2024 Agenda | Autonomous Mobile Robots and Logistics Conference

In this keynote, Ujjwal will explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Robotics in revolutionizing manufacturing and logistics. He’ll share insights on how Physical AI is enabling robots to adapt to various environments, reducing complexity and costs for businesses.

Ujjwal will highlight the key benefits of integrating AI with advanced robotics, including:

• Increased adaptability: Robots can now learn from experience and adapt to new situations, making them more versatile and efficient.
• Improved predictability: AI-powered analytics enable real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and optimizing energy usage.
• Enhanced efficiency: Automation solutions powered by AI and robotics streamline manufacturing processes, minimize waste, and optimize production output.

Through real-world examples and case studies, Ujjwal will demonstrate how these innovations are already transforming industries, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Ujjwal Kumar

Group President
Teradyne Robotics

Exhibit Only Passes 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Aaron Prather

Director, Robotics & Autonomous Systems Program
ASTM International

Adrian Stoch

Chief Automation Officer
GXO

Avi Barkay

President & CCO
Plus One Robotics

Steven Schwartzberg

Manager, Advanced Technology & Innovation
FedEx

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) have been proven to increase productivity and efficiency within facilities worldwide, but implementing AMRs is only half the story. Having the right fleet management software is equally critical as it has the potential to either level up or impair your operations. The right software solution enables manufacturers to build ROI from day one with powerful insights and an intuitive user experience that makes it easy to deploy, manage and scale your AMR fleet. This session will dive into how the strongest fleet management software supports mission-critical operations, why facility integration is the key to a successful deployment, and the importance of interoperability for future-proofing your facility.

Graham Davis

Product Enablement Manager
OTTO by Rockwell Automation

Over half of fulfillment solution decision-makers rely on automation to increase worker efficiency and productivity. In this talk, we will discuss the integration of wearable computers, AMRs, software, and analytics to drive picking productivity in the warehouse and manufacturing environments. The session will cover our industry-leading solution from Zebra Robotics Automation that unifies the path of pickers and robots in an optimized directed workflow all while enhancing operational visibility for decision makers.

Matthew Wicks

Vice President and General Manager
Zebra Technologies

Now that one mobile robot can traverse the warehouse and perform multiple tasks, the focus is now shifting to how to deploy this technology. Marketing focuses on robot picking speed and the minimal need for site changes - but how does that balance with safety requirements and other operational needs? Using firsthand experience deploying cutting edge mobile robots for truck loading and beyond, the team at Dexterity will share their approach to ensuring supply chain and logistics leaders can scale mobile robots in their workflows with confidence.

Mukesh Ranjan

VP of Product
Dexterity

The need for fleet-wide power and data management has never been higher. Automation is soaring. Electrification is everywhere. But managing battery charging, long-term battery health, and fleet uptime remains a significant challenge.

In this presentation, learn how the newest generation of wireless power systems can deliver power efficiently and with higher reliability than contact-based systems. In addition, hear how new software systems can be integrated with the battery charging infrastructure to monitor battery health and performance. When armed with the proper data, operators can then take advantage of programmable charging capabilities to improve the overall charging process - leading to longer battery life, less downtime, and lower battery replacement costs.

Ben Waters

CEO & Founder
WiBotic Inc.

Carole Franklin

Director of Standards Development, Robotics
Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of modern manufacturing, the need for efficient and responsive material handling systems is paramount. This session explores the transformative impact of Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) in optimizing workflows within large-scale manufacturing environments, particularly those with extensive and diverse inventory needs. Attendees will gain insights into how AMRs, coupled with advanced fleet management systems, can revolutionize warehouse operations by enabling dynamic allocation of pickup locations, integrated material request systems, and real-time response capabilities.

The presentation will delve into the specifics of how a robust fleet management system leverages real-time data to dynamically allocate warehouse pickup points based on inventory levels, production schedules, and material flow. This approach significantly reduces AMR travel time, minimizes warehouse congestion, and enhances overall efficiency. Participants will also learn about the integration of an advanced call-off system that links production line material requests directly to the fleet management system, ensuring that materials are delivered just in time, with minimal delay.

Moreover, the session will highlight the role of sophisticated fleet management software in optimizing AMR routes and schedules. By utilizing a 'taxi line' concept, the system ensures that AMRs are pre-positioned for rapid deployment, allowing for quick task assignments and maximizing operational efficiency. The flexibility offered by these systems reduces the need for large buffer zones, freeing up valuable floor space for production and improving overall facility utilization.

Through detailed case studies and real-world examples, this session will demonstrate how the integration of AMRs into manufacturing and warehouse operations not only enhances flexibility and efficiency but also supports just-in-time delivery. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of how these innovations are reshaping material handling processes in the manufacturing sector, enabling companies to stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

Samil Özden

CEO, Co-Founder
Milvus Robotics

John Santagate

Senior Vice President
Körber Supply Chain Software

Matthew Wicks

Vice President and General Manager
Zebra Technologies

Tim DeRosett

Director of Product
Brooks Automation

Attendance only for those with a Conference pass.

