CEO and co-founder.

OPO did develop some in-house technology to make the AutoStore-based platform work for its needs, including software to manage tote movements, and subsystems in the cube for lighting, heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC), irrigation and other plant-specific functions.

By 2022, OPO ceased its own robotics development, adopting AutoStore’s technology as the centerpiece of its modular vertical farm concept. The automation not only houses the plants in a high-density, protected environment, the robots on top are used to shuffle the plant-holding totes to optimal zones during their growing cycle.

“Our whole mandate was to take the AutoStore system and make as few changes as possible to it,” says Bertram. “We didn’t change the robots, or the grid or the ports. We did alter the bins to the extent needed for vertical farming, and we’ve developed some subsystems for needs like ventilation, but in most ways, it’s very close to a typical AutoStore.”

Think big; stay focused

OPO was founded in 2017 by Sam Bertram and his brother John Bertram with the mission to nourish the world more sustainably. To date, they have raised over $77 million, with the aim of sustainably feeding and nourishing the world using indoor vertical farming. Their mission: Nourish Humanity, Preserve Nature.

As Sam Bertram explains, vertical farms make sense because they can be located next to major population centers, so instead of produce having to travel 2,000 miles or more to get to market, the product only needs to move short distances to get to consumers, which slashes logistics costs and keeps the produce as fresh as if it had just been harvested from conventional outdoor farm.

By comparison to traditional farming, vertical farms require far less water to grow crops, and they have limited exposure to extreme weather events. Plants grown indoors in high-density automation also aren’t prone to pests and disease, because the environment is controlled, Bertram explains.

“Our facility uses around between 95% to 99% less land space the conventional farms for the same crops, and somewhere around 95% to 99% less water,” says Bertram. “We use zero pesticides; we have no seasonality or risk of heavy metals. The product tastes better, lasts longer on the shelf, and has a better nutritional profile than what you can grow outdoors. I can make that claim because we’ve third-party tested the nutritional profile.”

Some consumers do care about agricultural sustainability, but most are focused on freshness and taste, which vertical farming also delivers on, adds Bertram. “American consumers care about cost, and they care about quality; and quality to most consumers comes down to taste, appearance and shelf life,” he says.

Bertram acknowledges vertical farming isn’t the complete answer to a better global food system. Outdoor farming at scale with the latest agricultural equipment is effective at growing crops like corn, potatoes, rice or soybeans. Home gardens can help, too, but when it comes to categories like microgreens, leafy greens and herbs, indoor vertical farms can produce high quality, nutritious products right within major metro areas.

OPO has an ambitious vision for its vertical farm platform, foreseeing partnerships with retailers or distributors, but in other ways, the company is taking a measured approach. It purposely limited the range of crops for its first farm, called “Opollo Farm,” to provide the focus needed to proving out the system, but while shipping real products to customers and consumers.

Opollo Farms’ AutoStore cube is used to grow three produce categories: herbs, leafy greens and microgreens. Bertram says other crops are well suited to vertical farming, such as mushrooms, berries, as well as some plants used for bio-pharmaceuticals, but the strategy was to not over-extend with the first farm.

“We see it as a plant production platform,” Bertram says. “It’s just that one of the big mistakes vertical farms made in the beginning was spreading themselves too thin on too many opportunities. We’ve sort of got our blinders on with our initial focus: leafy greens, microgreens, herbs. Once we build further success with those, we can move on to others.”

At Opollo Farm, which has been running for two years, the anchor customer is Whole Foods, which has the farm produce greens like Baby Kale (the biggest seller for the 10 stores the farm supplies) as well as other greens such as baby bok choy and baby mizuna. In addition to Whole Foods, the Opollo Farm is growing an “intensity mix” of microgreens for a major food service distributor.

In short, OnePointOne is taking a conservative start, focusing on a handful of crops. The measured start allowed OPO focus on the trickiest aspects of its platform, like fine-tuning the ventilation delivery, without having to worry about the automation itself.

“The vast majority of the technical hindrances and difficulties have been overcome,” Bertram says. “We now have a system that we can copy and paste and be very confident that it will hit yield objectives, and quality targets and economic benchmarks.”

Automation meets plant science

When OnePointOne started, it developed its own robotics, including 16 robots to move, photograph and manipulate plants. It first met with AutoStore in 2020, says Bertram. By 2021, OPO came to realize it would be better to go with an off-the-shelf, widely deployed automation system from a vendor with the capacity to provide much larger systems, while continually enhancing the automation. OPO’s decision to base Opollo Farm on AutoStore, and ditch the customized robotics, was made in 2022, Bertram says.

“Early on, when we began meeting with AutoStore, they told us, ‘you guys have done a great job with those 16 robots, but we have 60,000 of them out in our customer base,’” Bertram recalls.

The system at Avondale has been expanded once, but is still small compared to many high-volume AutoStore deployments. The current system has a capacity of around 1,000 plant-holding totes, two AutoStore robots on top to handle the totes/plants, and two ports. With AutoStore as a partner, larger modular vertical farms could be quickly deployed by adding more totes, robots and ports for induction and harvesting.

Unlike many AutoStore deployments—where the focus of the automation is on rapid, efficient order picking at workstations—a key function of AutoStore at Opollo Farm is rotating the plant-holding totes to different zones of the cube optimized for different stages of the plant growth life cycle. The system can present ripe plants to a port when it is time to pick, but OPO’s management software and the automation also need to support optimal lighting, environmental and irrigation levels the plants need at different stages of their growth cycles.

“Everything about the plant’s experience, we can control,” says Bertram.

The main things that OnePointOne did to customize the system included providing LED growing lights, water-delivery mechanisms to water the plants hydroponically, as well as ventilation and other features to control humidity and CO2 levels. The company also has ongoing research in plant science and continues to improve its software for the automation.

“AutoStore’s system is good at moving bins around the cube quickly and reliably,” Bertram says. “We harness that to support the plants’ predetermined grow recipes, so that based on the zone the plant and tote is in, it’s optimized for a different stage of its growth cycle. For example, during germination, you want the plants to be in a zero light, high-humidity environment. Then you want to move it to low-light, high-humidity for its nursery phase, while for the final phase of production, we want high light, lower humidity, and more airflow.”

AutoStore recent development of cold storage capabilities supports OPO’s strategy for locating vertical farms next to major points of distribution. That does away with far-flung logistics costs and time conventionally grown crops need for transportation to DCs, while AutoStore’s cold storage can act as a high-density buffer at the local level, says Bertram.

“Now with AutoStore’s cold storage solution, we can take out products and as soon as we harvest them, we can send them straight into cold storage, which locks the nutritional density and keeps the storage footprint very dense,” says Bertram. “If a retailer or distributor has one of these facilities with attached cold storage, they can get the product out on demand whenever they need it.”

Vertical indoor farms do consume energy, which is why electricity costs are a factor in where to locate vertical farms, they carry clear sustainability and cost-reduction benefits, Bertram says.

At the end of day, modular vertical farms carry both a sustainability and a profitably advantage, Bertram contends. As he sums up, “for our partners, their distribution chain is much more streamlined, much more reliable, and therefore, more gross margin can be realized.” 

The automation flow at Opollo

At the center of the vertical farm platform is an AutoStore cube, but other technologies support the overall solution.

OnePointOne’s (OPO’s) Opollo Farm in the Phoenix metro area is the first of its type using an AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) as the foundation of a modular, vertical farm. However, the farm also uses pre-processing and post-processing automation to ready the crops for growth and process and package ripe crops retrieved from the AutoStore.

The totes used in the grid are standard AutoStore totes, but they have been customized by removing material to allow light to hit the growing plants, and provide them with water and air flow. The AutoStore robots are used to rotate crops in the bins to different zones of the cube storage system kept at optimal conditions for the different growing cycles of each plant type, as well to retrieve the plants for harvesting by specialized equipment adjacent to the ports.

Sam Bertram, CEO and co-founder of OPO, says the farm is highly automated as a result, except for a few tasks like cleanup of bins, which will also be automated in the near future.

“We have automated the seeding and the tray filling for the growing media, and then also automated harvesting and packaging,” says Bertram. “The AutoStore is in the middle, and then we plug proven, pre-existing technologies into either side to support the full plant production cycle.”

Fortunately, says Bertram, there is reliable pre-processing and post-harvesting automation for indoor farms, developed in markets like The Netherlands and Canada where many indoor greenhouses are located. These were adapted to OPO’s needs, but are proven pieces of automation in the broader indoor farming market.

“We can buy a lot of those technologies off the shelf and we can communicate with them in the same way with communicate with the AutoStore,” explains Bertram.

OPO custom developed its own automation management software for governing the movement and rotation of totes within the robotic cube storage system. In addition to rotating crops, the software also manages the harvesting/picking workflow. Developed with plant science in mind, the software also controls water, lighting and ventilation. The ventilation in the cube, Bertram explains, is critical to optimizing the “microclimate” for the plants as they mature through their growing cycles in the AutoStore.

OPO plans further vertical farms in partnership with retailers and distributors, and it is expected that some of these will be larger than Opollo Farm. The production capacity of future modular farms can be scaled up by adding more bins, robots and ports for induction and picking/harvesting.

“As we scale this technology up, we will need presentations to be at a very specific number to meet the expected demand,” Bertram says. “For example, if the system needs to process 1,500 pounds of a product on a Monday, I need to make sure that the AutoStore capacity and ports will hit that rate. We also look to utilize the robots as much as we possibly can. So even if we only have an eight-hour shift to interact with the system through the ports, the rest of the day, the robots are moving bins around, optimizing positions and preparing bins for the next day’s operation.”

With AutoStore now offering cold-storage capability for its AS/RS, that could potentially be used to temporarily buffer harvested greens at a partner site or DC. The biggest supply chain flow difference between OPO’s modular indoor farm versus traditional farming and distribution is that it locates the vertical farm and its fresh output right by the source of consumer demand, eliminating the cross-country or cross-border transportation time and costs common with conventional farming and its distribution chain. 

Company: OnePointOne

Location: Avondale, Ariz.

Products produced and distributed: Leafy greens, microgreens, herbs

Square footage of production space: 1,000 square feet

Output: The modular vertical farm delivers leafy green and herbs to 10 Whole Foods stores in Arizona, and a microgreen mix to a food distributor. Overall, just shy of 1,000 pounds of product per week.

Production staff: The Avondale facility also houses plant science research and corporate functions, with a staff of about three people running the automated vertical farm.

System suppliers

Robotic AS/RS: AutoStore

Management software for the AutoStore: OnePointOne, custom developed

Expectations are high on organizations to move faster and more efficiently; however, workflows and traffic patterns are constantly changing to meet new demands. These added pressures combined with high turnover rates can result in inexperienced forklift operators, and an innately dangerous industrial environment means finding flexible safety solutions should be top of mind for every warehouse manager.

“Pedestrian safety is one of the most significant risks in industrial environments,” says Nathan McKenzie, CEO of Speedshield Technologies. “When people and equipment operate in close proximity, the potential for serious injuries is very real.”

The challenge isn’t just operator awareness, McKenzie notes, but also the unpredictability of human behavior and the dynamic and complex nature of the working environment.

“Even well-designed sites still rely on people doing the right thing every time, which is not a reliable safety control on its own,” he says.

Reducing these immense risks requires a layered approach to safety solutions that first and foremost should start with operator training. From there, a combination of active and passive systems designed around your facility’s unique needs can help reduce accidents and improve operational workflows.

“A strong safety culture and performance is closely linked to overall operational excellence,” says McKenzie. “Companies who make safety truly their highest priority see improved productivity, higher employee engagement, retention and output.”

Identifying weak points

Managing site design and workflows is a good place to start when navigating safety concerns. The most dangerous areas of an operation will vary greatly from case to case, but a few keys areas are important to prioritize. For example, blind corners, intersections and areas where a high rate of speed come into play all pose a significant risk to pedestrians.

While McKenzie says speed controls are the single most important variable when it comes to pedestrian-equipment collisions, he also points out several key challenges operators and pedestrians face when working side by side. They include:

• Mixed traffic where pedestrians, forklifts and increasing levels of automation operate in proximity to each other.

• Dynamic environments where stock, traffic movements and flow change in real time.

• Compromised machine and pedestrian separation due to site layout.

• Mixed levels of training and compliance.

For Joshua Eby, global product manager at Hyster, the hot spots are simply any area where you have forklifts and pedestrians interacting.

