The materials handling industry is going through many changes, as automation and the industrial Internet of Things, or IIoT, are changing what’s possible. Two aspects of the industry that are having among the biggest changes are mobile robots and warehousing.
At MODEX 2024 in Atlanta, Interact Analysis researchers Ash Sharma and Rueben Scriven discussed what this transformation means for manufacturing, as well as how mobile robots are impacting warehousing and vice versa.
They also discussed why the mobile robot industry is growing in a time when manufacturing is struggling and what the future holds for mobile robots and warehousing in the long term.
See the video interview from MODEX for additional insights.
About Interact Analysis and the speakers
Interact Analysis said each of its team members has more than 15 years of experience in technology research. The U.K.-based company has offices in the U.S. and Asia, over 200 global clients, and conducts more than 70 industry research projects each year.
Ash Sharma has spent about 20 years in technology research and is managing director for robotics and warehouse automation at Interact Analysis. He has experience in sectors ranging from industrial automation and smart manufacturing to drones, robotics, and medical technology. Sharma is also managing director at Interact Analysis, leading its operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Rueben Scriven is a leading warehouse automation analyst and is a regular speaker at industry events. He has moderated several panel discussions on the topic of commercial vehicle electrification and has also appeared on CNBC, providing insights into the global electric bus market.
Chris Vavra is a senior editor at WTWH Media LLC, the parent company of Plant Engineering, Control Engineering, The Robot Report, and Mobile Robot Guide. He works with brand editors on developing content from leading manufacturers, end users, integrators, and other thought leaders. He was previously a web content manager at CFE Media and Technology, which WTWH acquired in 2024.