O.P. Skaaksrud

Vice President IT, Operations Technology Innovation
FedEx

Rising prices are a top concern for logistics leaders this year, and brownfield sites and facilities are in vogue as they manage their budgets while increasing automation.

There are many ways to squeeze more value out of current sites and systems by applying AMRs and making operational changes. Low-cost solutions – something as simple as adding a stepstool to an AMR - have helped some facilities increase capacity by as much as 20%.

Reducing the time, labor, and square feet used for tasks like consolidation and shipping managers can generate more revenue per square foot. 

Matt Leitch, head of product for mobile robotics at Ocado Intelligent Automation (OIA), works directly with logistics teams to get more value from their existing facilities and systems by implementing quick, easy, and affordable solutions. Matt will share strategies about:

• Mining existing data from both structured and unstructured sources for actionable insights that save money and time.
• Eliminating the consolidation area to reduce touches and free up square footage.
• Using more of the facility for value-added tasks instead of extra touches
• Extending the life of the current Warehouse Management System (WMS) with technologies that bolt-on to gain new capabilities like wave planning and picking prioritization.
• Increasing facility utilization by flexing the storage/buffer space with active workstations, to adapt to inventory changes easily and cost-effectively. 

Matt will illustrate these successful approaches by drawing on case studies from various sectors and customer types, including retail apparel and footwear, wholesalers, and many 3PLS.

Matt Leitch

Head of Product for Mobile Robotics
Ocado Intelligent Automation

In light of labor, geopolitical and demographic trends, supply chains need to drive productivity improvements in order to achieve more with fewer people. In addition, they must achieve greater degrees of flexibility than ever before, in order to respond to changing conditions. This presentation will cover how to future-proof any supply chain by leveraging the latest technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence. Attendees will learn about best practices for using data and modern software practices to drive efficient robot operation and improve material workflows. The presentation will cover specific areas such as mission execution, data analytics and AI-driven insights that enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and scalability.

John Simmons

VP of Technology and Operations
InOrbit

Whether new to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) or satisfied veterans ready to expand your fleet, deploying systems across multiple facilities and integrating them into current operations can undoubtedly feel like a excessively complicated task. No matter where you are in the AMR journey, though, you don’t have to do it alone. An integrated team, including vendors, integrators and distributors working together, can guide you to a successful end-to-end deployment. This panel will outline the steps a customer needs to consider when purchasing their first AMRs or expanding their fleets, leveraging a team of experienced experts guiding you along the way.

Craig Salvalaggio

President
Applied Manufacturing Technologies

Jason Nehf

Channel Development Director
MiR (Mobile Industrial Robots)

Mark Lewandowski

Director of Robotics Innovation
Procter & Gamble

Rick Lynch

Sales Manager
Advanced Control Solutions (ACS)

During this session, we will explore the critical role that centralized integration software, or "middleware", can play in the success of AGV/AMR projects. Covered topics include:

• What is middleware?
• Why do I need middleware in my AGV/AMR projects?
• How can middleware increase my ROI?

We will delve into and dispel common myths, such as:

• Won't the vehicle OEMs handle any required middleware integration?
• All of my systems have an API, so I've got integration covered. Right?

We will also review multiple real-world use cases for demonstration purposes.

Brice Bucher

Sr. Manager of Product
Flexware Innovation

As the demand for more productive and efficient Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) continues to grow, so does the need for these systems to operate at higher speeds. However, increasing the speed of AMRs introduces a new set of safety challenges that must be carefully managed to avoid accidents and maintain operational integrity. Without careful consideration, attempting to mitigate these risks may decrease the overall productivity. In this session, Dr. Andrew Singletary will explore the critical safety and reliability considerations that must be addressed when increasing the velocity of AMRs.

The discussion will cover key aspects such as load shifting, the increased uncertainty in perception and state estimation at faster speeds, and the longer braking distances required to avoid collisions. By analyzing real-world use cases and drawing from 3Laws’s experience in safety-critical software for fast-moving systems like aircraft and cars, this session will provide valuable insights into how to develop autonomy for AMRs that are both fast and safe. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the trade-offs involved in speed optimization and the strategies that can be employed to mitigate the associated risks.

Andrew Singletary

Co-Founder, CEO
3Laws

A new innovation for transporting cargo in warehousing applications flips convention and incorporates intelligence and locomotive power into a modular flooring system instead of the mobile robot. The innovation is based on a low-power, high-load magnetic levitation system. In this talk the speakers will review this technology, its advantages, and some use cases, exploring how it may serve as an intelligent, autonomous transport solution for high throughput warehouse automation workflows.