“Not always are you going to have pedestrians and forklifts in the same area, but where you do have that in a facility, that’s definitely somewhere you would want to focus on,” Eby says.

Dave Dalleske, senior vice president of sales at A-Safe, recommends looking at a building’s traffic flow of goods and asking: Where are your busiest areas?

"You should try to eliminate any kind of pedestrian crossing there, no matter what,” Dalleske says. “That’s my first approach—let’s try to segregate this as much as possible. We don’t want employees and forklifts in the same vicinity if we can avoid it. There are just too many variables that lead to unfortunate delays and accidents.”

The first line of defense

Once the problem areas are identified, simple, low-tech solutions like gates, guardrails, crosswalk systems and lighting system sensors often act as the initial layer of protection. These solutions are considered passive safety precautions and work to separate pedestrians from mobile plants.

This equipment can prevent pedestrian employees from walking freely through a facility and just hoping they don’t come upon a quickly moving piece of equipment.

“A common approach I see is the facilities will tell their employees, ‘Be careful.’ That’s your safety measure,” says Dalleske. “Well, oftentimes we need to do more than just say, ‘Be careful out there.’ That’s where I think the guardrail with another platform or another technology or another measure really gives that that extra layer of safety.”

The guardrail really acts as that first line of defense, according to Dalleske. “It keeps a corral of employees and how they’re supposed to move through a facility and where it’s safe to move through a facility,” he says. “The gates and so forth provide a level of hesitation. It provides a very visible, clear line of separation.”

Graduating to an active approach

Good site design, training and separation through physical barriers can only take you so far, though. Combining all that with data and assistive technologies is often the next layer of defense when you’ve tried everything else.

If people are still coming too close to forklifts, the first question Alex Johns, president of ELOKON Group, asks is: What does your operation look like today, and have you done all you can to separate pedestrians and forklifts within the bounds of productivity?

“If the answer is you’ve done everything that you can passively—gates, barriers, fences, lasers and strobes—to warn when something comes in, then where can you go from there?” asks Johns.

The remedy is likely adding a more active technology to your safety stack.

“There are some situations that barriers and defenses just can’t account for,” says Johns. “There’s never been any two facilities that had exactly the same scenario, so you have that solution set that gives you the flexibility to assess what they have today and give them options on how they can graduate to something more active tomorrow.”

Ty Kim, chief strategy officer at Kyungwoo Systech, has found the same to be true, especially in noisy, busy environments like manufacturing plants where it can be very difficult for pedestrians to notice approaching vehicles even with flashing lights and audible alerts.

“Even with all that, people get distracted and things happen, so this third step is to alert the forklift and pedestrians to be aware of each other,” Kim says.

He adds that those are the ideal environments that will benefit the most from active safety alert systems, sensors and cameras.

Advanced technologies like proximity sensors and pedestrian detection video systems come into play when low-tech options are no longer enough. They work in instances when pedestrians are not where an operator would expect them to be and act as additional aids in times of transitions.

Speedshield’s AiVA pedestrian detection system, for example, was designed to address the limitations of and risks associated with operating equipment around people. It uses stereoscopic lenses to both detect and range to any pedestrians in view and automatically alert the operator using visual, audible and in some applications haptic feedback.

“This is the second set of eyes that’s always looking,” says McKenzie. “They don’t get tired. They’re really there for those scenarios where a person really isn’t expected to be there.”

The pedestrian awareness camera from Hyster and Yale works similarly to monitor exclusively for pedestrians. It provides a two-alert system that gives both an audible and visual alert to the operator when a pedestrian is picked up on the camera. The system also features a three-alert option, with the third alert cutting power to decelerate and slow down the truck if a pedestrian is spotted by the camera.

“Obviously, nothing is going to replace proper forklift training; the first and foremost focus is making sure that your operators are properly trained on the lift truck, as well as making sure that pedestrians know what’s going on and are aware of their surroundings. But, anything we can do to help assist an operator, to make sure that they know when pedestrians are around, that is the goal,” says Eby.

Gaining visibility

A layered safety approach also allows a facility to really adapt and flex systems as operational and safety needs change. Knowing what is working or not working, though, requires a level of visibility into what is happening throughout the day. Smart sensors like those in A-Safe’s new guardrail, for example, provide data points to measure the overall safety of a building.

Embedded with a smart cap system that has built-in sensors, anytime the guardrail is hit by something, these sensors provide a visual alert for the driver, notifying them that they hit something.

“That sensor provides that reporting capability of intensity and frequency and time of day to build those insights to allow from an operations or safety team measured to say, ‘Hey, listen, I need to provide some more training, perhaps for this shift of employees. I need to maybe rework my traffic flows within my facility because this is a very tight corner,’” explains Dalleske.

Dashboards that continuously monitor metrics take that analysis a step further.

“The bigger picture of that is understanding the recordables, and how to prevent them,” says Johns. “More importantly, having visibility through dashboards to monitor and keep a handle on the metrics side by side. That’s the next step in the graduation—being able to access and have reference to all those events and metrics that evolve over time.”

These metrics include knowing how many pedestrians have reached a proximity to a forklift that said they were too close or how many severe impacts are happening per shift, month or year.

“We deal with companies that have hundreds of forklifts at a single site and imagine trying to keep up with all the impacts,” says Johns. “It’s very useful for these fleet managers and fleet contract specialists and safety managers to be able to compare metrics among their sites. Which sites are being safe? Which sites are doing a good job and which sites do you need to improve on, do some retraining. It gives you one source of truth, a record to help you update your safety plan and ultimately keep folks from getting hurt.”

ELOKON’s ELOfusion forklift safety system combines elements of proximity detection with fleet management in one solution that gives operators that much sought after flexibility.

“Today you come to us and your focus is on pedestrian to forklift interaction, but tomorrow, you would like to put something in place to help coach operator behavior. Having both capabilities in one device, it gives you the option to graduate,” says Johns.

The pedestrian awareness camera from Hyster and Yale offers a similar combination that works with its telemetry system to communicate metrics of pedestrian detection events to a dashboard that a warehouse manager and operations manager can review.

“The telemetry system can help suggest, ‘Hey, these are some situations where we can target changes as a company, as an organization, to then reduce the number of pedestrian interactions that occur with the materials handling equipment,’” explains Clay Hendricks, telemetry and operator assist product manager, Yale Lift Truck Technologies.

Over time, Hendricks says this information helps companies make changes to foot traffic, how they are using passive safety solutions like guards and railing throughout the facility, and update training scenarios. 

It’s not that the technology and equipment can’t achieve lights out in the future—they are closer than ever—but only given very tightly constrained operations. Most warehouses don’t fall into that bucket. SKUs are highly diverse in shape, packaging types and sizes, among other things.

Then you add in complicating factors like returns, complex orders and customization, and lights out gets farther away. Fulfillment is a game of exceptions, and robots are skilled at consistency.

“We’re running some lights out operations, usually at night,” says Jan Zizka, CEO at Brightpick. “The definition isn’t so straight—you may need one human for restocking, or maintenance. A one-man warehouse is probably closer to the reality.”

Warehousing can get close to lights out today through a combination of robotic storage and robotic picking. Together, these two forms of automation provide a big chunk of human-less operations. They largely eliminate the need for human pickers at workstations, given certain conditions. In the world of continuing labor shortages, this can be a boon to operations.

Robotic picking, says Damian Nolazco, director of project engineering at Exotec, is emerging from the same structural drivers that accelerated adoption of robotic automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).

“Sustained labor shortages, rising fulfillment expectations, and the need to improve working conditions in distribution environments,” are all driving its adoption, Nolazco says.

From a use-case perspective, robotic picking is best suited for high-volume, repetitive workflows involving items that are easy to handle, says Nolazco. “In simple terms, these are typically single-unit picks that can be grasped with one hand, are fully packaged and maintain consistent geometry. Items with low reflectivity and limited transparency are also more straightforward for current vision systems.”

As the equipment and the technology advance—especially with the addition of AI and advanced vision systems—more companies are edging toward lights out. The journey looks different for each application, but manufacturers are meeting the current hybrid moment.

Honing the hardware

Many companies already have some form of automated storage, or AutoStore, in place, which when new, serves as a big leap in operations. “Now, companies are looking for additional efficiencies and want to continue on that automation journey,” says Josh Cloer, general manager of North America for Nomagic.

At the heart of robotic picking and storage operations is the hardware, which comes in a variety of flavors, increasingly enhanced by AI. “Robotic arms and end-of-arm tooling is now mature, reliable technology,” says Nolazco.

That said, a variety of end-of-arm tools (EOATs) are worth considering, depending on the application. That variety also brings operations a step closer to lights out, as they enable robotic arms to pick up a diverse range of SKUs. Today’s options include vacuum, pneumatic and electric grippers, with soft, “fingered” grippers emerging as a new and growing category.

For e-commerce operation Komplett Group, based out of Norway, a variety of products required a system that could involve different EOATs. With that mix, they were able to add robotic picking. They partnered with Nomagic’s robotic solution integrating it with Komplett’s existing AutoStore and conveyor systems.

Like many companies, Komplett struggled with workforce stability and relied on temporary labor to keep up with volume demands. At the same time, its SKU complexity was growing, and it operated with space constraints.

The final system ensured precision packing, regardless of the shape or size, the ability to target a variety of packing containers and configurations, and an EOAT changer for product handling.

Another new iteration of robotic picking comes from Brightpick, with its Autopicker system. A multi-purpose robot, Autopicker can pick, replenish, sort and buffer, moving seamlessly between workstations. The company has essentially added a robotic arm to an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), picking items from storage and/or bringing them to a picking station where an operator can complete the pick.

“We’re now at a stage of operating that closely resembles what humans can do,” says Zizka. “Instead of simply bringing goods-to-person, we have robots-to-goods, and robots-to-robots, too.”

This is a paradigm shift, one that is accelerating that move toward lights out efficiency. “Moving from goods-to-person to robots-to-goods is a fairly straightforward transition,” says Cloer. “It requires retrofitting robots into the same positions as a person.”

From there, the transition involves humans building the boxes and containers for the robots and setting up these stations next to the robots. The bots then pick into the boxes. “The biggest challenge is doing this affordably, especially if you’re retrofitting an existing facility,” says Cloer. “With greenfield sites, however, it’s much easier.”

Ultimately, the goal is to get to a place where robots can assist in a warehouse’s entire workflow.

Sharpening the software

With well established and somewhat standardized hardware, many solutions providers are looking to differentiate with their software and intelligence layer. “The differentiator is the software stack: advanced vision systems, AI-driven object recognition and motion planning algorithms that can dynamically determine how to pick and place items safely and efficiently,” says Nolazco.

High performing systems rely on robust vision systems that can handle real-world variability, adaptive picking strategies across different SKUs, and precise coordination between picking and storage systems, according to Nolazco. “In other words, success is defined more by how well your software manages your hardware versus the hardware itself,” he explains.

Often, these systems show up in the form of partnerships. Take Berkshire Grey and Kardex, for instance. The former specializes in AI solutions for supply chain processes, and the latter in automated storage solutions. Kardex is one of the biggest AutoStore providers, and the partnership aims to deliver one-touch robotic fulfillment off an AutoStore.

According to the partners, this new solution incorporates modularity and scalability through the AutoStore system, and flexible robotics. The AI layer leads to 99.99% picking accuracy without manual verification, according to Berkshire Grey. It also claims to reach nearly 100% SKU coverage.

One challenge when it comes to the software/hardware integration puzzle is that the former cannot be layered on top of existing systems, according to Nolazco. “It needs to be natively integrated into system architecture so robotic picking can operate seamlessly alongside goods-to-person workflows,” he says.

From a systems perspective, successful integration requires several elements, according to Nolazco. These include tight orchestration between the warehouse management system (WMS), warehouse control system (WCS), and robotic control systems; real-time decision making on task allocation, both human and robotic; and the ability to deploy incrementally without operational downtime.

Cloer adds that there’s a trend away from separation of vision and motion planning. “Everything is coming under one robotics model,” he says. “You get all the data in one place and then hand it over to AI for a vision language action model that can predict the next step.”

In the past, these systems could tell robots to go to coordinates. That’s shifting, however, to the place where, with AI, the robot doesn’t need the instruction because it is learning to predict.

“This will lead to unlocking new applications going forward,” says Cloer. “Robots will be able to handle kitting, for instance, or pulling items out of a box in returns. There will be multiple robots working together in a cell, all coordinated by AI.”

