The constant movement of goods in industrial plants and warehouses demands reliable and efficient technology to enhance safety, accuracy, and productivity. Emerging innovations in robotics, conveyor systems, and forklift technologies are transforming material handling and intralogistics processes.
Robots and cobots are revolutionizing material handling with precision and automation. Addverb’s Dynamo autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) use natural navigation to transport materials up to 5,500 lb, while its Zippy sorting robot AGVs now feature a generative AI assistant that translates verbal requests into commands for easier maintenance.
According to Addverb Americas CEO Sriram Sridhar, integrating robotics with intelligent software and real-time data insights enables businesses to optimize operations and improve efficiency.
Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) introduced the MC600, which combines its MiR600 AMR base with Universal Robots’ UR20/UR30 cobot arms. These AI-powered mobile cobots automate workflows such as palletizing and machine tending for payloads up to 1,322 lb. Equipped with NVIDIA Jetson for 3D object detection, they improve safety and reduce worker strain.
Schneider Electric’s Lexium SCARA is a high-speed, ultra-compact selective compliance assembly robot arm designed for repetitive tasks in manufacturing and warehousing. Integrated with the EcoStruxure Machine Expert Twin digital twin solution, it allows virtual design and testing before deployment. Senior Offer Manager Gary Zeppetella highlights its space-saving design and extended z-arm stroke, offering one of the largest work areas in its class.
Advanced conveyor solutions are enhancing efficiency, particularly in food processing. Regal Rexnord’s KleanTop PacTitan Pro Metal Belt now offers a 5/8-inch belt pitch with an increased open area to reduce material build-up. Designed to last up to six times longer than standard metal conveyor belts, it features dedicated sprocket lanes to minimize bending and distortion and is fully reversible to extend lifespan.
Regal Rexnord’s Natalie Gray highlights that this innovation reduces maintenance time, lowers replacement costs, and maximizes production hours.
Lithium-ion battery advancements are transforming forklifts. Hyster Company’s E80XNL is an 8,000-lb capacity electric forklift designed for energy efficiency, rapid recharging, and enhanced operator comfort. Compared to lead-acid batteries, its lithium-ion power system maintains consistent energy output, requires no maintenance, and offers a lighter, space-saving form factor.
Global Product Manager Josh Eby emphasizes that the slimmer battery design increases operator compartment space. The E80XNL also features Hyster Reaction, a new operator assistance system with proximity sensors, hydraulic function control, and dynamic alerts to enhance workplace safety.
Continental Specialty Tires’ ContiPT18 forklift tire introduces tread-wear indicators (TWIs) on both sidewalls for easier tread depth monitoring. With a two-stage design that promotes high mileage and low rolling resistance, Product Manager Matthias-Stephan Müller notes that the tire’s modern compounds reduce heat generation and improve wear resistance while optimizing traction under heavy loads.
These cutting-edge solutions collectively improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in material handling.
