Interact Analysis is a fast-growing research firm that covers in part the Warehouse Automation market in detail. As an indication of its dedication to this space, the company sent six analysts to the show in Chicago in mid-March, and the team collectively issued a report last week on what it saw as key trends and developments.

Among its focus areas for the report was robotics management software, and here Roboteon received some excellent coverage.

“Over the last five years or so, a lot of attention has been given to software companies that provide interoperability across different automation systems (primarily robotic),” the report notes, adding that “However, it’s clear that the landscape for managing multiple fleets is becoming more complex.”

Providing interoperability and connectivity of different types of automation is increasingly not enough, Interact says.

“We’re now seeing a growing emphasis on the orchestration that sits on top of the interoperability layer. Companies like Roboteon are creating a platform that not only provides interoperability but also provides the orchestration and business logic that sits on top,” Interact observes.

It adds that “We’ll likely see a bifurcation in the market, where on the one hand companies that solely focus on the interoperability will white-label their products to companies that have orchestration and execution capabilities, such as system integrators, or WMS vendors who want to get in on the AMR action.”

The report then cites Roboteon again, noting that “on the other hand, the software platforms that provide both orchestration and interoperability, such as Roboteon, will likely be favored by accounts that want to be more in control of their robotic destiny, giving them the flexibility to introduce and manage multiple fleets. Indeed, Roboteon is now integrated into the SAP EWM platform.”

Good work by Rueben Scriven and the team at Interact. The excellent Interact full ProMat report is available here.