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Robotics in the News Year in review: Top materials handling stories of 2019 IAM Robotics to open state-of-the-art headquarters and showcase innovation center ABI Research: Robotics industry set for change ABI Research: Digital factory revenues to jump from $59 billion to $375 billion in 2030 Soft Robotics announces partnership with FANUC More Robotics News Maximizing Warehouse Space Utilization with Vertical Storage Before you tear down walls to expand or sign a lease for an additional facility, be sure you’re maximizing the space you currently have. All Resources On the heels of historic growth, the materials handling industry is set for another strong year, even as the broader economy shows signs of softening. Although not known for rapid technology adoption, the industry seems to be gaining a firmer footing amid the digital transformation as a clearer picture of a path forward emerges. A recent report forecasts the global next-gen supply chain market will more than double to $75 billion by 2030. Adoption will be particularly rapid, disruptive and beneficial in warehouses and DCs who face an existential threat to provide speedy and perfect orders. To create solutions, partnerships between disparate technology suppliers are driving innovation and value. Adoption of mobile and collaborative robots, autonomous or semi-autonomous material handling equipment continues to grow. Along with significant innovation in forklift data capture, these assets are serving as early mappers of industrial space and activity. Digitization will significantly improve data collection and analysis – including previously untapped data streams like real-time location systems (RTLS), which could reshape how mobile equipment is managed as well as the design and optimization of processes. The growing trend of micro-fulfillment could fundamentally change how we think about supply chains. Small and automated facilities close to customers are an enticing solution to last-mile challenges, but require enterprise-wide visibility […]