Latest news with #warehouseautomation
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Innovation Will Create The Warehouses Of The Future
More automation could transform warehouse productivity In a world where innovation and technology are transforming the way in which enterprises work, it sometimes feels as if operational assets such as warehouses are behind the pace. Many large manufacturing businesses and logistics operators still run noisy and dirty facilities that rely on large numbers of staff working through manual processes. Slowly, but surely, however, that is starting to change, as supply chain executives recognise the potential of new technologies to increase efficiency and drive productivity. Recent McKinsey research, based on a survey of logistics and supply chain leaders found 70% of them intended to invest more than $100 million in automation over the next five years. And there is a huge amount of investment required. Research from MarketsandMarkets suggests that on current trends, only a quarter of warehouses in the US will have any level of automation by 2027. MarketsandMarkets sees entrepreneurial new entrants to the sector as playing a major role in accelerating innovation. It reckons the global size of this market will increase from $33.3 billion last year to $51.0 billion by 2029 – growth of 8.9% a year. 'Market growth is expected to be fuelled by various factors, including the increasing number of start-ups offering robotic solutions for warehouse automation,' analysts at the market research firm explain. One start-up hoping to play its part in this theme is San Francisco-based LuminX, which is today announcing it has raised $5.5 million of seed funding. The business, launched last year by CEO Alex Senemar has developed a new platform that uses vision language models to speed up warehouse operations. The idea is disarmingly simple. Using cameras on mobile devices, LuminX's technology can process warehouse deliveries as they arrive, instantly recognising what products are in a shipment, whether that matches what the business is expecting, whether there are any quality or damage issues to worry about, and where in the warehouse the delivery is subsequently moved to. The technology significantly reduces the time currently taken up with manual delivery processing, which requires warehouse staff to check each box individually and enter records on a system. It generates data that flows into a company's warehouse management system so that it has single record of what goods have come in. It also provides a visual record of goods that have been delivered, eliminating inconsistencies and the potential for disputes, much in the same way as consumers now receive photos of e-commerce deliveries they receive at home. The inspiration for LuminX came from a previous logistics start-up, Senemar explains. 'I was spending a significant amount of time on warehouse floors and was constantly surprised by the amount of manual effort dedicated to bar code scanning and verification tasks - it struck me as a major bottleneck and a source of inefficiency,' he explains. 'It felt like a problem waiting for the right technological approach, and recent improvements in large language models and mobile cameras provided an opportunity to significantly improve this process.' Senemar subsequently teamed up with co-founder Reza Javanmardi to launch LuminX. The company has already sold the technology to a number of US warehouse operators and is in contract negotiations with more. One early adopter is Vertical Cold Storage, which operates a network of warehousing facilities across the US. COO Robert Bascom credits LuminX's technology with 'revolutionising our warehouse productivity and operations'. He explains: 'It's allowing us to automate critical tasks, significantly enhancing quality, and reducing claims.' LuminX's seed round is supported by investors including 1Sharpe, GTMFund, 9Yards, Chingona Ventures, and the Bond Fund. At the first of those firms, 1Sharpe Capital, Kat Collins says: 'By turning a low-cost camera into a perceptive co-worker that sees, understands and acts in real time, LuminX is unlocking a step-change in operational intelligence and efficiency for every pallet, conveyer and forklift.' Investors believe LuminX has the potential to be one of a wave of start-ups that are now starting to transform warehousing. Companies such as the Israeli business Flymingo are also exploring the use of vision technology in logistics; the Spanish business Friday Systems is using artificial intelligence to help robots take over complex tasks currently carried out by humans. Australia's Vypex enables logistics teams to track inventory more closely than ever before. In short, start-ups from across the world are increasingly moving the logistics sector forward. The warehouses of the future will be run almost entirely automatically, eliminating the waste and inefficiency that currently causes so much disruption.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
XSQUARE Technologies and Alkhorayef Commercial Company Sign MoU to Advance Saudi Arabia's Logistics Landscape
