ProMat Archives

Welcome to A Day at ProMat 2023

Robotics | By Clint Reiser • 03/22/2023

ProMat 2023 is being held this week, March 202 -23 in Chicago. I spent the full day yesterday roaming the floor and meeting with exhibitors. For those of you that were unable to attend, this article will provide a thorough second-hand experience of a day at this expansive exhibit. ProMat 2023 occupied both McCormick Place South and McCormick Place North with over 1,000 exhibitors. Automate was not co-located with ProMat as it has been in years past.

McCormick Place North

Entering the grand concourse and riding the escalator up one floor, we will take a left hand turn into the North Hall, home to the North Manufacturing and Assembly Solution Center and the Robotics and Automation Solution Center of ProMat 2023. First stop, Pickle Robot.

Pickle Robot, a Boston-based privately-held robotics company demonstrated its mobile trailer and container unloading robot. A worker stages the robot in front of container doors, and it autonomously moves forward into the container under its own power and direction as it picks boxes, up to 60 lbs from the face and more weight if picked from the top, and places them onto attached conveyor that transports the loads out of the container. A couple interesting points on the complexity of the trailer unloading use case are that the robot must be mobile and able to move in and out of trailers and the robotic arm must navigate its movement within the dimensional constraints of a trailer. Performance expectations are for a 40 foot container to be unloaded in under 2.5 hours. ProMat is the first public exhibition of this product, although it is currently live at a customer site in California for the unloading containers filled with dry goods.

HAI Robotics, with its US headquarters in Fremont, Callfornia, is a finalist for Best Innovation of an Existing Product. And the product is a 32 foot high autonomous case handling robot (ACR) that is easy to see across the exhibition floor. The A42TD (T for telescope and D for double deep) loads and unloads totes and boxes from high-bay racking. At the same time, the A42 multi-layer ACR extracts 6 containers at the same time (one on each level) from the high port system. A typical HAI robotics project includes 8 – 80 robots. The HAI autonomous case handling robots clearly show a value proposition of flexible automation providing throughput for high storage density facilities and operations.

Addverb Technologies recently entered my radar. The company is headquartered in India, has more than 800 employees globally, and received a $154 million investment from majority owner Reliance Industries. Addverb is a vertically integrated company, manufacturing its own robots, flexible and fixed automation systems, and much of the components, while also developing its own software and providing implementation services. The company was founded 7 years ago but more recently opened its US headquarters in Irvine, CA and R&D office in the Bay Area. Addverb was exhibiting multiple technologies at ProMat including Veloce, the company’s multi-level shuttle system, Sortie, an autonomous put-wall sorting system, and Zippy, and AGV sortation system. I found Zippy to be a practical, flexible automation system that could be of value to many parcel operations. Zippy has been deployed at more than 10 sites with an average of 75 AGVs per site.

Let’s swing over to the South Hall.

McCormick Place South

The South Hall is home to the IT Solutions Center and the South Manufacturing and Assembly Solutions Center of ProMat 2023. First stop, Manhattan.

Manhattan Associates was exhibiting its portfolio of digital supply chain solutions. Since ProMat is focused on automation, I thought it would be sensible to focus my discussions on Manhattan’s warehouse execution system (WES) that is complementary to the Manhattan Automation Network – a number of strategic integration partnerships that the company has developed with select warehouse automation providers. I asked Manhattan about recent examples of customers utilizing the company’s WES functionality. I was informed of a recent customer case – an apparel retailer located in Denmark. This retailer is utilizing two heterogeneous automation systems in its facility – an Exotec system and a conveyor and sortation automation system. The Manhattan WMS/WES is responsible for messaging with both of these systems and coordinating activities across processing areas. For example, The WES wll release an order to Exotec, Exotec will retrieve the appropriate bin, and transport it to an induction point on the conveyor system, the conveyor system will have received the messaging from the WES, enabling it to identify the item when scanned, and route it according to proper destination. The system will also utilize messaging from the WES to route the order item to the print and apply process for final destination and simultaneously route the bin back to the Exotec system for storage. Although this process could be handled by a customized system, the ability to utilize the Manhattan WES reduced project complexity and streamlined the process.

