2024 is coming to an end, and we’re celebrating the first year of Automated Warehouse. We launched this site back in May, and since then, readers have been drawn to stories about the latest robots, software, and AI for distribution centers, e-commerce fulfillment, and warehouses.
Here are the 10 most popular articles on this site from 2024. Subscribe to the Automated Warehouse Newsletter to stay updated and have the news delivered straight to your in-box.
10. Demand for integrated robot control surges
Just before Hanover Messe, Siemens announced its cooperation with two collaborative robot vendors, Universal Robots and JAKA. This will enable Siemens PLCs to control robots from UR and JAKA through the TIA Portal using the Standard Robot Command Interface function. Read more.
9. Exotec considers the whole warehouse in its automation design strategy
Warehouse automation is increasingly being pitched as “all-in-one” and “end-to-end” packages, with robots, software, and data integrated into unified offerings. Since 2015, Exotec has developed and deployed its automated storage and retrieval systems, or ASRS. It is moving in the direction of unified offerings. Read more.
8. Vecna Robotics raises $100M Series C to automate more warehouse workflows
While investment in robotics dipped last year, funding is returning for suppliers with proven products and business models. Vecna Robotics closed its Series C round at $100 million, with $40 million in new funding including equity and debt. The financing nearly doubles the company’s valuation since its Series B round. Read more.
7. Autonomous lift truck shipments to double from 2024-2025
Industrial lift trucks, which are used to transport inventory and material, either horizontally or vertically, within a facility, are an essential part of any warehouse. Autonomous lift trucks can add flexibility and safety, integrate with warehouse management systems (WMS), and increase productivity. They can also reduce costs. In addition, autonomous lift trucks can position warehouse operators to keep up with future demands as business grows. Read more.
6. AWS helps customers optimize warehouse design
Amazon has developed a systematic approach for designing its fulfillment centers. To do this, Amazon uses digitalization software powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), industrial engineering experience, simulation, and digital twins. AWS now provides a professional service offering to help its customers design and optimize fulfillment centers. Read more.
5. Mytra launches with new automated warehouse storage system
Mytra has developed a new concept for storing and retrieving items in the warehouse. The company is positioning its system as “three-dimensional robotics” in reference to its ability to move full pallets in any direction throughout a custom automated storage array. Read more.
4. Five phases to developing a successful warehouse automation plan
The warehouse industry has transformed from a dire state 20 years ago to an exciting era driven by Industry 4.0. Automation, fueled by efficiency, drives global growth, especially in the U.S. However, newcomers to robotics need a solid warehouse automation plan, according to Movu Robotics. Read more.
3. How Ocado created automated storage to support e-commerce fulfillment
When Ocado Group launched in 2000, its founders had an ambitious goal to change the way the world shops for groceries. Its mission was — and still is — to solve the complexities of the online grocery channel and build a scalable, profitable model for e-commerce. Hatfield, U.K.-based Ocado is certainly on the right track. The company‘s retail arm now has a geographic coverage of over 80% of households in Britain, supported by over 20 customer fulfillment centers and with 13 online grocery retail partners. Read more.
2. How robots help conveyors in a modern material handling system
Traditional conveyor networks have transported objects one at a time in a single, linear direction, but they are getting more sophisticated in their movements now that they’ve been embedded with 2D motion-control capabilities. This offers many potential benefits for robot applications, said Emmet Stiff, new business development manager for ModSort at Regal Rexnord. Read more.
1. Autonomous container unloading systems come to the dock
Until last year, autonomous container unloading of containers and trailers was one of the remaining “holy grail” applications for the automated warehouse. Every logistics and distribution center depends on ingesting new items, which typically arrive at the loading dock in trailers or shipping containers. Read more.