Turning an eye toward the future and the question of lights out, it’s the hybrid model of humans and robots that will carry the day for some time to come. High volume, simple orders will likely reach a mostly or fully robotic status. Goods-to-person or goods-to-robot with human involvement will likely exist in other, less flexible operations. For those more complex operations, involving returns, customization and high SKU diversity, humans will remain the key component.

Zizka envisions a place where, in approximately four out of every 1,000 cases, a human may need to step in for help with picking. Not only does it reduce reliance on paid labor, but it creates more appealing jobs for the employees already on staff.

“Robot helpers will be one of the most popular jobs in a warehouse,” he says. “People are excited to work with robots and upskill.”

For now, humans are still necessary on the warehouse floor, but progress is moving quickly. “By orchestrating robots across storage, transport and picking, the system maximizes throughput and consistency while maintaining the flexibility operators expect from goods-to-person workflows,” says Nolazco. “Human and robotic picking can coexist seamlessly, allowing operations to adapt in real time based on demand, SKU complexity and labor availability.”

The result, he says, “is not just an evolution, but a convergence of paradigms, where flexibility and performance are no longer trade-offs.” 

The art of consolidating individual items into single, stable loads for storage and transport, unitizing has been handled the same way for decades. That’s changing as new film formulations, more connected equipment and smarter load engineering raise the bar on load performance. Put simply, these aren’t your grandfather’s stretch wrappers.

Here’s a look at some of the top trends reshaping the field.

The film got smarter and the equipment had to follow: For warehouse managers who are investing in new stretch wrapping equipment, film compatibility needs to now be part of the evaluation process.

Traditionally, stretch wrapping film came in one of two gauges: 60 or 80 gauge. But, film manufacturers have since pushed well ahead of equipment makers, developing thinner, stronger formulations of film down to 43 gauge that delivers better hold with less material.

Existing equipment wasn’t built to handle the change. “The film industry has really outpaced the equipment industry,” says Pat Pownall, director of sales at Orion Stretch Wrappers, which recently spent about five years redesigning its carriage after thinner film began slipping past pre-stretch rollers. A standard 20-inch application used to yield about 16 inches of coverage after neck-down.

The redesigned carriage now averages 18.5 inches. “You’re using less film to wrap the same pallet,” Pownall explains. “That’s been huge for our customers.”

30-second film changes don’t hold up the whole line: The labor shortage that hit warehouses during the pandemic never fully reversed, and the unitizing side of the operation is feeling it.

Workers who left found other work and didn’t come back, leaving facilities short-handed at the pallet wrapping station and in other areas. That’s pushing more warehouses toward fully automatic equipment and changing how that equipment gets designed.

Pownall says Orion responded by building zoned e-stops (emergency stops) into its machines. That way, one film change doesn’t have to shut down an entire line. Everything upstream and downstream keeps running while only the wrapping zone stops, he says, turning what used to halt everything back to the palletizer into a 30-second interruption.

This minor change reflects the realities of running a high-throughput facility with fewer people on the floor. As warehouse labor constraints persist, Pownall tells companies to look beyond current headcount when investing in unitizing equipment.

“Don’t buy for today,” Pownall says. “Buy for three or four or five years from now.”

Easier maintenance drives higher uptime: Maintenance has become a bigger factor in unitizing decisions, especially as warehouses deal with higher turnover and fewer experienced operators on the floor. Equipment that’s easier to maintain and troubleshoot is helping reduce downtime and keep lines running.

Adam Henricks, senior product manager for strapping solutions at Signode, says customers are asking for machines that can guide operators through issues instead of always relying on experienced technicians.

“When machines come with built-in tips and tricks, they can help teach,” Henricks says, “versus having somebody stand there [helping] a new employee.”

This shift to lower-maintenance unitizing is also being incorporated into machine design and controls. Top-down maintenance systems eliminate the need for ladders and make routine service safer and faster, says Henricks, and onboard diagnostics built into the human-machine interface (HMI) give operators real-time insights into performance and potential issues.

Henricks compares this to plugging into a car for diagnostics. Machines can now detect issues, flag them and guide users toward a fix without guesswork. That reduces reliance on specialized labor and shortens the time it takes to get equipment back up and running.

Sustainability expands into stretch film: Stretch film is hard to swap out because it works and everything is built around it. That’s why a lot of warehouses have focused on reducing usage rather than changing materials.

Josh Face, director of manufacturing at Cortec, says that’s beginning to change as new materials are introduced. Regulation and cost pressures are also pushing companies to consider more sustainable alternatives.

“We all experience this, from paper straws to compostable coffee cups,” says Face. “This is driven by multiple factors including a cultural desire to protect the environment, but also government mandates or taxes that provide a financial incentive to choose more sustainable solutions.”

Looking ahead, he expects new options like compostable films to gain more attention as companies work to reduce landfill waste without sacrificing load stability.

Unitizing becomes the new branding tool: More companies are turning to colored and printed films, especially with stretch hooding, to add branding, improve visibility and in some cases conceal what’s on the pallet. Both stretch wrapping and hooding play a role here, but they deliver different results.

“When you have printed stretch wrapping film, you stretch it and therefore any symbol, logo or artwork would get basically torn apart,” says Ben Schnelker, sales engineer, petrochemical FPP at Beumer Group. “With the stretch hood, you actually have a sealed film on the top, which means you can add color to your film or print a logo on it.”

This strategy goes beyond marketing, of course, and extends into day-to-day operations. A sealed hood can provide full five-sided coverage, helping protect loads from moisture and dirt. Colored or opaque films can also help identify loads, reduce handling errors and limit visibility into high-value shipments.

Connected equipment moves unitizing off the floor: Warehouse teams no longer have to stand at the wrapper to know what’s going on. New unitizing equipment now comes with built-in connectivity that sends performance data, alerts
and operating status directly to a phone or dashboard.

Beumer Group has made that standard. “We equip all of our machines with an IoT gateway,” says Schnelker. “We can provide our customer with live insights on how the machine is performing, and that information can be sent directly to an employee’s or supervisor’s mobile device.”

This direct connection changes how unitizing gets managed. For example, maintenance teams can track pallet counts, monitor uptime and catch issues without being on the floor. It also cuts down on manual checks at the machine, which matters in facilities that are already short on labor.

“When you have a direct connection to the equipment, there’s no need for so many people to be standing around equipment, watching it work,” Schnelker says.

For warehouse managers, the benefit is faster response and the chance to reallocate human labor to more value-added projects. Plus, when problems get flagged sooner, teams can act before they slow down the line. “As more facilities connect unitizing to the rest of their operations,” says Schnelker, “having that level of visibility helps get the job done faster, safer and more efficiently.”

Right-sizing drives more efficient palletization: Warehouse managers are under pressure to reduce shipping costs, and that’s pushing more focus onto how pallets are built in the first place. The more densely items are packed into cartons and onto pallets, the less wasted space moves through the network.

That starts at the box level, where Bryan Boatner, chief revenue officer at Ranpak, says companies are looking closely at how they size cartons and build loads. “The more densely you can pack the pallets, the more you can optimize for shipping savings,” Boatner points out. “That’s certainly something that companies are looking at in the current business climate (i.e., tariffs, rising costs, geopolitical events).”

Carrier pricing also comes into play here, according to Boatner. Dimensional weight rules and rate increases are forcing companies to rethink how much air they ship, for example, and right-sizing options and automation help reduce wasted space. It’s about matching carton size to the actual contents and tightening up pallet builds.

Better-packed cartons also mean more stable loads, fewer shifts in transit and more product moving per pallet. These cartons then also help improve pallet stability. Loose or poorly packed boxes shift, Boatner explains, and that movement carries right over to the pallet once it moves through the facility and out onto a truck.

Boatner says more companies are paying closer attention to this and using the right mix of void fill, cushioning and load containment inside the carton. “The more efficiently items are packed and the more solidly the boxes themselves are packed,” he says, “the more stable those boxes are going to be once they get on a pallet.” 

Upright frames, horizontal beams and lift trucks working between aisles gave companies a simple way to store more product, keep it accessible and make better use of their real estate.

Fast forward to 2026, and those basics haven’t changed much. Tall rows of steel still stand where they always have, running aisle after aisle and holding the weight of the operation. Forklifts still move through them and pallets go up, come down and move out.

The environment surrounding those rows of steel looks nothing like it did in the 1920s. E-commerce has increased SKU counts and order complexity. Real estate costs have pushed companies to stock more goods within the same physical footprints.

Seismic and building codes have tightened—especially in high-risk regions—which means racks have to be able to handle higher loads while also meeting stricter standards.

“We’re seeing demand for taller and taller racking,” says Michael Hecker, national sales marketing manager at Ridg-U-Rak. “Historically, buildings were 28-foot clear. Now we’re seeing 35- and 40-foot clear buildings and the rack has to be able to accommodate that.”

Going higher introduces new challenges for rack manufacturers and users. Larger base plates, heavier frames and stronger floors are now part of the equation as systems push upward. At the same time, companies are rethinking how they use the space they already have.

Racking also sits squarely in the middle of the automation boom, where shuttle systems, goods-to-person setups, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and other solutions are being paired up with existing rack structures.

Through it all, rack’s role in all of this remains constant: to store products safely, support the load and provide easy access as needed.

Rack is having a moment

Even as everything around it changes, rack is having a moment. Globally, the warehouse racking market is on track to reach $12.4 billion by 2030, up from $9.7 billion in 2024, based on recent research from Grand View Research.

Increased demand for warehouse capacity and the e-commerce boom are two key drivers, but companies also use rack to optimize storage space, organize their products, and simplify the pick, pack and ship workflow. Automotive, manufacturing, retail, and food and beverage companies rely heavily on racking systems, but many other industries use it to maximize space and improve inventory flow.

Many of those users are trying to eke more out of their vertical space, and racking helps them do that, but not without some constraints. As systems go higher, the demands on both the rack and the building increase. Taller racks create higher point loads on the floor and bring new requirements tied to seismic performance, including compliance with Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) standards and the International Building Code (IBC).

“The challenges you run into with higher vertical storage are the point loads on the floor and complying with the new RMI standards for seismic specifications,” says Hecker, who adds that the newer IBC codes also include requirements for rack. “That’s driving some challenges to going higher and pushing us to use larger base plates, heavier duty frames and higher point loads.” Each of those changes can affect the concrete flooring, which has to be thicker and more reinforced.

Hecker says companies are sometimes surprised at the strict nature of the RMI and newer IBC codes, both of which have to be factored into complex racking installations, he says, “some of the codes are so new.”

Don’t build it for today

Here’s one question that Hecker says companies don’t ask enough when investing in rack: Will it need to be reconfigured down the road, or is it a one-and-done installation?

If more companies pondered this ahead of time, it would save them a lot of time and headache later. Those with fixed needs can actually save money upfront, Hecker says, while companies with changing needs get more reconfigurable options.

The difference comes down to how the system is engineered from the start. A rack built to flex has to be designed for worst-case scenarios, for example, and allow operators to move beams up and down as warehouse needs shift. One built for a single profile can turn into a constraint when the operations change around it.

Hecker says he’s watching that scenario play out right now with clients he worked with pre-Covid. “If it wasn’t originally designed to be reconfigurable, it’s becoming a problem,” he says. “They’re having to tear down what they have and buy new rather than reconfigure and use what they already have. Nobody planned for that.”

When the cube matters more than the footprint

Selective pallet rack anchors most operations because it gives direct access to every pallet and works across a range of products. But when space gets tight or growth outpaces the building, companies start looking at other rack types that use the same footprint differently.

Drive-in and drive-through, pushback and flow rack let companies store pallets deeper and cut down on aisles, for instance, and shuttle systems help move pallets through deep lanes, giving operators another way to add capacity without expanding the building.

Amit Kutumbale, director of engineering at Steel King, says companies should factor these options into their initial decisions. Thinking about your building as a “cube” is another good strategy, and one that European distribution facilities adopted years ago.

“Think about it like you have this cube and you want to store as much product in there, within that fixed footprint and at a fixed cost,” Kutumbale explains.

Adopting a cube mindset also helps companies focus on what’s going on above the floor, and that’s something that can’t be measured in square feet. The cube includes all of the unused vertical space that could support additional storage levels. Reducing aisle space, shifting to very narrow aisle layouts or moving to double-deep storage can also help increase storage density.

Regardless of how the racking itself is configured or designed, the system must support the load, provide access where it’s needed and hold up under operational demands.

“When you get the racking right,” says Kutumbale, “you can really start to optimize the full cube.”

