We Break Full Videos into Individual Clips of Cool New Materials Handling and Supply Chain Software Solutions

SCDigest editor Dan Gilmore and materials handling editor Cliff Holste were recently at MHI's MODEX 2016 show in Atlanta.

We've already provided lots of MODEX coverage, including day 1 and day 2 video reviews, plus a written "trip report" in Gilmore's First Thoughts column.

Last week, we broke the day 1 video recaps into segments, each on one of the cool new solutions Gilmore and Holste discovered at the show, so readers can browse the just ones they are most interested in. Those video clips can be found here: Supply Chain News: Best New Solutions from MODEX 2016 Day 1

This week we do the same for the solutions we found on MODEX day 2. We start with a new piece picking robot from a company called I am Robotics.

New Piece Picking Robot from I am Robotics

Next, a company called Locus Robotics featured a new but very different kind of piece picking robot that was invented when the founder's 3PL looked like it would lose support for its Kiva robots when Amazon.com acquired Kiva. These Locus robots are similar but move from a "goods-to-person" paradigm to something Locus calls "task-to-person." What does that mean? Watch the video clip below to find out.

New Kiva-Like Robot from Locus Robotics

We also found a very cool is a new data collection platform from a company called Cognex, mostly known for its video imaging systems on high speed conveyor lines. This is a highly engineered system into hich a smart phone is embedded, as either provided by the Cognex reseller or whatever device the company itself wants to use. This is a very cool solution that goes way beyond just a hardened case for a smart phone.

New Data Collection Terminal from Cognex Uses Smart Phones

Late in 2015, Dematic bought a company called Reddwerks that provides software to optimize the picking process, with a special focus on getting the most out of automated equipment. This "waveless picking" approach has been around for awhile from Reddwerks and others, but may gain more traction now that it is part of the much larger Dematic.

Optimized, "Waveless" Picking Solution from Dematic Reddwerks

Software that performs optimization for cartonization, mixed-SKU pallet building, and trailer loading has been around for awhile, but a company called Magic Logic offers solutions in all three areas. Etailers are using the solution to provide real-time on-line shipping costs information, while the challenge of building optimal mixed-SKU pallets never ends, the company president told us.

Carton, Mixed-SKU Pallet, and Trailer-Building Optimization from Magic Logic

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Warehouse Management System (WMS) deployments still take too long an cost too much more. Several WMS vendors are vowing to change this status quo, and that includes TECSYS, with a new program to reduce the time and cost of such implementations using a variety of new tools and approaches.

Accelerated WMS Deployment Approach from TECSYS

Hoping to reduce shipping costs for ecommerce, several "on-demand" box making solutons have come to market in recent years, building a box precisely the size needed for a given order. A company named Retrotech was showing technology it represents from a French firm that offers a different approach to achieving a similar result, scoring the box and reducing its height based on what is inside. Interesting solution.

Interesting System for Optimizing Carton Size for eCommerce from Retrotech

That's it for solutions we featured from day 2. We'll  be back in 2017 for the ProMat show in Chicago.

Any reaction on these Day 2 MODEX solutions? What caught your eye at the show? Let us know your thoughts at the Feedback section below.

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