April roundup: what's news in automation?

Rosie Clifford -
Forkliftaction Sparks
- 11 Apr 2024 ( #1174 )
2 min read
Customers of Chang Robotics will now have access to Brightpick AMRs.
Customers of Chang Robotics will now have access to Brightpick AMRs.

With the uptake of automation accelerating at lightning speed, it’s no surprise that reports of new automated solutions are leading the news at Forkliftaction. In this roundup of latest coverage, we pull together news of latest product launches, major retail adopters and new strategic partnerships.


In April - American retail giant Walmart is set to roll out 19 autonomous forklifts at four of its distribution centres after trialling the Fox Robotics equipment.

Intralogistics specialist TGW Logistics collaborates with US-based automation company Opex to develop automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).

Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) launches a new AI robotic system, known as ROBiN, to assist automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).

In a special LogiMAT 2024 report Forkliftaction explores the wide array of automated solutions spotlighted at the recent event.

Finnish logistics company K.Hartwall acquires its long-time partner, supply chain equipment supplier Retailquip.

Beverage and snack food giant PepsiCo installs Dematic automation at its production and logistics facility in Bangkok.

US engineering firm Chang Robotics teams up with Brightpick to provide customers with access to its AMRs including the Brightpick Autopicker, a product capable of picking and consolidating orders directly in warehouse aisles.

Japanese robot maker LexxPluss launches a new sales office and demonstration space in Indiana, US, to showcase its highly scalable Lexx500 AMR and LexxFleet fleet management system

As the biggest-ever MODEX wraps up, Forkliftaction reports on the many exhibitors who spotlighted the benefits of  new automated technologies to increase productivity and solve the ongoing labour shortage.

In March - IHI Logistics & Machinery Corporation (IHI) collaborates with San Francisco-headquartered Osaro to increase the adoption of robotics systems in warehouses across Japan. 

Pramac teams up with Swiss autonomous navigation leader BlueBotics to launch its first range of mobile robot solutions under the X-ACT brand.

Equipment Depot grows its EQSOLUTIONS division capabilities through partnering with Movu Robotics, to provide robotic technology.

Book retailer Booktopia deploys a fleet of Locus Robotics’ automated mobile robots (AMRs) in its new fulfillment centre.

Movu Robotics forms a partnership with supply chain integration specialist PeakLogix. The partnership means Movu’s robots will now be available in North America.

Amazon founder, billionaire Jeff Bezos, and Microsoft are among some of the big names to invest in robotics company Figure, which is developing humanoid robots.

Otto Motors releases a software update for its autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) designed to optimise floor space in confined manufacturing environments.


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Upcoming in the editorial calendar
WIRELESS CHARGING
Aug 2025
MANAGING MIXED FLEETS
Oct 2025
Words of support …

The cooperation with Forkliftaction has been exceptional. It's always a pleasure to work with specialists who know the inside out of the industry

Ane Miren Elorza, Communications Specialist
Upcoming in the editorial calendar
WIRELESS CHARGING
Aug 2025
MANAGING MIXED FLEETS
Oct 2025
Words of support …

The cooperation with Forkliftaction has been exceptional. It's always a pleasure to work with specialists who know the inside out of the industry

Ane Miren Elorza, Communications Specialist
Upcoming industry events …
September 4, 2025 - Melbourne, Australia
September 17-18, 2025 - Miami, FL, United States
October 21-23, 2025 - Barcelona, Spain