We recently published a post on our view of keys trends at MODEX show in Atlanta in mid-March.

That included the very high level of interest in warehouse automation generally and robotics specifically, as evidenced by record show registration of 49,000, up 32% from the MODEX show in 2022, and crowded aisles.

For much of the show the aisles were packed.

Based on conversations with more than 100 visitors to the Roboteon booth, we offered some additional trends. One is that most companies are clearly early in their robotics journeys and are looking for help.

Secord, there is also a lack of understanding of the role of software in robotics automation. (See MODEX 2024 – Trends Robotic Warehouse Automation Part 1.)

We also very much liked the MODEX show recap from analyst firm Interact Analysis. Below, we summarize key MODEX show trends from their report:

Strong Presence of Chinese Vendors: Interact counted more than 100 show exhibitors from China. “This demonstrates the Chinese automation vendors intent to expand globally, which poses challenges for Western suppliers,” Interact notes.

Robotic Item-picking is Expanding into Broader Applications: “We not only witnessed robotic item picking combined with put Walls for sorting, and robotic picking combined with conveyor for induction, but also observed robotic picking solutions collaborating with Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and AMR sorting systems,” Interact notes.

Robotic Case Picking - Suppliers Remain Optimistic: Interact wrote that “Like what we observed at ProMat last year in Chicago, robotic case picking, especially truck unloading, was prominently showcased at MODEX. Conversations with many suppliers at the show revealed their increasing optimism citing growing interest from customers, coupled with the continuous improvement of the technology.”

WES Vendors Out in Full Force: Interact noted that “WES (Warehouse Execution System) stood out as the most notable software solution apart from traditional WMS (Warehouse Management System). It was being showcased by a variety of warehouse suppliers boasting features in enhancing overall warehouse efficiency.”

Dense Storage in the MFC Space: “Competition among automation providers for Micro-Fulfillment Centers (MFCs) is intensifying,” Interact said, adding that “At MODEX this year there was a significant increase in the number of vendors offering solutions.”

Fire Safety Importance: Interact noted that “Recent fires at Canadian Tire (using Attabotics automation) and an Ocado site have drawn attention to the fire safety concerns surrounding automation, particularly in high-density solutions like Attabotics, AutoStore, and Ocado.

Interact also briefly profiled Roboteon under its section of "New Vendors of Note at MODEX":

"Roboteon was founded in 2022 and headquartered in California, USA, At MODEX, it showcased its warehouse execution system named "Roboteon Robotics Fulfillment Platform". This platform offers functionalities such as warehouse workflow simulation supported by artificial intelligence/machine learning and a user-friendly dashboard for enhanced visibility. The system provides order planning, work source orchestration, and optimization.

The platform's two main highlights are:

1. An orchestration engine that coordinates the flow of goods across different processes/systems, with the goal of maximizing total throughput.
2. AI-based task assignments to optimize execution flows.”

The excellent full report is available at Interact’s site.