Pushing higher densities

As he looks around at the warehouse environment right now, Trevor Solomonson, national account manager at Nucor Warehouse Systems, is seeing a big push toward higher densities. Again, it comes down to getting more out of every inch of available space.

“This has been going on for a while, but now density is becoming even more important,” says Solomonson, who is getting more requests for denser, taller racking systems. “Customers really want to maximize the cube, and not just the square footage.”

Nucor builds to those specs, but Solomonson says the manufacturer has also sharpened its internal engineering focus. Changing building codes, especially on the West Coast, has added to the pressure, requiring larger base plates and stronger systems to reach those heights. The difference is visible in the warehouses themselves.

“You don’t see as much open space near the top of the warehouse like you used to,” Solomonson says, “and that’s the point.”

Building code changes are forcing manufacturers to rethink how they deliver height without creating new problems on the warehouse floor. In response, Solomonson says Nucor developed a proprietary tube rack system designed for high seismic areas, allowing it to meet stricter requirements without defaulting to larger base plates or heavier steel.

“We’re able to meet the new code requirements and get customers the height they need,” he says, “without adding too much steel, which increases costs.”

That matters on the warehouse floor, where rack design choices directly impact how the operation runs. Larger foot plates can get in the way of forklift movement and disrupt flow, for example, which makes keeping the rack’s footprint in check extra important.

At the same time, Solomonson says the broader industry is “having to really dig deeper into the engineering to meet these requirements.”

The rack-automation connection

Rack has been holding things up in the warehouse since the 1920s, and that’s not about to change. The buildings are taller, the codes are tighter and automation is infiltrating its environment, but the rack just keeps doing its job. It’s been at this for over a century, and it’s not done yet.

As automation continues to reshape the fulfillment environment, Solomonson says companies are integrating it into existing rack systems, not replacing the latter. In fact, rack is playing an important role in the evolution.

“We’re seeing a big push for semi-automation, or shuttles that integrate into more traditional style racking,” he says. “This gives companies a practical entry point for automation.” So, even if they can’t justify a fully automated facility, companies can use portions of it—along with their racking—to start improving throughput and optimizing storage density. 

At a DHL Supply Chain facility in Lockbourne, Ohio, those challenges became more noticeable as volumes increased. The site handles an average of 300 orders per day, but during peak periods, that number can jump to 30,000 to 50,000 orders per week. Maintaining accuracy at that scale while onboarding new workers quickly pushed the operation to look for a better approach.

Before making the change, the facility relied on paper-based workflows and traditional systems that required workers to navigate multiple screens and menus. Those processes were repetitive and could slow down execution, especially for new hires.

To improve performance, DHL deployed a vision picking solution using wearable smart devices. After evaluating options, the company selected a system based on Frontline Pick (TeamViewer) technology to support both case picking and e-commerce operations.

The system presents instructions directly in the worker’s field of view, showing what to pick, where to go and how to complete each task without relying on paper or navigating complex menus. Workers receive clear visual guidance along with real-time feedback, allowing them to move through tasks more consistently and with fewer errors. Inventory checks can also be completed during the picking process rather than as a separate step.

The impact has been significant. The facility reports inventory accuracy of 99.96%, helping ensure orders reach customers correctly even as volumes increase. The system is used across different order types, creating a more consistent process across the operation.

Training has also changed dramatically. What once took up to two weeks has been reduced to about an hour, allowing new hires to become productive much faster and reducing the burden on experienced workers.

“You scan it, it tells you how many to pick, and it shows on your headset where to place them individually. It’s that simple,” says Courtny Arnold, operations manager at DHL.

By simplifying how tasks are presented, the system has made the job easier to learn and execute. Workers no longer need to rely on memory or navigate complicated systems, which has helped reduce errors and improve consistency across shifts.

As volumes continue to shift, the operation has been able to scale without changing its core process. The same approach now supports both domestic and international operations and can be applied across multiple sites.

For DHL Supply Chain, the result is a picking process that is faster, more accurate and easier for workers to manage, helping the operation keep pace with growing demand. 

The company deployed vision picking with smart glasses to improve accuracy, reduce training time and simplify warehouse picking.

So, what did I see, discuss and absorb—when I wasn’t trying to navigate the crowds with the instincts of a Division I running back searching for some daylight on a Saturday afternoon in October?

First and foremost, it’s clear that warehouse and DC operations are no longer simply experimenting with automation—they’re putting it to work. After years of pilots and point solutions, operations leaders are now focused on scaling automation and integrating systems to generate real, measurable business value from their investments.

At the same time, economic uncertainty, labor volatility and rising service expectations are forcing more disciplined technology decisions. Leaders are balancing near-term cost control with long-term transformation—making smarter choices about where automation fits, how systems should be orchestrated, and how AI and advanced software can improve throughput and resilience inside the four walls.

The challenge in 2026 is no longer whether to automate—it’s how to automate well. How do robotics, AMRs, AS/RS, packaging automation and software platforms work together in live operating environments? And how do teams move beyond point solutions to deliver orchestrated, end-to-end performance gains?

These questions were being bandied about on the show floor, and it’s a sign the industry has reached a new level of maturity. To help raise that bar even higher, this month in Modern we offer three features that examine key building blocks driving the next phase of orchestrated warehouse performance.

This month, editor at large Amanda Loudin explores how robotic storage and robotic picking are bringing the industry one step closer to the long-discussed concept of lights-out warehousing. As she reports, the future may not be fully human-free just yet, but advances in AI, vision systems, robotic arms and integrated goods-to-robot workflows are rapidly expanding what is possible.

“The bigger story is not simply replacing labor,” explains Loudin, “it’s how humans and robots can increasingly work side by side to improve throughput and flexibility.”

Editor at large Bridget McCrea looks at one of the most proven yet often overlooked assets on the warehouse floor: Rack. In a time of higher cube utilization, tighter footprints, evolving seismic codes, and growing automation demands, rack remains the structural backbone of modern operations.

As McCrea explains, today’s systems are being asked to go higher, work harder and integrate with automation—all while maintaining the safety and durability operations depend on every day.

In this month’s Equipment Report, McCrea puts the spotlight on unitizing, where stretch wrapping, hooding, strapping and smarter pallet-building practices are becoming more strategic.

“New film materials, sustainability initiatives and right-sized palletization are helping companies improve load stability, lower freight costs and keep automated systems running smoothly,” says McCrea. “It’s another reminder that operational excellence often depends on getting the basics right.”

Title: Associate professor of mechanical engineering; co-founder of HeroWear

Location: Nashville, Tenn.

Experience: More than 20 years studying biomechanics and wearable technologies, including
exoskeletons for industrial worker.

Modern: You’ve spent years studying wearable technology and exoskeletons. Why has it taken so long to get meaningful long-term data on these tools?

Zelik: It comes down to how new the technology is. Ten years ago, there were essentially no exoskeletons in industry. It was all happening in research labs, where we were asking basic questions like: ‘Do these devices even work?’ and ‘Can they reduce strain on the body?’ From there, it takes time to move into pilots, then broader adoption, and only after that can you measure long-term outcomes. We’re just now reaching the point where there are enough deployments running long enough to study real-world impact.

Modern: One concern people raise is that reducing strain in one area might shift risk somewhere else. What does the data show?

Zelik: That’s been one of the biggest questions in the field. Early lab studies showed exoskeletons could reduce strain on areas like the back or shoulders, but there were concerns about whether that risk would transfer elsewhere. What’s exciting is that we now have long-term, real-world data. In a recent study tracking workers over eight to 23 months, we observed reductions in back injuries without any increase in injuries to other body parts. The evidence is starting to converge on the idea that these devices can reduce strain without simply moving the problem elsewhere.

Modern: How important is that data when it comes to convincing companies to adopt this technology?

Zelik: It’s critical. There are still a lot of myths out there. Some people come in with honest questions, but others have already heard things like, ‘This just shifts the risk somewhere else.’ Companies don’t want to be the first to try something new when it comes to safety. They want proof that it works and won’t create new problems. Having long-term data helps build that confidence.

Modern: We’re starting to see more adoption. What’s driving that momentum?

Zelik: It’s a combination of factors. The technology has improved. Devices are more comfortable, more practical, and better suited to specific jobs, such as warehouse work. Implementation has also gotten better. You need training, a proper fit and buy-in from managers. And then there’s the business case. We’re seeing strong returns from reduced injuries, less fatigue and productivity gains. When those align, adoption accelerates.

Modern: How do companies think about the return on investment?

Zelik: There are three main areas of impact. One is reducing injury risk. Another is reducing fatigue, which in some jobs can lead to productivity gains. And the third is reducing turnover in physically demanding roles. Depending on the operation, it’s a different mix, but typically companies are seeing about a 5- to 10-times return
on investment within a few years.

Modern: Do workers have concerns when they first see or try these devices?

Zelik: Absolutely. A lot of it comes from how people imagine the technology. The word 'exoskeleton' makes people think of something bulky or robotic. But once they see it, and especially once they try it, those concerns tend to go away. Many of these devices are lightweight and feel more like supportive gear. That moment where someone realizes it just makes lifting easier is a big turning point.

Modern: What does the next phase of this technology look like?

Zelik: We’re seeing a shift toward more targeted solutions. Instead of one device that does everything, companies are building products for specific industries and tasks. There’s still a lot of room to grow. 

This initiative was created to support students seeking to develop professionally within the industry by providing resources that contribute to their academic education and professional growth. Two scholarships of $5,000 USD will be awarded to students enrolled in accredited universities or educational institutions in Mexico, with funds granted directly to the recipient’s educational institution.  

The application deadline is July 31, 2026. Students can learn more and apply at: www.pmmifoundation.org/scholarships  

The EXPO PACK Student Scholarship is part of the broader mission of the PMMI Foundation, the charitable arm of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. The Foundation is dedicated to building the future workforce by supporting education, raising awareness of careers in the industry, and creating meaningful connections between students and leading companies. Through scholarships, educational partnerships, and workforce initiatives, the PMMI Foundation continues to expand its impact across North America, with increasing focus on Mexico.  

“As the packaging and processing industry continues to grow in Mexico, it is critical that we invest in developing the next generation of talent,” said Celia Navarrete, Show Director, EXPO PACK México. “The EXPO PACK Student Scholarship, along with our on-site student programs, provides both financial support and direct access to industry innovation—helping students build meaningful careers while strengthening the future of our industry.”  

EXPO PACK México 2026 taking place June 2-5, 2026 in Mexico City will further support student engagement through a variety of on-site programs designed to connect students with the latest technologies and industry professionals. These include:  

• Complimentary registration for qualified student groups and faculty  
• An interactive scavenger hunt across the show floor  
• Guided show floor tours available upon request  

These programs provide students with hands-on exposure to innovations, opportunities to network with industry leaders, and valuable insights into career pathways within packaging and processing.  

EXPO PACK México 2026 is the leading event for packaging and processing professionals in Latin America, bringing together thousands of attendees and top suppliers showcasing cutting-edge solutions. The show serves as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and education—making it an essential destination for students, educators, and industry professionals alike.  

By combining scholarship opportunities with immersive student programming, EXPO PACK México 2026 underscores PMMI’s commitment to building the future of the packaging and processing industry while strengthening its presence and partnerships in Mexico.  

For more information about EXPO PACK México 2026 and to register, visit www.expopack.com.mx.  

FORTNA and Jacobi Robotics shared their strategic partnership to bring AI-powered mixed-case palletizing to distribution and fulfillment operations. By combining Jacobi’s OmniPalletizer platform with its solution portfolio, FORTNA can tackle one of the more complex and labor-intensive workflows in high-volume environments.

Mixed-case palletizing has traditionally required significant manual labor due to its complexity and variability. With OmniPalletizer, FORTNA now offers a scalable, production-ready solution that automates the process without requiring upstream sequencing or major facility redesign, helping improve efficiency, safety and overall performance.

“At FORTNA, we partner with companies that are redefining what’s possible in warehouse automation, and Jacobi Robotics is doing exactly that,” said FORTNA CEO Rob McKeel. “Our commitment is to deliver the right solution for each customer’s environment, and Jacobi Robotics adds a capability that helps solve a long-standing challenge while delivering measurable results.”

Swisslog CEO Mike Barker

Swisslog unveils AgileStore, demonstrates SynQ solution

Swisslog unveiled AgileStore, a new four-way roaming pallet shuttle designed for high-density storage. The automated storage and retrieval system gives warehouses a modular way to use space more efficiently and adjust to changing demand. The launch also highlights Swisslog’s partnership with Eurofork.

