MODEX 2020 went ahead when other events were cancelled

Official attendance numbers for MODEX 2020 have not yet been released, but participant reports suggest the numbers were significantly down on previous years due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus. Before the event, a number of exhibitors withdrew, and some like KION retained their show presence, but without any of their team members in attendance. Forkliftaction Media was among those, and we were represented by a temporary staffer during the show. While the attendance figures may have been reduced, the number of new solutions was not impacted, and robotics were particularly well represented. Fanuc America debuted its new CRX-10iA collaborative robot. The booth included a CRX-10iA/L collaborative robot mounted on a lightweight, mobile structure. The robot was equipped with a Schunk Co-Act gripper to pick and place small parts. Fetch Robotics announced an integrated fulfilment solution with Zebra Technologies that combines the breadth of Fetch AMRs and picking optimisation of Zebra FulfillmentEdge. This new joint solution not only optimises collaborative picking across multiple orders while dynamically orchestrating workers and robots, but does so for piece, case and pallet workflows. FulfillmentEdge, through Zebra handhelds, can direct Fetch AMRs to a range of operations, including removal of recycling, reverse logistics and restocking of packing stations in order to maximise robot utilisation. Seegrid used MODEX to show off its renewed branding. "Our rebrand initiative represents a major milestone in Seegrid's growth trajectory," says CEO Jim Rock. "Our new brand reinforces our commitment to innovation, but also captures the human element of our strong, supportive, and dedicated team of experts." Seegrid's navigation system for industrial automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) boasts nearly 3 million autonomous production miles driven by customers. Knapp showed its new Pick-it-Easy (PIE) Robot, powered by Covariant AI. Utilising the newest gripping technology, vision systems technology and AI, the PIE Robot is cloud-integrated and features self-learning capabilities that build and enhance its SKU database, and share its knowledge with other robots. These features had not been available previously and have lifted real-world success rates for fully automated order picking from 20% to 95% or more. Raymond demonstrated its Courier 3020 automated tow tractor, Courier 3030 automated stacker and Radioshuttle in a showcase of "a complete cycle of moving and exchanging material without human interaction". "At Raymond, we are committed to providing innovative intralogistics solutions that drive fulfilment and effectiveness through the optimisation of people, processes and workflows," says CEO Michael Field. "The data learned from optimisation provides valuable insights into what works in your warehouse - and what doesn't - ultimately improving workforce productivity and overall efficiency." An optimised warehouse creates more space for product, increases workforce productivity and leverages forklifts for the best suitable task - all of which, ultimately, drive cost savings that can then be used to eventually invest in automation, he adds. Taylor-Dunn introduced what it claims is the most ergonomic stand-up tow tractor in its class. The new TT-416 includes all the benefits of a traditional stand-up with an extra focus on operator comfort and safety. Sean Cheatham, vice president of product development of parent company Polaris Commercial, says: "In developing the Taylor-Dunn TT-416, we listened closely to our customers' needs and workplace challenges, and applied our capabilities to provide them what they needed." EnerSys featured its virtually maintenance-free NexSys battery solutions at MODEX. One of the popular features on the stand was the company's new wireless charging demonstration. Wireless battery charging systems free up valuable floorspace by eliminating the need for dedicated charging rooms. It can also slash labour demands, as operators will not be required to manually plug or unplug batteries. Instead, forklift operators simply drive over a location on the floor where a unit installed beneath it automatically charges the battery.