MODEX 2024 - The Rise of Robotics
MHI’s MODEX 2024 wrapped up recently and one of the key takeaways for NPSG Global Commercial Officer Bryan Knott is that warehouse clients want simple, budget friendly automation tools to improve their efficiencies.
The industry event was held in Atlanta from 11-14 of March and was the biggest ever MODEX event with a record breaking number of attendees.
The event seeks to bring together the entire supply chain ecosystem showcasing solutions from more than 1,175 of the leading manufacturing and supply chain suppliers and of course NPSG Global was there.
Bryan says there were clear trends at the show and the continuing growth of robotics is one of them. He says traditional material handling such as conveyance, sortation and pick to light solutions are still readily available but are gone from display.
“The display technologies have moved to robotics with vision and complex software control. Robotic arms and mobile robotics were scattered throughout the show.”
MODEX CEO John Paxton agrees with Bryan about the trends around digital supply chain solutions including automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, the Internet of Things, and data analytics.
“We’re seeing a big acceleration in the adoption of these technologies to build resilience, sustainability and real-time responsiveness into operations,” he says. “The solutions on display and the education offered this year reflected this trend.”
For NPSG, these trends are reflected in the business’ future strategy in two key ways.
Says Bryan; “NPSG Global continues to directly participate and expand capabilities in traditional mechanical/electrical installation and commissioning of material handling technologies, some basic racking to complex robotics. Proper installation and commissioning is the “last mile” of ensuring the technology delivers the promised efficiency improvements and return on investment and it has a direct impact on the company’s reputation and perception for future work.
“For end users and warehouse operators NPSG Global, having installed most of the technologies available today, are uniquely qualified to discuss targeted operational improvements to existing material handling systems. From simple conveyance reconfigurations to the latest in vision and mobility based robotic trailer unloading, NPSG Global can address small project scale efficiency improvement through our expanding network.”
Bryan says it is important for NPSG to be at events like MODEX saying it clearly demonstrates the company’s investment in the industry. “The credibility of having a presence on the floor provides the platform to showcase our three pillars of installation, integration and fabrication through technology displays, scheduled meetings and videos.”
MODEX 2024. Photo: Bryan Knott