SINGAPORE, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore-based XSQUARE Technologies and Alkhorayef Commercial Company (ACC), a leading integrated commercial and industrial solutions provider in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic framework for collaboration aimed at accelerating the adoption of intelligent warehouse automation and transforming intralogistics operations across Saudi Arabia. The signing took place at the Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo 2025. The MoU seeks to integrate ACC's growing logistics capabilities and XSQUARE's next-generation intelligent warehouse automation solutions – comprising a suite of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and a warehouse orchestration software – to deliver a high-performance, safe, and scalable intralogistics solutions for the Saudi market. Under the agreement, both companies will collaborate on joint market outreach and the deployment of customisable end-to-end automation solutions across key logistics and industrial hubs. The partnership will also include the development of pilot projects and demonstrations to showcase the operational efficiencies and economic benefits of AMR-enabled logistics. Fahad AlJaddan, CEO of Alkhorayef Commercial Company, commented: "This partnership marks a significant step forward in our journey to shape the future of logistics in Saudi Arabia. By working with XSQUARE Technologies, we are bringing cutting-edge automation into our ecosystem and empowering our customers with solutions that are efficient, intelligent, and built for scale. We look forward to advancing Saudi Arabia's logistics landscape in support of Vision 2030's agenda." As part of its commitments, ACC will leverage its strong local presence and logistics expertise to support the deployment of XSQUARE's automation technologies. This includes promoting AMRs as solutions to key customers and providing commercial insights to guide market adaptation. XSQUARE Technologies, in turn, will provide technical enablement and integration support, including training, product documentation, and solution roadmaps. The company will also provide access to dedicated experts to support localisation efforts and execute pilot projects. Jens Bohnwagner, CEO of XSQUARE Technologies, commented:"Partnering with ACC will allow us to bring our proven automation technologies into a rapidly evolving market with immense potential. As a respected leader in the region's logistics sector with deep market knowledge and operational excellence, ACC is an ideal partner in our journey. We see this collaboration as a powerful platform to demonstrate both the impact and adaptability of our warehouse automation solutions to the specific demands of Saudi Arabia and the region." The MoU is a clear demonstration of both companies' shared commitment to a long-term partnership dedicated to driving the transformation of Saudi Arabia's logistics sector through innovation and adaptability. About XSQUARE Technologies XSQUARE Technologies is at the forefront of the logistics revolution, offering cutting-edge warehouse automation solutions across Asia Pacific and beyond. Backed by Goldbell Group's 40 years of expertise, we offer a suite of Autonomous Forklifts and Intelligent Warehouse Orchestrator software that set new standards in interoperability and efficiency, simplifying warehouse operations without the need for extensive reconfiguration and thus saving time and costs. Spanning a diverse range of industries from pharmaceuticals to manufacturing, we have a rapidly growing clientele that benefits from our innovation-driven, real-world-tested solutions. Visit to learn more. About Alkhorayef Commercial Company (ACC) Alkhorayef Commercial (ACC), established in 1957, is a provider of integrated industrial solutions across key sectors, including agriculture, logistics, marine, and entertainment in Saudi Arabia. Through partnerships with global brands, ACC supplies high-quality products and comprehensive aftersales services to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Visit to learn more. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE XSQUARE Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Swisslog showcases scalable cold chain innovation with multi-temperature solution in Riyadh
Dubai, UAE – Swisslog, the global leader in innovative robotic, data-driven, and flexible automated solutions, will be showcasing its next-generation warehouse automation technologies at the Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo, taking place from May 27–29 in Riyadh. The event is a key platform for industry leaders driving innovation across logistics and supply chain sectors in line with Vision 2030. Swisslog will spotlight its AutoStore multi-temperature solution, a compact and scalable automated storage and retrieval solution that combines high-density storage with the flexibility to meet complex operational needs. The system's modular design enables seamless integration into existing infrastructures while maintaining minimal disruption and supporting future expansion. Its capabilities allow frozen, chilled, and ambient goods to be stored simultaneously within a single grid. This unique integration not only streamlines operations and reduces facility costs but also enhances energy efficiency and simplifies cold chain logistics. Rami Younes, General Manager at Swisslog Middle East, commented: 'Saudi Arabia is witnessing a logistics revolution shaped by digital transformation and a growing e-commerce market. At Swisslog, we're proud to support the nation's goal to elevate its logistics market to $15.31 billion by 2030, with tailored automation solutions that address key regional challenges. Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo is the perfect platform to demonstrate how our technologies, like the AutoStore multi-temperature solution, can futureproof fulfilment strategies across industries.' The AutoStore multi-temperature solution features a smart grid design that allows air circulation between zones, maintaining different temperatures ranging from -25°C to +6°C in one automated system. This helps businesses eliminate the need for multiple cold storage facilities, reduce energy costs by using eco-friendly refrigerants, and increase operator efficiency through the goods-to-person picking model. Earlier this year, Swisslog reported significant growth in the Middle East, exceeding $60 million in project value across verticals such as food and beverage, grocery, fashion retail, and spare parts logistics. The company is expanding its footprint, with seven implemented or sold sites in Saudi Arabia and a growing team of resident engineers supporting current and future clients. The company's client portfolio includes global and regional leaders such as AlMarai, Raha, RoboStores, Unilever, Pepsi, and more. Chalhoub Group and Swisslog recently partnered to launch 'Tawreed,' a state-of-the-art automated distribution hub in KSA designed specifically for the luxury fashion and beauty sector. Powered by Swisslog's AutoStore solution, the hub is expected to streamline supply chain operations, reduce costs, and provide scalable, high-efficiency storage that supports future expansion. As the MEA logistics sector generated $83.1 billion in revenue in 2024, it continues to prioritise innovation and infrastructure investment. Swisslog is committed to helping businesses tap into this growth by delivering automation that is reliable, scalable, and aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Visit Swisslog at Booth 1b111 to experience its industry-leading warehouse automation technologies firsthand. For more information, visit or About Swisslog Swisslog delivers data-driven & robotic solutions for your logistics automation alongside reliable, modular service concepts. Collaborating with forward-thinking companies, we are committed to setting new standards in warehouse automation to provide future-proof products and solutions. As part of the KUKA Group, our customers trust the competence of our passionate employees – more than 14,000 people working across the globe. &
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Unlock the Power of Smart Warehousing with SSI Schaefer at the Vietnam Warehousing & Automation Show 2025
Gain insights on how to achieve success in building resilient cold storage warehouses from intralogistics experts See the capabilities of the SSI LOGIMAT® smart storage-and-retrieval solution in action HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SSI Schaefer, a global leader in intralogistics and automated warehouses, today announced its participation at Vietnam Warehousing & Automation Show 2025 (VWA 2025) in Binh Duong New City from May 21 to 23, 2025 (Booth 2, Hall A, World Trade Center). During the event, the company will showcase smart warehouse automation solutions through live demonstrations and offer expert insights into cold chain intralogistics on the conference stage. Visitors can view a live demonstration of SSI Schaefer's vertical lift module SSI LOGIMAT®. As simple as a plug-and-play solution, the SSI LOGIMAT® allows businesses to optimize warehouse space and improve picking accuracy for small to medium-sized goods. Sean Lim, Country Head at SSI Schaefer Singapore and Head of Export Market Asia said, "Setting our customers up for success in their warehouse operations is our utmost priority at SSI Schaefer. There are enormous opportunities for companies of all sizes to tap into warehouse automation to meet the growing demand for logistics in Vietnam. With a track record of providing innovative and reliable intralogistics solutions, we are committed to ensuring that our customers retain their competitive edge and stay ahead of the curve." Schedule a consultation session here. Learn Strategies for Cold Storage Warehouses At VWA 2025, Carsten Spiegelberg, Head of Logistics Solutions at SSI Schaefer Asia & MEA, will share strategies that companies can utilize when building a cold storage warehouse. The session will help the audience gain a clearer understanding of the investment required for a cold storage warehouse and the industry's best practices. Date and Time Topic Speaker May 22, 10:00 – 10:45 Taking Your First Step into Cold Storage Automation Carsten Spiegelberg, Managing Director, MEA and Head of Logistics Solutions, Asia & MEA Register for the conference here. SSI Schaefer empowers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to embark on warehouse automation through efficient, flexible, and scalable solutions. In partnership with Roto-Trust Horse, a member of the SSI Schaefer Network of Distributors, both companies will work closely to deliver a complete suite of intralogistics solutions to support Vietnam's burgeoning logistics sector. About SSI Schaefer The SSI Schaefer Group is a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics. By leveraging innovative technologies, the Group empowers companies to increase the efficiency and sustainability of their material flow processes through offering cost-effective end-to-end intralogistics solutions. Additionally, the Group is one of the largest software vendors for internal material flow, providing sustainable resource management within warehouses. Headquartered in Neunkirchen, Germany, SSI Schaefer has about 80 operating companies and seven production sites worldwide. View original content: SOURCE SSI Schaefer Sign in to access your portfolio