“Being ready for what’s next means looking beyond the automation you need today,” said president and CEO Mike Barker. “It’s about building a competitive advantage that enables your supply chain to perform reliably now, while remaining flexible enough to adapt to whatever comes next. AgileStore complements and expands our ability to serve pallets-based customer needs.”

The company is also demonstrating its SynQ platform in the booth. The software manages automated intralogistics systems and coordinates warehouse activity in real time, helping operations respond to shifts in order volume, labor, and inventory. Swisslog hosted three educational seminars, where its team shared insights from recent automation projects.

Heimo Robosch, EVP (left), and Jusuf Buzimkic, chief sales officer

KNAPP exhibits AI-driven automation

KNAPP North America showcased its automation systems and software designed to support operations from production and distribution through last mile delivery. The company’s KNAPP Brain technology adds an AI layer that connects systems across the value chain.

“As a future member of our comprehensive family of storage solutions, KNAPP will unveil a design concept of a new bot-based storage system that targets the upper end of throughput and sequencing performance,” said Jusuf Buzimkic, chief sales officer of KNAPP North America.

KNAPP also presented a modernized, data-driven service approach to customer service. In North America, the evolution is reinforced by a new leadership team and the upcoming launch of the MultiSite Control Center, providing centralized, real-time support to reduce unplanned downtime.

Miguel Ferreira, sales manager (left), and Chris Hoerner, VP of operations

BEUMER Group highlights scalable sortation systems

BEUMER Group presented its latest sortation and automation systems, with a focus on helping warehouses handle fluctuating volumes and ongoing labor challenges. The company will highlight technologies designed to scale with demand without requiring major system overhauls.

“We are well known globally as a quality leader, assuring robust and reliable cross-belt technology deployments,” said Markus Schmidt, CEO and president, BEUMER Corp. “Our customers trust us when it comes to automating their high-speed sortation operations.”

BEUMER featured its cross-belt sortation systems, along with the BG Pouch System for high-throughput sequencing and returns handling. The company also demonstrated software tools that provide real-time visibility into operations, along with support services to keep systems
running consistently.

Dan Baldwin, principal product manager, demonstrates the WS501-R.

Zebra focuses on faster, more connected operations

Zebra Technologies showcased its manufacturing, warehouse and supply chain solutions designed to digitize and accelerate frontline operations.

“Our goal at Modex is to show leaders a practical roadmap for digitizing and automating workflows to accelerate their frontline operations,” said Charlie Long, VP and general manager, machine vision and fixed industrial scanning. “By deploying solutions that increase visibility and power agility across the supply chain, businesses can improve customer outcomes.”

Zebra introduced a new rugged, hands-free wearable computer that combines RFID, bar code scanning, and push-to-talk capabilities to improve frontline productivity. Also featured are the TC501 and TC701 mobile computers with on-device AI for instant data analysis, and a Jam Detection solution that uses machine vision and AI to prevent conveyor shutdowns. Global manufacturing provider Jabil demonstrated how it uses Zebra’s solutions in its operations.

From left: Jamie Bonney, product manager; Lynn Hediger, VP of product management; and Zach Thompson, product manager.

Reusable packaging from ORBIS designed to keep automation moving

ORBIS showcased its latest reusable packaging products designed for automated operations. In fast-moving supply chains, the company focuses on helping customers improve efficiency and accuracy with packaging that works inside automated environments.

The manufacturer’s pallets, totes and bins are engineered for use with robotics, AS/RS and autonomous materials handling systems, with designs that support consistent performance across repeated cycles.

“At ORBIS, we’re proud of the role we play in automated operations,” said VP of product management Lynn Hediger. “Our work with system providers and end users helps ensure the packaging performs as expected inside these environments.”

Visitors could see several new products in the booth, including Odyssey pallets, AROS totes for automation, OPTEBulk sleeve pack systems, collapsible bulk containers and custom thermoformed packaging.

Kyle Smart, sales manager, automation, Yale, explains the vertical ability of their newest addition to the Yale Relay automated lift truck platform, the counterbalanced stacker

Yale debuts automated lift truck with vertical pallet positioning capability

Yale Lift Truck Technologies unveiled the latest addition to its Yale Relay automated lift truck platform, the counterbalanced stacker, capable of handling loads up to 3,300 pounds and reaching lift heights of approximately 13 feet. This model enables warehouses to automate put away and retrieval tasks in stage lanes, from conveyors and even in some low- to mid-level racking applications with minimal infrastructure or workflow changes.

“The automated counterbalanced stacker continues our commitment to bringing the benefits of automation to more warehouse operations,” said Kyle Smart, sales manager, automation, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “From conveyor picking and putaway to picking up pallets from stretch wrappers, the truck’s vertical capability enables a wide range of common workflows to be automated and unlocks additional labor savings for warehouses.”

The truck is powered by the Yale Relay automated lift truck portal, which debuted with the automated tow tractor model at ProMat 2025. The introduction of the counterbalanced stacker brings enhancements to the portal that allow users to create configurable pallet placements and manage pallet locations without the requirement of WMS integration.

Martin Boyd, chief marketing officer, shows off the new LPX40, an integrated lithium-ion pneumatic forklift.

Big Joe Forklifts introduces new electric truck, optimization tool

Big Joe Forklifts introduced two new product innovations, further reinforcing its commitment to helping customers replace internal combustion equipment with purpose-built, integrated lithium solutions. The LPX40 Integrated Lithium-ion Pneumatic Tire Forklift and Big Joe Pulse Asset Optimization Tool are designed to boost productivity and efficiency, reduce total cost of ownership, and improve employee and environmental health.

The LPX40 is a 4,000-pound capacity integrated lithium-ion pneumatic tire truck designed for indoor and outdoor applications. It is ideally suited for 3PL, trucking and rental applications.

Big Joe Pulse is an asset optimization tool, which comes standard on every Big Joe sit-down counterbalance model. It provides visibility, diagnostics and battery performance insights to ensure operations are optimized and running efficiently.

“Everything we’re introducing at Modex is the result of close collaboration with our dealers and end users,” said Martin Boyd, chief marketing officer, Big Joe Forklifts. “By listening to how our customers operate day to day, we’re able to design and deliver integrated lithium solutions that help companies work more efficiently, lower their total cost of ownership and make smarter decisions across fleets. Our goal is simple: Give customers the tools and insights they need to keep operations moving and maximize the value of electrification.”

Michael Field, chief operations officer, Toyota Material Handling North America.

Raymond’s intralogistics solutions drive warehouse efficiency

Intralogistics solutions were top mind for The Raymond Corp. this year as it orchestrated “the Rhythm of the Warehouse” through optimization strategies, connected technologies and automated solutions.

“Raymond is proud of our century-long legacy of designing innovative solutions to help customers orchestrate the rhythm of their warehouse and address ever-evolving operational needs,” said Michael Field, chief operations officer, Toyota Material Handling North America. “We remain committed to serving as a comprehensive intralogistics solutions partner, helping optimize entire operations, deliver actionable insights and transform operations through automation.”

Raymond’s booth included the latest in lift trucks, connected software solutions, operator assist technologies and automated solutions, as well as a new feature: “Material Handling Moments,” 10-minute sessions that share actionable ideas and solutions to the top challenges facing operations today.

Kyle Thompson, global robotic automation manager, Thompson Industries (a division of Regal Rexnord).

Regal Rexnord’s smart factory solutions simplify complex supply chain challenges

Regal Rexnord showed its end-to-end smart-factory solutions that combine AI, automation, power transmission and motion control to drive efficiency and productivity for distribution, warehousing and materials handling industries.

Booth visitors could see how automation can address common challenges, such as integrating AI and automation into existing lines, managing workforce demands, increasing safety and identifying cost savings. Solutions include large-scale conveying, collaborative seventh axis and AGV demonstrations.

“Modern warehouses are faced with a shrinking labor pool and SKU proliferation; they are seeking new technologies to increase production and operational flexibility, while looking for ways to reduce costs,” said Todd Jedelsky, intralogistics business unit manager, Regal Rexnord. “Regal Rexnord partners with our customers to meet them where they are on their automation journey with solutions that help solve these challenges.”

James Malley, CEO.

Paccurate turns packing into a managed, efficient process

Paccurate showcased the Packing Control System, which gives operations more control over how orders are packed. While warehouse and transportation systems have long been managed and tracked, packing often remains inconsistent and more difficult to manage.

“We’re excited to bring the Packing Control System to the show,” said CEO and co-founder James Malley. “As fulfillment operations become more automated and cost pressures increase, operators want more control over how orders are packed and the ability to adjust those rules without relying on IT.”

The system centralizes box selection, packing instructions, simulation and performance tracking. This gives teams visibility into how packing decisions affect cost, material use and overall efficiency across both manual and automated environments. By standardizing the packing process, the platform helps operations reduce variability and control one of the more overlooked aspects of fulfillment.

Ocado president of North America Leah Holding discusses the company's Porter AMR.

Ocado puts AI to work across warehouse operations

Ocado Intelligent Automation debuted Ocado IQ, a cloud-based fulfillment execution software that manages activity across the warehouse. The system directs picking, movement and task priorities from inbound through outbound within the Ocado Mobile Robot System, including Chuck and Porter AMRs.

New features include two concurrent pick modes, a Smart Bypass function that improves throughput, and AI logic that continuously evaluates orders and labor to adjust work in real time as conditions change.

“Most software systems lock you into a single pick mode for every aisle in your warehouse,” said Ocado Solutions North America president Leah Holding. “What elevates Ocado IQ is its ability to run multiple pick strategies at once.”

The platform coordinates tasks, people and automation through a single interface. The result is higher picking productivity and lower labor requirements compared to manual operations in similar environments.

East Penn debuts lithium battery for pallet jack

East Penn Manufacturing introduced its new Deka Ready Power Lithium Bloc battery, designed specifically for pallet jack operations. The maintenance-free battery is built to reduce downtime while delivering consistent power in demanding warehouse environments. It includes internal charging and a standard 25A charge current, with an optional 50A upgrade and is available in multiple tray sizes and capacity options.

“East Penn is excited to bring this new product to the market,” said David Corey, VP and GM of East Penn’s Motive Power Sales. “With its intelligent design and cutting-edge benefits, they are the perfect fit for pallet jack applications providing users ultimate productivity and overall savings to their bottom line.”

The Lithium Bloc is designed with safety and ease of use in mind, featuring a built-in disconnect and contractor-controlled operation, eliminating the need to unplug from the truck.

From left: Chris Steiner, SVP, product management, Dematic; Mike Larsson, president, Dematic, KION Executive Board Member; and Akash Gupta, CEO, GreyOrange.

Dematic turns data into real decisions on the warehouse floor

Dematic introduced Dematic Command Center, a centralized platform designed to give operations a better handle on what’s happening across the warehouse. The system pulls data from multiple sources into one place, giving teams a clearer view of performance as it happens.

“Our customers are navigating increasing complexity and pressure to operate faster and more reliably,” said Mike Larsson, president. “Dematic Command Center helps turn operational data into insight that teams can act on right away.”

The platform combines real-time monitoring, analytics and decision support in a single interface, helping distribution and fulfillment operations stay on top of issues before they turn into bigger problems. It’s designed to work across a range of systems, giving companies a way to connect data without overhauling their existing infrastructure. Dematic is also drawing on insights from more than 9,000 automation projects to shape how the platform surfaces and prioritizes information for users.

Aaron Jones, CEO, Americas, Toyota Automated Logistics.

Toyota Industries Corp. appoints new global leadership for Toyota Automated Logistics

Toyota Industries Corp. has appointed 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.

TAL unites the combined strengths of Bastian Solutions, Vanderlande’s Warehousing business, and viastore under one brand. This powerful combination enables the delivery of scalable systems, intelligent software and comprehensive lifecycle services.

“Thomas and Aaron have a solid track record of strong performance leading two of our warehouse automation businesses,” said Hitoshi Matsuoka, Central CEO, TAL. “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. 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.”

Mackenzy Doremus, exhibition and PR specialist.

Kardex showcases a unified picking interface for AutoStore and VLM

Kardex showcased its Intuitive Picking Assistant (IPA), a visual picking interface designed to bring consistency and accuracy to both AutoStore and Kardex Shuttle Vertical Lift Module workstations.

“IPA gives operators a consistent way to pick across different systems, with clear visual guidance that helps reduce errors and speed up the process,” said Mark Dunaway, president.