Adrian Kumar

Global Head of Customer Supply Chain Innovation
DHL

Mico Perales

President
US Positronix

Daniel Theobald

Founder, Chairman; Cofounder, President
Vecna Robotics; Mass Robotics

Michael Bearman

Chief Legal & Safety Officer
Vecna Robotics

Factories are a much more dynamic environment compared to warehouses. An autonomy stack based on dense 3D data is much more capable to performing in such an environment. The session will compare how 2D vs 3D lidar approaches differ and what kind of edge cases are solved better with this approach.

Saurabh Chandra

CEO
Ati Motors Inc

Choosing the right integrator is pivotal when deploying Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) solutions. A successful implementation involves more than just the robots themselves; it requires a holistic approach that integrates hardware, software, and human elements seamlessly into existing operations. The right integrator brings a comprehensive scope to the table, ensuring that AMRs are not only implemented efficiently but also optimized for peak performance. Integrators provide customized solutions that align with unique operational goals, enhance workflow efficiency, and drive overall productivity. By leveraging their expertise in system design, process integration, and change management, integrators help organizations unlock the full potential of AMR technology, fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in an ever-evolving market. With the right partner, businesses can transform their operations, creating a resilient and adaptive infrastructure ready for future challenges.

Greg Meyne

Vice President of Automation
enVista

Recent advancements in mobile robot technology have made it increasingly accessible for integration into manufacturing and logistics environments. Reduced investment costs and the persistent challenge of attracting and retaining workers have fueled a surge in mobile robot projects. Despite the available technology and funding, a substantial number of robotic process automation projects worldwide encounter difficulties, with Ernst and Young's study reporting challenges and setbacks ranging from 30% to 50%.

This raises the question: What hampers automation progress, and why do so many projects face obstacles? The answer partially lies in a disconnect between emerging technologies and the workers who have traditionally performed tasks being considered for automation. They often lack a substantial voice in the automation transition, despite their invaluable expertise honed through years of experience. As mobile robots increasingly become part of their workspace, open and honest consultation can help minimize challenges and maximize opportunities for both owners and workers.

While worker safety remains paramount in integrating mobile robots, it is equally critical to consider their expertise, experience, knowledge, and overall well-being. Automation should not replace human workers but enhance their capabilities. It should leverage human strengths for higher-skilled and more complex tasks. To achieve smart and effective automation, a comprehensive understanding of existing processes, strengths, and vulnerabilities is essential. Who better than those who engage with these processes daily to provide this insight? Mobile robots excel at routine tasks, allowing humans to focus on creativity and critical thinking.

This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with mobile robot integration in manufacturing and logistics. It delves into the distinctions between stationary and mobile robot integration, with a particular emphasis on their impact on workers. Unlike stationary collaborative robots, mobile robots engage more intimately with workers, necessitating deeper consideration of their well-being and expertise. In a world where respect, responsibility, and equitable treatment in the workplace are increasingly advocated, recognizing workers' input is pivotal.

Manufacturing and logistics workers are the undisputed process champions and experts. Their insights are invaluable for successful automation. This talk underscores the importance of not only protecting workers but also empowering them as key stakeholders in the ongoing automation journey. By merging technology with workforce expertise, we can unlock the full potential of mobile robots in manufacturing and logistics while upholding principles of respect and shared responsibility.

In conclusion, integrating mobile robots into manufacturing and logistics offers substantial potential for productivity and efficiency enhancements. However, this transformation should not compromise workers' well-being or their vital expertise. Recognizing the value of workers' contributions and involving them in the automation process is essential for genuine success. This presentation will shed light on these critical considerations and offer insights into a more inclusive and effective approach to automation.

Denise Stafford

Business Development Manager
KUKA Robotics Corp.

During this session, so that we can have a deeper conversation about RFID & Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), we will begin by making sure everyone is on the same page with a basic understanding of AutoID and its implications for robotics including:

• 1D/2D Barcode
• OCR
• RFID (including LF, HF, and UHF (“RAIN”))

Then we will dive deeper into how and why RFID is and isn’t the magical solution it is often purported to be, covering:

• The use of UHF RFID to count large quantities at over 1000 tags per second, which is a problem.
• Wearable RFID with actual “one-to-one RFID scanning,” which is completely game changing.

Finally, we will look at the real-world use case of combining Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) with Wearable RFID and how it creates an all new Process Management for Shelving, Search, Picking, Sorting, Inspection, Packing, and more…

Kris Doane

Business Development
AsReader, Inc.

Paul Whitney

COO & Vice President
AsReader, Inc.

FedEx is offering post-event tours of their FedEx Experience Center on Thursday, October 10. There are three times available:

• Tour 1: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Tour 2: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Tour 3: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Each tour will start at the FedEx Experience Center where you’ll see Global Operations Control and Flight Simulation. Then you’ll have a guided bus tour of FedEx’s largest “superhub” spanning 34 million square feet of space, handling over 2 million packages per day. Shuttle buses will pick up at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel (across the street from the Renasant Convention Center) and buses will drop off at the Memphis International Airport before heading back to the Sheraton/Renasant Convention Center. You can bring your luggage on the bus.

Tours are filling up! If you’d like to add a tour to your registration, please email [email protected].