In this episode of the MHI Industry Leadership Podcast, hosts Christian Dow and Frank Schwartz welcome two industry veterans, Matt Bush, VP of Technology, Innovation, and Research, and Chris Lingamfelter, Founder and Managing Partner at Robot Advisors. Together, they bring decades of expertise in robotics, manufacturing, and intralogistics to explore the complex landscape of robotics investments.

Matt Bush, with a robust background in automotive manufacturing and material handling, provides insights into understanding and estimating the full spectrum of costs associated with robotics—from initial investment to ongoing operational expenses. He shares strategies for identifying hidden costs and risks and explains how businesses can protect their investments and optimize ROI, highlighting the importance of non-financial metrics that impact the overall business case.

Chris Lingamfelter, a seasoned advisor with 33 years of experience in justifying technology investments, delves into how companies traditionally justify new robotic technology—whether through labor savings, operational efficiencies, or the strategic value of innovation. He reflects on the evolving landscape of robotics, the differing perspectives on ROI across global markets, and how automation impacts labor dynamics. Chris also discusses highlights from his recent panel at Modex 2024, covering valuable insights from end-users and key considerations for companies procuring various types of robotics.

Whether you’re navigating the cost-benefit analysis of robotics for the first time or seeking advice on the latest contracting best practices, this episode offers practical guidance and forward-looking perspectives on maximizing value from robotics investments in intralogistics.

Dive into the vital topic of safety in mobile robotics on this episode of the MHI Industry Leadership Podcast, hosted by Christian Dow and Frank Schwartz. Featuring industry experts Brian Keiger, VP at Conveyco and Chair of the Mobile Automation Group at MHI, and Alessandra Palmisano, Market Application Engineer for Safety at SICK Sensors, this discussion sheds light on the critical safety aspects of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Uncover the myths, learn about the evolution of safety standards, and get a glimpse into the future of safety technologies in automation. Whether you are involved in logistics, manufacturing, or supply chain management, this episode is packed with essential insights that will help you understand how to maintain safety while leveraging the benefits of automation. Tune in now to learn how to enhance safety protocols in your operations and stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of mobile robotics.

In the ever-evolving landscape of intralogistics and material handling, the question of "what's next?" in warehouse technology generates a spectrum of answers. A recent podcast delved deep into this topic, focusing on two buzzwords that are reshaping the industry: cloud connectivity and condition monitoring. The discussion, led by two experts from the Solutions Community Condition Monitoring and Reliability Committee Gerry Paci from Pepperl + Fuchs and Dan Bruski from Sick, Inc., centered around how IO-Link technology is revolutionizing warehouses.