The system uses light-directed picking and on-screen prompts to guide operators through each task, placing key information directly in their line of sight. Visual cues and compartment illumination help operators quickly identify the correct pick location, reducing training time and supporting faster onboarding.

The solution also includes automatic error detection and visual confirmation steps, which can reduce the need for manual scanning depending on how the operation is configured. The interface is customizable, allowing teams to adjust prompts and workflows to match their specific processes.

Fujiwara was selected as the 2026 Leadership winner for his decades of work advancing robotics, industrial policy and international collaboration. Little was selected as the 2026 Application winner for his role in expanding the practical use of robotics in manufacturing through end-effector technologies, force/torque sensing, and robotic tool changing.

The awards will be presented during a special dinner and ceremony on Wednesday, June 24, from 5:15 to 8:30 p.m. CT at McCormick Place in Chicago during Automate 2026, North America’s largest robotics and automation event. Tickets for the awards dinner and ceremony can be purchased through Automate registration, or by updating an existing registration.

“Robotics has always advanced because of people who could see what was possible and then do the hard work to make it practical, useful and scalable,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “Hiroshi Fujiwara has helped strengthen one of the world’s most important robotics ecosystems while building collaboration across industry, government and international markets. Robert Little has spent his career helping manufacturers put robots to work more effectively, giving companies the tools and technologies needed to automate with greater flexibility and confidence. Together, they reflect the purpose and spirit of the Engelberger Awards, and both are highly deserving of this recognition.”

Hiroshi Fujiwara: Advancing Robotics Through Leadership and Global Collaboration

Fujiwara has served as Executive Director of JARA since 2009, where he leads strategic operations and policy advocacy for Japan’s robotics industry. In that role, he has helped foster collaboration among industry leaders, government agencies and international partners to support industrial and service robotics innovation.

Before joining JARA, Fujiwara built a distinguished career in public service with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), retiring in 2009 after nearly three decades in leadership roles spanning industrial policy, technology development, economic security, small business support and international trade. His experience also includes leadership roles with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Tokyo Institute of Technology, where he helped support collaboration among industry, academia and government.

Robert Little: Expanding Practical Robotics Adoption in Manufacturing

Little has more than 40 years of experience in robotics, automation and manufacturing. In 1989, he co-founded ATI Industrial Automation and helped grow the company from approximately $1 million to more than $100 million in revenue. Under his leadership, ATI became a global leader in robotic tool changers, force/torque sensing and other end-effector technologies that expanded the practical use of robots in manufacturing.

Following Novanta’s acquisition of ATI in 2021, Little served as President of Novanta’s ATI business group and later as Chief of Robotics Strategy. He now supports the robotics industry through his advisory firm, Robert Little Robotics, where he advises companies on business strategy focused on robotics and automation markets. He also serves on the A3 Robotics Technology Strategy Board.

About the Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Awards

Named after Joseph F. Engelberger, known throughout the world as the father of robotics, the Engelberger Awards have recognized robotics leaders since 1977 for excellence in technology development, application, education, and leadership.

Each winner receives a $5,000 honorarium, commemorative medallion, and plaque. Winners are selected by a panel of industry leaders based on current and past nominations and are voted on by past chairs of A3 and the Robotic Industries Association (RIA).

A new report from the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association shows that total new business volume hit $10.8 billion in March on a seasonally adjusted basis. That’s slightly down from February, but still helped push the first quarter to the highest level on record.

New business volume is up 18.6% so far this year and 12.5% compared to March of last year.

“Geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty appear to have hit another gear in 2026, but demand for equipment has so far been unaffected,” said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO at ELFA. “New business volume growth slowed modestly in March, but the industry just experienced its strongest quarter ever. The full economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East has not yet been felt in the data, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see some deterioration in demand heading into the summer. That said, financial conditions remain healthy, and I’m optimistic that our industry can weather the dual impact of higher prices and a changing of the guard at the Fed.”

Even with the strong quarter, there are signs that things could start to shift. Monthly volume dipped 1.8% from February, and the headline index has now declined for two straight months.

Smaller deals, which are often a good signal of broader demand, also pulled back. Small ticket volume totaled $3.4 billion in March, down 17.7% from February. Still, recent months have been strong overall, and March came in just below the 12-month average.

Activity across lenders was mixed. Banks and independent lenders saw a slight increase in volume, while captives were mostly flat. New deals at independents dropped sharply from the prior month but were nearly unchanged compared to last year.

Credit is holding steady for now. Approval rates edged up to 77.2%, and small ticket approvals also improved slightly. At the same time, delinquency and loss rates both moved higher, though they remain in line with recent averages.

Confidence is starting to slip. The industry’s confidence index fell to 54.6 in April, its lowest level in nearly a year.

“Tariffs may have stalled decision-making in 2025, but 2026 is all about execution,” said John Paradisi, Chief Executive Officer of Libertas Funding. “We are seeing strong activity across construction, healthcare, and manufacturing, where businesses are moving on expansion projects and equipment upgrades that require both equipment financing and working capital. Geopolitical uncertainty, including the situation in Iran, continues to pressure supply chains and input costs, making access to flexible working capital even more critical. As borrowing costs remain elevated, businesses are prioritizing speed and access to capital over cost alone. Working capital has become the bridge that keeps large-scale projects moving forward on schedule."

The show, produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is scheduled to take place June 2–5, 2026, at Expo Santa Fe in Mexico City, will present advancedmachines and materials that reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and minimize waste.

The EXPO PACK Verde program identifies exhibitors offering sustainable solutions, including recyclable materials, carbon reduction technologies, and more efficient packaging processes. The EXPO PACK Verde logo displayed at exhibitor booths and in the online directory helps attendees quickly locate these solutions on-site. 

Sustainability will be a key focus at the Innovation Stage, where 30-minute, exhibitor-led sessions will provide practical insights, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies related to the circular economy, energy efficiency, biodegradable materials, and advanced recycling technologies.

“Sustainability is a central focus for EXPO PACK México 2026 and a key priority for the packaging and processing industry across Latin America,” says Celia Navarrete, director, EXPO PACK. “Through the EXPO PACK Verde program andour on-floor educational opportunities, we are making it easier for attendees to identify innovative solutions, connect with forward-thinking suppliers, andgain practical insights to advance their sustainability goals. Our aim is to provide a platform where environmental responsibility and operational performance go hand in hand.”

PMMI’s latest sustainability report

For a deeper look into the forces driving industry transformation and shaping thefuture of packaging, explore PMMI’s latest sustainability report, "2025 The New Material World: Packaging’s Path Toward Sustainability," which analyzes key sustainability trends across packaging and processing. The report notes:

• More than 80% of companies plan to increase theuse of recyclable packaging materials within the next five years, with 55% stating it is “extremely likely.”
• Recyclability remains the top sustainability priority, directly influencing investment and innovation across the industry.
• By 2030, conveying, feeding, and handling equipment is projected to reach $3.2 billion, while cartoning, multipacking, and case packing equipment will approach $2.8 billion.

These trends point to abroader shift toward integrated, automated, and sustainability-driven manufacturing environments.

Packaging’s path toward sustainability also depends on changes in materials. As a result, many companies plan to replace packaging materials in the next three to five years, led by shifts away from polystyrene (70%), foam materials (46%), and polyvinylchloride (38%). At the same time, 91% of study respondents expect recycled paperboard with forestry certification to remain in use, reinforcing the essential role of fiber-based materials. These material shifts are accelerating demand for new machinery, packaging formats, and processing technologies.

However, despite the interest in adopting sustainable packaging, challenges remain, with 66% of companies citing higher production costs as a primary barrier, 33% reporting potential impacts on product quality, and 28% highlighting concerns related to product protection. Addressing these challenges will require innovation across materials, equipment, and production processes.

“The data makes it clear that sustainability is driving both investment and innovation across the industry,” says Navarrete. “With more than 80% of companies increasing their use of recyclable materials and significant growth projected for packaging equipment through 2030, the shift toward more sustainable, automated production is already well underway.”

From insight to implementation

For leaders driving investment in production lines and manufacturing companies seeking to optimize their production and packaging processes, EXPO PACK México 2026 will showcase technologies and solutions that enable a transition toward more sustainable packaging systems at scale.

This truly international show will include pavilions from key manufacturing regions worldwide, feature more machinery than ever before, and address needs related to sustainability, aswell as artificial intelligence, automation, digitalization, robotics, and workforce challenges. More than 20,000 attendees from 40+ vertical industries, including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and household products, are expected to visit more than 700 exhibitors, occupying 20,000+ net square meters of floor space.

Registration for EXPO PACK México 2026 is open at expopackmexico.com.mx.

As previously disclosed on October 29, 2025, the Board initiated a comprehensive search to identify a successor to current CEO, Louis Pinkham. To help ensure continuity and a smooth leadership transition, Pinkham will remain CEO until Paul’s start date, at which time Paul will succeed him.

Paul, age 48, is a recognized leader with deep global experience across sales, strategy, and operations management having lived and worked in Europe and the U.S. He joins Regal Rexnord from Schneider Electric, a leading global energy management and automation company, where he serves as president of North America. Paul took over the North America business in 2022, at which time he also joined the Executive Committee, and proceeded to grow the business at double digit rates through 2025. In 2025, the business generated over $17 billion (USD) in revenue, employed over 43,000 people, and ran over 35 manufacturing facilities.

Paul joined Schneider Electric in 2013 and, during his tenure, held multiple senior leadership roles of iincreasing responsibility across sales, business operations, and commercial execution. Prior to Schneider Electric, Paul spent over 13 years at Dell Technologies in sales roles with increasing seniority, ultimately serving as SVP, Global Server Solutions Sales, where he led Dell’s worldwide go-to-market strategy for servers and oversaw global sales for Data Center Solutions and High‑Performance Computing.

“After a comprehensive search, the Board concluded that Aamir is an exceptional leader who is well-prepared to guide Regal Rexnord through its next phase of growth” said Rakesh Sachdev, Non-Executive Chairman of Regal Rexnord’s Board of Directors. “The Board is excited about many aspects of Aamir’s background, but in particular, his long track record driving growth across complex global businesses, his commitment to building strong teams and developing talent, his ability to foster an innovation culture, and his deep experience in the core strategic Regal Rexnord growth markets, including data center and discrete automation. He also brings a strong appreciation for how leadership in energy efficiency and sustainability creates long-term value for a company’s key stakeholders.”

Sachdev continued, “On behalf of the Board, I want to again thank Louis Pinkham for his outstanding leadership and many contributions to Regal Rexnord. Part of Louis’s enduring legacy will be the strength of Regal Rexnord’s values, talent, and transformed portfolio, which we believe position the Company well for continued success. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

Paul adds, “As I have come to know Regal Rexnord, I have become increasingly excited about the tremendous growth potential of the Company’s portfolio, its unique scale and scope, and its market-leading technologies. I look forward to further capitalizing on Regal’s 80/20 operating philosophy to drive continued focus, execution, and value creation across the enterprise. I am eager to work with the talented team at Regal Rexnord and leverage my commercial and operational experience to help ensure the Company maximizes its full potential for its customers, its people, and its shareholders.”

Paul holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from Northwestern University, and has completed advanced management studies at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and INSEAD. He serves as a board member of USG Corporation, a privately-held manufacturer of building materials and innovative solutions. He is also actively involved in industry and civic leadership, serving on the boards of organizations including the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the National Association of Electrical Distributors, and the Executives’ Club of Chicago. 

The Locus fulfillment solution is already in use at EPG's Logistics Solution Center (LSC) in Boppard. With this collaboration, EPG is responding to a growing demand for solutions that can keep pace with dynamic market requirements and increasing order volumes.

Many companies are facing the challenge of stabilizing picking processes while simultaneously reducing the workload for employees. The combination of EPG’s WMS and the software-driven fulfillment solution from Locus Robotics provides a robust foundation for this. As part of the Locus fulfillment solution, the mobile units take over travel-intensive transport routes, relieve employees, and enable structured process control, with all operations coordinated via EPG’s WMS. The WMS manages the order backlog and distributes tasks to the autonomous robots, which are orchestrated via Locus software. These move safely through the warehouse, position themselves at the designated picking stations, and save time by reducing walking distances. This reduces pick times and increases picking performance. The close integration of EPG’s WMS and the Locus Robotics system is a key quality feature.

