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MODEX, ProMat and CeMAT are the biggest global material handling and logistics supply chain tech trade shows. But as I walked the corridors of this year’s MODEX in Atlanta, I was particularly aware of the widening disparity between the old and new. Stats: Material Handling and Logistics Click to enlarge The 2018 MHI Annual Industry Report found that the 2018 adoption rate for driverless vehicles in material handling was only 10% and the adoption rate for AI was just 5% while the rate for robotics and automation was 35%. The report indicated the top technologies expected to be a source of either disruption or competitive advantage within the next 3-5 years to be: (shown in order of importance) Robotics and Automation – picking, packing, sorting orders; loading, unloading, stacking; receiving and put-away; assembly operations; QC and inspection processing Predictive Analytics – manage lead times; synchronize links; avoid missteps Internet-of-Things (IoT) – enable real-time info flow; predictive analytics; and QC Artificial Intelligence – faster deliveries; reduced redundancies; improved analytics Driverless Vehicles – autonomous vehicles (and conversion kits for existing AGVs, tows and lifts); SLAM and point-to-point navigation; some with manipulators The report also listed the key barriers to adoption of driverless vehicles and AI: (shown in order of importance) lack of a clear business case lack of adequate talent lack of understanding of the technology landscape lack of access to capital to make investments cybersecurity Other research reports were more optimistic in their forecasts: A $3,500 report from QY Research made rosy forecasts for global parcel sorting robots and last mile delivery robots A $10,000 report from Interact Analysis forecast five years of double-digit growth for AMRs and AGVs converted to AMRs A $4,450 report from Grand View Research forecasts significant growth through 2024 driven by increasing demand for autonomous […]