The theme of MODEX 2018 was in full display at the trade show’s exhibit hall, as thousands of attendees gathered to find the perfect solution for their materials handling needs.
This year, MHI encouraged attendees to think of ways to “future proof” their supply chains with a conference boasting four days of networking, a report highlighting trends related to eleven emerging technologies, and dozens of educational seminars.
The trade show only happens once every two years, but it is located in Atlanta’s massive Georgia World Conference center, claiming to be one of the largest supply chain shows in the U.S.
As a result, exhibitors often pull out all the stops — such as involving virtual reality simulations — to attract attendees’ attention amid hundreds of competing exhibits. The show is one of the best ways for companies to unveil a new product or partnership.
To keep our audience in the loop, Supply Chain Dive has gathered together a round-up of the biggest news and products at MODEX 2018. Product releases and partnerships were prioritized, while case studies, months-old news and informational press releases were excluded.
Partnerships or acquisitions:
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RightHand Robotics partners with Vecna Robotics and Tompkins Robotics around MODEX
The order picking solution provider teamed up with Vecna, a mobile robotics provider, and Tompkins’ portable, automated sortation system. “In the past, we’ve also worked with EuroSort, Accutech and Intelligrated,” Yaro Tenzer, cofounder of RightHand Robotics told Supply Chain Dive.
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Locus Robotics teams up with E2 Solutions, HighJump at MODEX 2018
E2 Solutions is an IT consulting provider, while HighJump provides a popular warehouse management system (WMS). The news should help Locus further deploy its self-driven turnkey warehouse robots in e-commerce facilities.
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Unex Manufacturing acquires SpeedCell Storage Systems
SpeedCell’s high-density storage products will expand Unex’s product line beyond static shelving racks.
New products:
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Honeywell Intelligrated builds an augmented reality maintenance solution for DCs
Honeywell Intelligrated’s new TechSight uses smart glasses and video conference to speed on-hand technicians with a repair process, connecting them with remote Honeywell staff.
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Fetch Robotics adds autonomous mobile robots to its fleet
The company’s RollerTop robots can hand off or receive material from fixed conveyance machines, whereas the CartConnect option allows for a seamless pick up, transport and drop off of delivery warehouse carts from designated locations.
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JLT launches solution to ease deployments
JLT Mobile Computers unveiled its “JLT Technology Service” suite during a press conference at MODEX, adding customer service and support from RFP to maintenance.
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SpaceGuard Products releases 3-D “BeastBuilder” software to boost sales
The new software is meant to help SpaceGuard sell more of its steel protective guarding product line, by providing employees with an interactive tool to customize, and quote, sales to a customers’ specifications.
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Tecsys announces a Billing Management System (BMS) for 3PLs
The new system aims to help logistics service providers reach 100% billing, thereby improving cash flow. “For too many 3PLs, emails, post-it notes, and other forms of unstructured documentation hold essential information for monetizing and invoicing of services," John Reichert, senior director of supply chain execution solutions at TECSYS said in the press release.
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Voodoo Robotics adds a wireless router as a cloud solution
The company’s Mobile Turbo solution can go on a cart or be carried by a picker, and runs for a full day on standard batteries, increasing cloud connectivity.
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Exide unveils a lithium battery for materials handling vehicles that can re-charge in 15 minutes
“Lithium-ion battery applications are on the rise globally due to the exceptional benefits in capacity, size, maintenance and performance,” Exide Technologies’ Americas President Ted Becker said in a press release. The tech has been available in Europe since 2013.