“With Locus Robotics, we are gaining a strong partner whose technology ideally matches our goal of making automation quickly integrable and practical for everyday warehouse operations,” explains Jens Heinrich, Principal Strategic Product Manager at EPG. In his view, the live integration in the Logistics Solution Center provides decisive added value for companies that are facing an automation decision. “Our visitors experience first-hand how flexibly EPG’s WMS controls different robotics solutions and how quickly the systems adapt to changing conditions.”

Locus Robotics also views the new partnership as an important step forward. “EPG and Locus share the vision of more efficient, safer, and scalable warehouse logistics,” says Denis Niezgoda, Chief Commercial Officer at Locus Robotics. “Integrating our software-driven fulfillment solution into EPG ONE WMS delivers clear added value for customers and demonstrates how powerful software-supported human–technology processes can be in the warehouse.” The integration of AMRs into EPG’s WMS shows how well modern robotics can be integrated into existing IT landscapes and the contribution they can make to ongoing operations.

For many years, the Logistics Solution Center at EPG’s headquarters in Boppard-Buchholz has provided a practical environment in which EPG demonstrates a wide range of hardware and software components working together in operational processes. With the integration of the Locus Robotics system, the company is expanding its existing showroom with another example of technology-open automation. Visitors can experience in real time how manual and robot-assisted process steps interact – for example handovers between systems – providing transparent insight into the control logic of EPG’s WMS.

The direct comparability of different technologies is a decisive advantage. In addition to solutions from cube storage pioneer AutoStore and lift storage provider Kardex, EPG now also showcases the Locus Robotics fulfillment concept as a complementary, flexible solution. This creates a comprehensive picture of how different levels of automation interact, how they can be scaled, and which configurations are suitable for different warehouse profiles. On this basis, companies can make well-founded decisions about entry scenarios or expansion stages.

The partnership with Locus Robotics is part of the continuous expansion of EPG’s automation portfolio. Additional robotics solutions and further demonstrators for the Logistics Solution Center are already in preparation. The goal is to provide companies with a comprehensive platform that enables both entry-level projects and large-scale automation initiatives to be implemented on a shared technological foundation.

“Christine is a proven leader who brings both strategic vision and operational discipline,” said Greg Ecker, Chief Executive Officer of Magline. “Throughout our selection process, she consistently demonstrated the integrity, accountability, teamwork, and grit that define Magline’s culture. She is uniquely positioned to help lead the next phase of our growth while strengthening the leadership behaviors that make Magline special”.

At Dow, Walker held senior leadership roles overseeing multibillion-dollar businesses and global operations. Her experience includes leading a $2 billion base business and a $1 billion innovation pipeline, as well as global oversight of a $1.3 billion product portfolio spanning 14 world-scale assets. She drove margin and return-on-capital improvements through disciplined restructuring and asset optimization, provided crisis leadership to ensure customer continuity during multiple supply disruptions, and led enterprise-wide transformation initiatives across innovation, digital systems, and cross-functional execution. She is also widely recognized for her strong track record in talent development and culture building.

“Christine’s appointment positions Magline to accelerate growth, strengthen operational execution, and deepen our customer impact,” Ecker added. “She brings the strategic capability needed to guide long-range planning and the practical leadership required to drive day-to-day performance, while ensuring strong cultural continuity.” Walker’s leadership style is both strategic and people-centered, known for bringing clarity, urgency, and accountability while creating environments where teams feel supported, challenged, and aligned.

A lifelong Mid-Michigan resident, Walker was born in Bay City and graduated from Standish-Sterling Central High School before earning a degree from Saginaw Valley State University. After spending a decade in Midland, she returned to the Standish area in 2005, where she resides with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and sports.

“This is an exciting moment for Magline,” said Ecker. “Christine will be a key partner as we continue to grow, innovate, and serve our customers with excellence.”

The 2026 event, sponsored by MHI, welcomed 50,000 registered visitors from every U.S. state and 132 countries, alongside 1,057 exhibitors covering 630,000 net square feet and representing all segments of the material handling, logistics and transportation industry, from traditional, manual equipment to digital, automated systems, robotics, AI-connected supply chain orchestration technologies and last-mile logistics.

Modex attendees represented manufacturing and supply chain decision‑makers from the world’s largest enterprises including the Fortune 1000, the top 100 retailers and the top 100 consumer goods firms. The milestone turnout at Modex 2026 underscores the growing importance of supply chain agility, innovation, and collaboration amidst the growing uncertainty in today’s global economy.

“This year’s show exceeded every expectation,” said John Paxton, CEO of MHI. “From groundbreaking product launches to standing‑room‑only educational sessions, the energy on the show floor reflected an industry that is rapidly evolving—and eager to connect, collaborate, and lead.”

The event featured 189 educational sessions including four keynote presentations from industry executives and thought leaders, and hands‑on demonstrations showcasing emerging technologies such as AI‑driven planning, warehouse automation, real‑time visibility platforms, and sustainable logistics solutions.

Attendees praised the show’s ability to blend strategic insight with practical, real‑world applications.

“The value of this event is unmatched,” said Daniel McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer of MHI. “Attendees left with actionable ideas, new partners, and a clear view of what’s next for the supply chain industry.”

In addition to thought leadership, Modex delivered measurable business results. Exhibitors reported strong lead generation, high‑quality conversations with supply chain decision‑makers from the Fortune 500 and top retailers and consumer goods firms, as well as expanded international exposure, making the event a critical growth platform for equipment and technology providers.

The show also featured an Industry Night event with comedian Jim Gaffigan. That event featured the presentation of several awards including:

The 2026 MHI Innovation Awards:

• Best IT Innovation – ProGlove
• Best New Innovation – Dexory
• Best Robotics Innovation – Anyware Robotics Inc
• Best Sustainability Innovation – Flux Power

MHI also announced the recipient of the 2026 MHI StartUp Award during MHI Industry Night. The StartUp Award honors an emerging company selected from participants in the Modex 2026 StartUp Pavilion, an area of the show floor dedicated to showcasing breakthrough supply chain technologies from early-stage innovators. This year’s StartUp Award winner is Fork Mule.

Building on this year’s momentum, MHI announced that Modex will return to Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center on April 3-5, 2028, and launch a new Modex West event to be held October 18-20, 2028, at the Las Vegas Convention Center with plans to expand programming, global partnerships, and interactive experiences. Information on both 2028 events will be launched on modexshow.com in the coming months.

ProMat 2027 will be held in Chicago’s McCormick Place from April 19-21, 2027. Information on that event can be found at promatshow.com.

For more information on Modex, including the upcoming Modex Digital Entry online event content, visit modexshow.com.

“At EASE, our goal is to make ergonomics practical and actionable for the industry and the end-users we serve. This 101 resource was created to give companies a clear starting point, helping them understand how better-designed work leads to safer teams and stronger performance," said Megan Baker, Director of Marketing at Unex.

What is industrial ergonomics—and why does it matter? It goes far beyond comfort. Industrial ergonomics is the practice of designing work so it fits the capabilities and limits of real people, instead of forcing people to adapt to poorly designed tasks.

When applied effectively, ergonomics reduces fatigue, lowers the risk of injury, and elevates the quality of work. The result is fewer mistakes, fewer disruptions, and a more resilient workforce.

In today’s supply chain environment—where labor is scarce and expectations are high—ergonomics isn’t a luxury. It’s a strategic advantage. If your goal is safer operations and stronger performance, ergonomics is the foundation that makes it possible.

"The EASE 101 document brings together the expertise of leading ergonomic focused businesses within MHI to give the industry a clear, practical introduction to ergonomics. It’s the kind of resource that helps businesses make smarter decisions to improve safety, reduce strain, and keep workers at the center of the operation," said Nate Guralski, General Manager of Nutting Carts and Trailers, Columbus McKinnon.

The transaction follows the review of strategic alternatives Honeywell commenced in July 2025 for PSS and its Warehouse and Workflow Solutions (WWS) business to further simplify the company's portfolio alongside the planned spin-off of its Aerospace business, which is expected to be complete in the third quarter of 2026. Honeywell remains actively engaged in its assessment of strategic alternatives for WWS, which operates commercially under the brand names Intelligrated and Transnorm.

"With the PSS divestiture, we are nearing completion of our multi-year portfolio transformation, further accelerating value creation as we prepare to separate our Aerospace and Automation businesses into two independent industry leading public companies. The sale also enables us to continue strengthening our financial and operational focus on the company's core businesses," said Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell.

"Going forward, PSS will benefit from Brady's highly complementary and specialized leadership in industrial identification and safety, creating a broader, more integrated offering for warehouse, logistics and manufacturing customers," Kapur added.

With 2025 revenue of approximately $1.1 billion, PSS is a leading provider of mobile computers, barcode scanners and printing solutions serving the warehouse and logistics market. PSS is currently part of Honeywell's Industrial Automation (IA) business portfolio.

Brady Corporation is an international manufacturer and marketer of high-performance labels, signs, safety devices and printing systems for industries that include electronics, manufacturing and aerospace. Brady provides products that enhance safety, security and productivity. The acquisition of PSS will help build Brady's capabilities in data capture, mobile computing and workflow automation, increasing its portfolio serving industrial and logistics customers, while creating a more integrated, end‑to‑end productivity and safety platform.

This announcement follows the divestiture of Honeywell's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) business in 2024 and the spin-off of its Advanced Materials business as Solstice Advanced Materials in October 2025. It also builds on the prior strategic actions Honeywell has taken to drive organic growth and optimize its portfolio, including announcing approximately $14 billion of accretive and synergistic acquisitions since 2023: Compressor Controls Corporation, SCADAfence, the Access Solutions business from Carrier Global, Civitanavi Systems, CAES Systems, the LNG business from Air Products, Sundyne, Li-ion Tamer and Johnson Matthey's Catalyst Technologies Business.

Centerview Partners is serving as financial advisor to Honeywell. Kirkland & Ellis LLP,  Baker McKenzie and Womble Bond Dickinson are providing external legal counsel.

The partnership centers on intelligent warehouses in which the digital and physical worlds converge. On-site cameras and sensors capture vast amounts of data, which is analyzed by artificial intelligence (AI). This data forms the basis of a digital twin for individual machines, entire systems and complete warehouses, enabling end-to-end process simulations. That means logistics companies can virtually test how changes to warehouse layouts impact overall throughput. As part of the partnership, KION will be the first company in Europe to use Siemens’ new Digital Twin Composer software. The solution enables multiple processes to be simulated in parallel and in real time – unlocking a previously unattainable level of efficiency and flexibility.

“Supply chains today have to be efficient, but above all resilient,” said Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board at Siemens AG and CEO of Siemens Digital Industries. “Together with KION, we are using a comprehensive digital twin and industrial AI to turn the warehouse from a physical hub into the digital nerve center of the supply chain – laying the foundation for greater resilience and flexibility.”

“As The Supply Chain Solutions Company, KION orchestrates end-to-end solutions for its customers within warehouses and factories, and eventually across the entire supply chain. With Siemens as a strategic partner, KION is strengthening its ability to combine the digital and physical worlds at scale. This takes our digital twin-based solutions to a new level,” said Rob Smith, CEO of KION GROUP AG.

Siemens first introduced Digital Twin Composer in January at CES in Las Vegas. The software acts as a modular toolkit for an AI-powered digital twin of factories and logistics. It allows users to create a new digital twin of their products, production facilities or processes and completely optimize it in the Industrial Metaverse, all powered by industrial AI, simulation and physical real-time information. Once a warehouse is operational, the Digital Twin Composer serves as a toolbox for continuously improving operations. The solution enables companies to rapidly simulate all aspects of their product or production data – both virtual and physical – in a secure, managed high-fidelity 3D experience, throughout the lifecycle of the product, process or facility.

KION maps the planning, implementation and operation of its logistics solutions in its own software environment. Based on Siemens’ PLM software Teamcenter and the creation of a digital twin, KION manages logistics solutions across their entire lifecycle. This allows companies to simulate warehouses and processes early on, make data‑driven decisions and optimize operations by testing changes virtually before implementation.

As part of their collaboration, Siemens and KION have agreed to exchange selected industrial data. KION contributes operational data and domain expertise from complex warehouse environments. This will accelerate the deployment of AI-enabled solutions in warehouses and supply chains. This typifies the data partnerships bringing Siemens closer to realizing an Industrial Foundation Model that will scale the benefits of industrial AI across industrial processes and domains.

Backed by an initial $6 million investment from PMMI’s reserve fund, the PACK gives BACK Charitable Foundation represents a significant milestone in PMMI’s ongoing commitment to supporting its members, their communities and interests, and the broader industry. The Foundation will operate as a separate entity with its own Board of Directors and bylaws, ensuring a dedicated, strategic focus on determining the best fit for the Foundation’s vision.

