Top 10 automated warehouse developments of September 2025

In September 2025, some of our most popular stories were about robotics and logistics experts sharing their expertise on the industry. Additionally, new product announcements, case studies, and practical guides drew our readers’ attention in September.

Here are the 10 most popular articles on this site from the past month. Subscribe to the Automated Warehouse Newsletter to stay updated and have the news delivered straight to your inbox.

A person holding a laptop showing the Hyster Atlas screen. The automated lift truck platform was introduced in September 2025.

10. Hyster launches Atlas automated lift truck platform

Supply chain operators need autonomous systems that are easy to implement and is reliable. Hyster Co. announced a new automated lift truck, Hyster Atlas, which it said is engineered for ease of use, dependability, and efficiency. The platform features a drag-and-drop portal for easy deployment, said the company. Read more.

FlexLink's mixed-case palletizer.

9. FlexLink introduces AI-driven mixed palletizer

FlexLink Systems Inc. said it would introduce its AI-driven Mixed Palletizer at Pack Expo in Las Vegas in September 2025. The subsidiary of Coesia S.p.A. said the material handling system automates the stacking of mixed-size products onto a single pallet, enabling increased flexibility and efficiency. FlexLink designed it for industries such as e-commerce, logistics, and consumer goods. Read more.

Cover of September 2025 report on autonomous mobile robots and fleet management.,

8. How to manage growing fleets of AMRs

As fleets of autonomous mobile robots, or AMRs, grow across warehouses, operators must minimize complexity while maximizing efficiency at scale. Fortunately, several tools and approaches have emerged to help, according to our September 2025 download. Read more.

A delivery staffer uses a handheld scanner. A study of retailers, manufacturers, and transport and logistics providers identified demand for automation and AI. said Zebra Technologies.

7. Workflow automation increases productivity 20%, find Zebra and Oxford Economics

Supply chain operations must justify their investments in robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation. New research by Zebra Technologies Corp. and Oxford Economics found that improving frontline workflows can improve profitability and enhance the customer experience. Read more.

A humanoid robot carrying a cardboard box in a warehouse with stacked boxes around it. Humanoids could be useful, but so are specialized robots, argued GreyOrange's CEO in September 2025.

6. Humanoids in warehouses: Useful, but not where you might think

Contrary to some predictions, humanoids didn’t take over warehouses in 2025. But the robots sure took over the headlines. DHL, Tesla, and Amazon made waves with plans to deploy humanoids in their facilities. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang took the CES stage flanked by a dozen bipedal automatons, demonstrating how robots can navigate complex warehouse environments using physical AI. Read more.

AFCO Distribution warehouse. Source: AFCO Distribution

5. AFCO Distribution grows business by automating processes, deploying WMS

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced many employers to shift to remote work, households across the country welcomed pets into their homes and turned to their backyards to work on their gardens. For AFCO Distribution, an agricultural cooperative known as the “go-to grocery store for animals,” this resulted in a significant uptick in business. Read more.

Mariani Fruits deployed this Formic palletizing system in September 2025.

4. Mariani Fruits deploys Formic palletizing system in September 2025

I recently visited the Mariani Fruits packing facility in Vacaville, Calif., about an hour east of San Francisco and about 45 minutes south of Napa Valley. The 1 million sq. ft. facility employs more than 450 people and serves as a regional storage and packing facility for Mariani dried fruits. Read more.

Rendering of automation in the warehouse. Successful deployment and ongoing management of warehouse automation depends on several factors, according to a September 2025 article.

3. The winning move: Your practical guide to warehouse automation success

Let’s face it: Warehouse automation sounds like a dream. Smoother workflows. Faster fulfillment. Fewer errors. Lower costs. However, for many end customers — whether you’re a manufacturer, retailer, or distributor — the reality can fall short of the promise. Read more.

Swisslog is a longtime AutoStore partner, integrating automated storage shown here with its SynQ software and other systems.

2. New Swisslog Logistics CEO discusses strategy, SynQ software

In July, Swisslog Logistics Inc. named Mike Barker as its new president and CEO of the Americas. He succeeded Sean Wallingford and served as vice president of consumer goods in 2021. Barker has more than 34 years of experience in warehouse automation, logistics, and software, said the company. Read more.

CaseFlow is designed to optimize case picking with robots, people, and software, says Vecna Robotics.

1. Vecna Robotics CEO reflects on a year in office, looks to continue growth

Last year, Vecna Robotics named mobile robotics and artificial intelligence veteran Karl Iagnemma as its CEO. The former CEO of autonomous vehicle developers nuTonomy and Motional joined Vecna shortly after the company released its CaseFlow system for human-robot case picking. In September 2025, Iagnemma looked both ahead and back. Read more.

Written by

Brianna Wessling

Brianna Wessling is an Associate Editor, Robotics, WTWH Media. She joined WTWH Media in November 2021, after graduating from the University of Kansas with degrees in Journalism and English. She covers a wide range of robotics topics, but specializes in women in robotics, healthcare robotics, and space robotics.

She can be reached at bwessling@wtwhmedia.com