This week's news is a strong reminder that automation is very much part of mainstream materials handling.
Three of our global reports this week deal with automation - two of them about alliances between high-tech companies which will share innovations across even more equipment lines.
Automation, robotics and AGVs will feature prominently in next week's Modex trade show in Atlanta, Georgia, with many exhibitors showing off both new solutions and some tried and tested automated systems and equipment. The issues around automation will also feature prominently in the presentations and discussions at the show.
Sure, automation is not the answer to every materials handling challenge - and there is still a place for operator-controlled forklifts. But with labour in short supply, warehouse space rising in cost, and soaring demands on distribution centres, ports, warehouses and manufacturing environments, it's certainly worth keeping the option in mind.