The new Foundation will amplify charitable contributions through a matching gift program, partnering with members to ensure their support for the causes that matter most to them. In addition, the Foundation will have the ability to make direct donations to other non-member charitable organizations, extending its reach beyond member-led giving.

“This is a transformational moment for PMMI and our industry,” said Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. “The PACK gives BACK Charitable Foundation reflects our deep commitment to serving our members’ needs and supporting their interests, as well as the industry at-large. By creating a platform that multiplies the impact of our members’ generosity, we are taking meaningful, progressive action to drive positivity and change on a much larger scale.”

The PACK gives BACK Charitable Foundation is targeting operational readiness by Fall 2026.

The PACK gives BACK Charitable Foundation becomes PMMI’s second philanthropic arm, complementing the longstanding work of the PMMI Foundation, established in 1988. While the PMMI Foundation focuses on strengthening the future workforce through scholarships, educational support, and career awareness initiatives, the new Foundation expands PMMI’s charitable reach to include a broader range of causes with community impact.

Together, these two foundations reinforce PMMI’s commitment to advancing both the people and the purpose behind the packaging and processing industry.

The category winners were officially revealed on April 15th during MHI Industry Night at Modex 2026.

The 2026 MHI Innovation Award winners are:

The winners were:

Best New Innovation:
Dexory — DexoryView Storage Health Feature

Best Robotics Innovation:
Anyware Robotics Inc. — Pixmo: Automate Inbound Without Fixed Infrastructure

Best IT Innovation:
ProGlove — MAI (Wearable Companion with AI Voice Assistant)

Best Sustainability Innovation:
Flux Power — Flux Power Lithium-Ion Energy Solutions

In addition to the Innovation Awards, MHI also announced the recipient of the 2026 MHI StartUp Award during MHI Industry Night. The StartUp Award honors an emerging company selected from participants in the MODEX 2026 StartUp Pavilion, with an area of the show floor dedicated to showcasing breakthrough supply chain technologies from early-stage innovators. This year’s 2026 StartUp Pitch Competition winner is Fork Mule, who was awarded a check for $10,000.

Fork Mule is a patent‑pending forklift accessory designed to make manual fork adjustment safer, easier, and more efficient. Proudly made in the USA, the device attaches to a forklift or tractor and allows operators to reposition forks without placing their hands in pinch‑point areas, reducing the risk of injury common with traditional manual adjustments. Instead of forcing forks by hand or investing in costly hydraulic positioning systems, Fork Mule provides a simple mechanical solution that improves safety while minimizing downtime.

ProMat gives attendees a chance to see equipment and systems in action, meet with suppliers and compare options as they plan their next moves. From automation and robotics to software and emerging technologies, the event draws a wide cross-section of providers and end users who want to evaluate solutions and make educated decisions.

“ProMat 2027 will bring the latest supply chain innovation into focus with over 700,000 square feet of equipment and technology demonstrations from 1,100 exhibitors,” said John Paxton, CEO of MHI. “It will be the largest supply chain event in 2027, covering three show floors at McCormick Place from April 19-21. The event will feature four keynotes, 200 educational seminars plus MHI Industry Night at ProMat.”

At those keynotes and education sessions, attendees will hear how new supply chain technologies like AI and automation are being applied in real operations. As with Modex, the emphasis is on seeing systems up close, asking questions and walking away with a better sense of what fits a specific company’s operations.

MHI is also expanding its exhibition portfolio with the launch of a brand-new event, Modex West, which will debut October 18–20, 2028, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “Modex West will build on the effective formula that has made Modex in Atlanta so successful,” said Daniel McKinnon, MHI’s chief exhibitions officer.

The three-day event will feature customized learning and professional development sessions designed to deliver unique knowledge from leading supply chain experts. “We’re honored that MHI has chosen Las Vegas as the location for its continued expansion in the supply chain industry and the growth of its impressive trade show portfolio,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Modern's complete Modex coverage can be found at: mmh.com/modex.

The system uses AI to coordinate fulfillment activity across robotics and automation, helping operations improve productivity and throughput while keeping existing WMS systems in place.

“We built this to remove the barriers companies run into when they try to add automation,” said Raj Senguttuvan, VP of product. “They shouldn’t have to replace their WMS or spend months on custom integration to get there.”

Roboteon’s approach allows companies to introduce automation in phases, with a vendor-independent model that works across different technologies. The company will run live demonstrations of the system at the bottom of each hour during the show.

Modern's complete Modex coverage can be found at: mmh.com/modex.

The publication, based on a survey of supply chain leaders, reports that a quarter of respondents (24%) categorize AI as transformational and nearly half (48%) consider its disruptive impact to be significant or greater—up 25 percentage points since 2025. Robotics & automation follow AI as the second most disruptive technology, with 39% rating its impact as significant or greater, up 16 percentage points.

The 2026 MHI Annual Industry Report, “Rewiring the Future: A Supply Chain Playbook for Innovation,” finds that the emergence of AI is causing supply chain leaders to reassess every aspect of their operations, investing not only in advanced digital technologies such as AI, robotics, and real-time analytics but also in their workforce. The report provides new insights into trends and technologies that are transforming supply chains and the priorities of the people who run them. 

By focusing on the intersection of business and technology, the report goes beyond tech trends to explore how operational assessments, smart automation, data-driven decision making, and new approaches to talent development can be woven together to “rewire” supply chain performance.

AI is the Future of Supply Chain and the Future is Now

AI is already adding value in a wide range of supply chain processes, from inventory management to demand planning to logistics. Moving forward, supply chain organizations will increasingly leverage AI to enhance all aspects of their operations. Agentic AI—which can operate independently with human guidance or oversight—specifically has the potential to quickly eliminate high volume repetitive tasks, proactively address disruptions, enhance forecasting precision, and improve overall visibility within the supply chain.

While leaders are excited about AI’s potential, the survey finds that they are getting stuck on where to start and what it takes to scale. The barriers are real and practical—unclear use cases and automation cost, paired with limited understanding; difficulty building business cases; talent shortages; and budget constraints.

The integration of generative AI, agentic AI, physical AI, and edge AI into operations is ushering in a future where fulfillment and supply chain activities become software-defined, perpetually adaptive, and backed by intelligent orchestration engines. This transformation does not just improve what already exists, it fundamentally changes how challenges are solved, how capital is invested, and how workforce capacity is harnessed.

Uncertainty Tops the List of Key Trends Impacting Supply Chains in 2026 

According to this year’s respondents, economic uncertainty and inflation concerns topped the list of top trends impacting supply chains. According to this year’s respondents, the top five most impactful supply chain trends are: 

1. Economic Uncertainty, Inflation and Geopolitical Risks
2. Workforce, Talent Shortage and Changing Worker Skillsets
3. Pace of Technology Adoption, Digitization and the Need for Real-Time Data
4. Supply Chain Visibility, Agility and Resiliency
5. Cybersecurity and Data Security 

Download the complete report at mhi.org/annual-industry-reports.

Live demonstrations of the CVP Impack and EM7 will show how items are packed into ready-to-ship boxes in seconds. Attendees can also bring their own products to test how the systems handle real-world scenarios.

Packsize’s systems support higher throughput while reducing material use and giving operations more control over how orders are packed.

“Most businesses know automation is an option, but they haven’t seen the impact it can make,” said Brian Reinhart, chief revenue officer. “At Modex, we’re letting them experience it firsthand by testing our technology with their own products.”

Modern's complete Modex coverage can be found at: mmh.com/modex.

“Too many organizations are still trying to solve resilience with disconnected tools,” said Tim Moylan, chief growth officer. “Real resilience comes from connecting execution end to end and acting before issues escalate.”

At the core is an intelligence layer that provides real-time visibility and early warnings, along with recommendations that help teams respond before problems grow and adjust operations as conditions change.

For complex operations, the focus is on keeping product moving, meeting customer expectations, and maintaining consistent performance across the supply chain.

Modern's complete Modex coverage can be found at: mmh.com/modex.

ROYPOW’s lithium forklift battery solutions include cold storage lithium batteries, designed for extreme environments from -40°C to -20°C.  These are being demonstrated with advanced thermal management, IP67 protection, and low-temperature heating capabilities, effectively addressing challenges such as reduced discharge performance, slow charging and condensation.

“We are pleased to be at Modex 2026,” says Michael Li, general manager of sales and marketing, ROYPOW. “As a leading provider of advanced materials handling power solutions, this event gives us the opportunity to showcase our latest innovations, connect with partners, and explore new ways to drive efficiency and performance for modern materials handling.”

“The MiR1200 Pallet Jack is our latest effort to push the boundaries in autonomous materials handling,” said Jean Pierre Hathout, president of Teradyne Robotics. “We believe that the built-in AI detection system is a significant improvement over older detection technologies.” The company will highlight the MC600, a mobile cobot that combines autonomous mobility with a robotic arm to handle tasks such as palletizing, box handling and machine tending, with a payload capacity of up to 600 kg.

Teradyne Robotics will also feature the MiR1200 Pallet Jack, which uses AI-based pallet detection and 3D vision to identify, pick up and transport pallets in complex environments. The system is designed to navigate dynamic facilities and help companies automate pallet movement without major infrastructure changes.

Modern's complete Modex coverage can be found at: mmh.com/modex.

Built for modern, modular machine concepts, the control boxes integrate seamlessly into new or existing IO-Link systems. Plug-and-play connectivity via M12 connections enables fast commissioning, while uniform IO-Link communication allows remote configuration and consistent system communication.

"With the Murrelektronik Command Box, we've brought configurable IO-Link pushbuttons and an integrated E-stop together into one intelligent interface,” said Craig Fox, vice Ppesident of product and innovation, Murrelektronik. “Paired with the MVK Fusion CIP Safety, it delivers a complete, simplified safety solution over EtherNet/IP—reducing complexity while maximizing control and reliability."

Modern's complete Modex coverage can be found at: mmh.com/modex.

“Like all of our automation solutions, the ones we’re showcasing at Modex this week are backed by KUKA’s service and support, including training, system engineering, simulation, spare parts and refurbishment,” said Ed Volcic, VP Industry Management, KUKA North America.

The booth will feature multiple AMR models designed for different applications. The KMP 250P offers a compact, maneuverable option for tight spaces, while the KMP 600P handles loads up to 600 kg in production environments. The KMP 1500P supports transport processes with precise positioning and a payload of up to 1.5 tons. For heavier applications, the KMP 3000P moves loads up to 3 tons with millimeter-level accuracy. 

Modern's complete Modex coverage can be found at: mmh.com/modex.

“Robots must understand the world around them reliably if they are going to work safely alongside people,” said Knut Sandven, CEO of Sonair. “Receiving the LogiMAT Best Product Award, and now bringing ADAR to MODEX is strong recognition that the industry sees the need for this new sensing layer. But we didn’t build this to win awards. We built it so people don’t get hurt.”

Unlike camera- or laser-based systems, the ADAR sensor is not affected by lighting conditions, dust, or reflective surfaces. The system provides full 3D spatial awareness and is designed for environments where humans and autonomous robots work closely together, including warehouses and industrial facilities.

Modern's complete Modex coverage can be found at: mmh.com/modex.

“Across warehouse operations, speed and accuracy come down to how well systems capture and act on data,” said Christy Arokianathan, CMO. “That’s where these new platforms step in and help operators move faster while maintaining consistency across the workflow.”

The new Matrix 830/930 image readers support large-area conveyor scanning, enabling faster parcel identification and higher throughput. Through Datasensing, the company is also introducing the SLS 10m safety laser scanner, designed to improve operator safety across AGVs, robotic cells, and palletizers.

Datalogic is offering live demonstrations that show how its technologies support both manual and automated workflows in the warehouse.

Modern's complete Modex coverage can be found at: mmh.com/modex.

“As Symbotic continues to transform warehouse automation, we’re proud to support that progress,” said Sai Shivareddy, founder and CEO. “Our batteries help keep autonomous robots moving while supporting around-the-clock operations.”

The system is designed for high-demand environments where uptime matters. It offers a cycle life at least 10 times greater than traditional lithium-ion batteries, helping reduce downtime and extend operating life.

Together, the companies are targeting more consistent performance from autonomous systems, especially in operations that rely on continuous movement and tight turnaround times.

Modern's complete Modex coverage can be found at: mmh.com/modex.