Blue Yonder was exhibiting its suite of supply chain software solutions, but my focus again was on solutions that support warehouse productivity. My discussion focused on Blue Yonder’s Robotics Hub that together with Warehouse Tasking, constitute the company’s warehouse execution offering. DHL is currently the flagship user of Robotics Hub and Warehouse Tasking. DHL is currently utilizing the solution for integration of multiple vendors of robotics and collaborative robotics. The integration of disparate robotics systems along with warehouse tasking is allowing DHL to resynchronize how warehouse resources are deployed. Blue Yonder also discussed its next-generation, IoT enabled yard management system. The system, expected to reach general availability within the next six months, utilizes Panasonic camera technology that can read markings on containers and the license plates on trucks. These capabilities support the automated monitoring of yard movements, providing increased visibility that enables greater yard efficiencies.

Körber Supply Chain was exhibiting its range of solutions. But I attended the company’s annual user conference last week, so I decided to immerse myself into the picking process at the company’s virtual reality booth that featured picking-to-robot processes. I decided to (virtually) pick boxes from a shelf onto a Locus robot. This was my first virtual reality experience, and I must admit that I did get immersed in the process. So much so that I started to walk forward after I completed the first pick. There was an empty aisle in front of me in my virtual experience, but a solid wall in the real world. So, I looked a little foolish to anyone watching. Oh well.

Lucas Systems is a finalist in the Most Innovative IT Product category. The company’s Dynamic Work Optimization solution utilizes machine learning algorithms to optimize warehouse performance. The solution creates optimized batches of work for assignment to associates, develops optimal pick paths, and dynamically prioritizes warehouse tasks. The solution creates optimized batches of work based on criteria such as product dimensions, locations, pick path start and end points, and more. Pick path optimization considers multiple factors including one-way aisles to determine the most efficient travel path. And work assignments can be dynamically prioritized by adjusting configurable rules such as ship date or order types.

Swisslog was exhibiting numerous technologies but I was most interested in the company’s mixed case palletizer designed to create pallets organized for store friendly replenishment. I was aware of the German Logistics Award presented to dm-drogerie markt for its use of the solution in its Brandenburg facility. The solution, branded ACPaQ utilizes Kuka robotics and Swisslog technologies including the palletizing intelligence and supporting automation such as the Cyclone Carrier. The ACPaQ solution is now being introduced to North America.

ProMat 2019 – Large Investments on Display

Uncategorized | By Clint Reiser • 04/10/2019

Toyota Industries was the “elephant in the room” at ProMat this year. Front and center as you entered the show floor were four large (each approximately 20 feet wide) wide screen overhead displays for the four warehouse brands under the Toyota Industries umbrella – Toyota Material Handling, Vanderlande, Bastian Solutions, and Raymond. Clearly this was a big splash into the market for Toyota. Once again, there were way more interesting exhibitions than I could possibly visit. Below are some of the highlights from the exhibitions and discussions during my attendance. Some of the exhibits I most regret missing include RightHand Robotics, Kindred, Boston Dynamics, and Vecna Robotics.

Vanderlande introduced its 3D shuttle system about 5 years ago, focused on spare parts and component fulfillment. Earlier this year, Vanderlande launched Fast Pick, its 2D shuttle system that offers greater throughput. The 2D shuttles have built-in sequencing, removing the requirement for conveyor loops. The built-in sequencing and substantial throughput increase are desirable qualities for high-volume e-commerce fulfillment operations.

Vanderlande also exhibited its new Smart Item Robotics (SIR), performing bin-to-bin item picking. The exhibited system utilized a suction gripper, UR arm, and software intelligence from Smart Robotics, a Vanderlande investee. The solution’s focus was on stacking for high fill rates per tote. SIR is currently running in a pilot system. Vanderlande also noted that technology from Fizyr will be utilized for image recognition capabilities in the future.

Swisslog exhibited its item-picking robotics solution, ItemPiQ. The exhibited solution used a hybrid three finger mechanical gripper with suction device on a KUKA Agilus robot. 3D vision technology is used for object feature recognition and to determine grasping points. ItemPiQ is being promoted as an extension to goods-to-person solutions such as Swisslog’s AutoStore deployments.

SSI Schaefer was exhibiting a number of automation systems, including the SSI Flexi Shuttle that features a universal load handling device with adjustable width, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of loading units and dimensions. However, I found discussions on the 3D-Matrix Solution, SSI’s integrated storage, buffering, and sequencing system, to be most interesting. Also interesting was SSI’s new Labor and Resource Management software solution. Although labor management is a well-established set of warehouse software functionality, SSI Schaefer’s solution is differentiated due to its focus on both traditional manual tasks such as picking, as well as tasks in support of automated warehouses, such as tote decanting, and the associated metrics, tasks, and resource forecasting for automated warehouses.

Manhattan Associates was exhibiting its integration with Matthews Lightning Pick put-wall product. Manhattan has integrated its WMS with Matthews Lightning Pick dozens of times in the field, to point of productization. Discussions at the booth surrounded Manhattan’s recently released WES that provides the ability to orchestrate across man and machine. I found the partnership with Kindred and the integration with Kindred Sort particularly interesting. Kindred Sort can be envisioned as a piece picking robot surrounded by a circular array of put-walls. Manhattan has developed a number of integration touch points. For example, Manhattan downloads tote item info to Kindred Sort, then Manhattan receives the tote induction message from the photo eye scan informing the WMS that the tote and its items are at the bot location. Finally, the WMS receives a message when the cubby has cleared. These communications provide the inputs to measure dwell time and provide machine performance insights. Also, the “cubby clear” message can trigger Manhattan’s order streaming to send more items to the bots when capacity is available.

HighJump was exhibiting its CLASS warehouse design and simulation solution. CLASS entered the HighJump product portfolio through Körber Logistics Systems sister company, Centriq. CLASS is an intuitive simulation tool that can be used directly by the end-user. HighJump sees it as a valuable addition to its portfolio in today’s environment of constant change that places a premium on adaptability. The tool is well-suited for incorporating efficiencies in the planning phase. It can be used for projecting future requirements, simulating the performance of various warehouse configuration options given those requirements, and comparing plan vs. actual on an iterative basis as part of a continuous warehouse improvement initiative.

JDA Software focused on its expanding digital ecosystem. First and foremost was the company’s recently announced partnership with Panasonic to joint develop solutions, including JDA Luminate Warehouse Tasking with Panasonic Visual Sort Assist. The solution is directed at improving warehouse package sorting by utilizing scanning and image projection capabilities integrated with the WMS to provide real-time insights and enable dynamic decision making. JDA also noted its progress toward migrating its platform to Azure as a milestone in its development of a comprehensive digital ecosystem able to ingest and apply data from automation and other smart devices.

ProMat 2017- A Balance of Practical and Technical Innovations

Logistics Software Vendors | By Clint Reiser • 04/12/2017

Last week’s ProMat trade show in Chicago exhibited many more interesting warehouse technologies than I could possibly view in one day. Thankfully, I was able to touch upon most, but not all, of my “must see technologies.” My high-level take away is that the show exhibited everything from the next high-profile, technical innovations to those that deliver less of a “gee wiz” emotional response, but also are likely to deliver a quicker payback to those companies that purchase and implement them. Essentially, the trade show offered a nice balance of both highly technical and extremely practical innovations. Here are some of the interesting and diverse technologies I viewed at ProMat.

RightHand Robotics (RHR) demonstrated its new robotic piece-picking solution, RightPick, at its booth. In addition, three of the company’s partners, including Intelligrated, also displayed the solution integrated into more extensive warehouse workflows. I met with both RHR founders at the company’s booth and watched a demo of its robot picking a number of heterogeneous items from a bin. The items included a plastic bottle of liquid home cleaner, packaged kids’ snacks, and a bottle of aspirin. They also had a spectator place his shoe in the bin to demonstrate how the robot applies machine learning to picking tasks. It was interesting to see the robot attempt the pick from various angles and with different steps to achieve the pick. One of the founders also turned off the suction device that accompanies the robotic hand to demonstrate how the robot knows to attempt the pick of the same item in a different manner when using a single resource (gripper) instead of the gripper supported by the suction device. The machine learning capabilities embedded in the solution and the dexterity of the robotic hand are the two characteristics that I believe differentiate this solution from the competition. In addition, the fact that three partners chose to demonstrate RightPick at their booths leads me to believe that RightPick was clearly one of the premier exhibits at ProMat.

Locus Robotics demonstrated a fleet of its collaborative autonomous robots at ProMat. Over the last year, Locus has significantly expanded the navigation and process optimization capabilities of its solution. The robots can navigate the warehouse floor, proceed to desired pick locations, and avoid stationary and moving objects such as workers and other robots. The intelligence behind the system incorporates task scheduling, facility layout, spatial analysis, and fleet management capabilities to achieve productivity enhancements beyond what can be achieved by assigning robots to zones in a siloed manner. Product adoption has also come a long way from Locus’ initial pilot. The company now has eight initial implementations supporting a range of product categories, and recently announced DHL Supply Chain as a customer that will apply the bots within its life science group supporting medical devices fulfillment operations.

Manhattan Associates demonstrated its Performance at Work employee engagement solution. ARC recently surveyed a broad base of logistics professionals and found that warehouse labor management was the most prevalent choice for practitioners’ top warehouse investment priority over the next three years (LV post regarding research findings). The Performance at Work solution is a set of developments that Manhattan undertook to enhance the value delivered by its labor management solution. The solution includes implementation enhancements and mobile solution capabilities. Manhattan enhanced its product delivery to allow users to more easily derive the synergies from implementing labor management in conjunction with WMS. The company also developed employee engagement capabilities that track and report on throughput and other performance metrics along with mobile capabilities that deliver individual and facility performance metrics to workers. I believe the use of throughput metrics is an engaging entry point for labor management, as it doesn’t include the pressure or assumptions that can accompany engineered standards.

PINC Solutions demonstrated its automated cycle counting solution that utilizes flying drones to video capture inventory status. The drones’ video capabilities identify data labels and the systems extracts the data from the video feed, analyzes rack content, and provides a color-coded inventory/location status display for quick, intuitive analysis. The solution is ideal for counting of valuable inventory located in high-bay or difficult to access warehouse location. It’s value drivers include increased frequency of inventory checks that can deliver loss reductions from inventory shrinkage and better overall inventory visibility in support of reorder and other inventory planning processes.

Zebra Technologies demonstrated its SmartPack Trailer solution. This load monitoring and analysis solution includes dock door load monitoring units that utilize 3D sensor and RGB camera technology and a software analytics application that is utilized by dock management. The solution is currently used at cross-dock facilities to provide visibility into parcel loading metrics such as load density, volumes, quality, and scan rates. It provides both real-time visibility for status of current operations and historical data for analysis of operations and improvement initiatives. This solution appealed to me as a cost-effective entry into the use of technology to improve current and future trailer loading performance.

ProMat 2017 “Must-See” Technologies (at least for me)

Logistics Technologies | By Clint Reiser • 03/15/2017

The ProMat show will begin in less than two weeks. I thoroughly enjoyed the show two years ago and personally believe it is (still?) a more comprehensive trade show than its Atlanta-based twin, Modex. I have spent a good amount of time over the last week setting up interviews and otherwise planning my time for ProMat 2017. Those of you that have attended the show in the past will understand how easy it is to be overwhelmed without some sort of a schedule in place. I would like to take this opportunity to lay out what I consider to be my list of the “must-see” technologies for ProMat 2017.

Last year at MODEX I noted that autonomous mobile robotics (AMR) had moved from the concept phase to commercial availability and practical consideration. In particular, I mentioned Fetch Robotics and Locus Robotics. I felt those two solutions were practical, adaptable, and appeared to be financially feasible options for enhancing manual warehouse operations with flexible automation. This year I plan to meet with both exhibitors and find out what progress has been made with reference able customers. The concept has been proven, now it is time to learn about the practical applications of the robotics solutions, how they are being utilized in commercial settings, and how the value is being delivered (the specific sources of ROI).
Also from my review of MODEX, I mentioned Knapp’s YLOG shuttle and its flexibility, in particular its ability to pivot 90 degrees and run on the perpendicular axis. More recently, I noted that the YLOG shuttle’s flexible power system allows freedom of movement and it swiveling wheels facilitate the 90 degree turns that make the 3D movement possible. Similarly, I discussed Vanderlande’s Adapto shuttle and its ability to also move 3 dimensionally. However, its system utilizes a retractable set of wheels to facilitate the Z-axis movement. I plan to speak with executives from both companies to obtain a better understanding of these systems’ capabilities and the ideal load and throughput profiles for their usage.
I consider payload delivery from picking stations to packing, etc. to be the most technologically and financially feasible application of AMR in the warehouse. However, small item picking is also an area that is viewed as potentially feasible for automation by robotics. I plan to meet with Righthand Robotics to learn more about the innovative progress they are making in the area of robotic picking for e-commerce order fulfillment.
In the area of warehouse software solutions, I plan to take a deeper dive into Manhattan Associates’ new order streaming capability that provides a more flexible alternative to traditional waving. I also plan to see what warehouse automation companies are doing to expand the capabilities of their WCS solutions into more holistic warehouse execution (WES) or industrial internet of things (IIoT) solutions. In particular, I am interested in learning more about what Dematic is doing with the IP it obtained from the Reddwerks acquisition and I also plan to learn more about the new SensorThink platform that is going to be demonstrated at the Tompkin’s booth.

Please let me know if you think I missed an exciting and innovative technology that is being exhibited at ProMat this year. I look forward to informing you of my learnings from the show, come April.

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