Episode 240 of The Robotic Report Podcast encompasses a recap of the MODEX 2026 commerce present with Eugene Demaitre, editorial director for The Robotic Report and Automated Warehouse, and Sarah Wynn, senior digital editor for Packaging OEM.
Present timeline
- 6:10 – Information of the week
- 15:48 – MODEX recap with Automated Warehouse‘s Gene Demaitre and Packaging OEM‘s Sarah Wynn
Editors evaluation MODEX 2026
MODEX has continued to develop, with greater than 1,000 exhibitors and about 50,000 attendees this yr. Gene and Sarah share their observations from dozens of conferences, sales space demonstrations, and networking occasions on the provide chain commerce present in Atlanta.
The editors focus on the most recent tendencies, together with extra partnerships, functions for AI and automation within the warehouse, and noteworthy robots and firms, similar to Toyota Automated Logistics. From SICK sensors to “rainbow pallets” from FANUC and Angelini Applied sciences, this episode options key applied sciences to comply with.
Gene and Sarah discuss concerning the more and more aggressive marketplace for automated storage and retrieval methods (ASRS) similar to these from AutoStore and Attabotics, the progress in cellular manipulators like these from Omron, and the altering state of humanoids and AI.
As well as, they cowl truck-unloading methods from Boston Dynamics, Pickle Robotic, and Slip Robotics, in addition to competing approaches to storage and selecting from Brightpick, Locus Robotics, and Ocado. Additionally featured are Sarah’s chats with Piab Group, FANUC, Delta Americas, Quicktron, and Boston Dynamics.
Issues about throughput, security, and interoperability stay, as does the necessity for suppliers to work carefully with integrators and end-user prospects. Observe Automated Warehouse and Packaging OEM for extra in-depth and ongoing protection.
The present flooring on Day 1 of MODEX 2026. Credit score: Eugene Demaitre
Information of the week
Skild acquires Fetch Robotics belongings from Zebra
Skild AI has acquired the robotics division of Zebra Applied sciences, previously Fetch Robotics. Skild stated the acquisition will assist it deploy its “omni-bodied” intelligence layer throughout the worldwide logistics sector.
By integrating its hardware-agnostic AI “mind” with Zebra’s examined Symmetry warehouse orchestration platform, the corporate stated it goals to remodel task-specific automation right into a unified, autonomous success ecosystem whereas fueling its proprietary knowledge flywheel.
Deepak Pathak, co-founder and CEO of Skild AI, advised The Robotic Report that “the Fetch Group is the primary cause for the acquisition, as they create years of deployment expertise.” Skild added that it it expects to proceed assist of the Fetch/Zebra put in base, get rid of success bottlenecks, and develop new merchandise for the warehouse.
Boston Dynamics and Google Deepmind use Gemini to make Spot smarter
Boston Dynamics this week stated it’s partnering with Google Cloud and Google DeepMind to combine Gemini and Gemini Robotics ER 1.6 into Orbit AIVI-Studying. The robotics developer stated the mixing will enable it to ship a extra refined, intuitive, and highly effective AI expertise.
Spot and Orbit now constantly be taught concerning the amenities they’re deployed in, permitting for higher-order reasoning and extra complicated visible evaluation, in accordance with Boston Dynamics. DeepMind’s new Gemini Robotics-ER 1.6 mannequin focuses on robotics reasoning capabilities, together with visible and spatial understanding, activity planning, and success detection.
Register now for the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo
Registration is now open for the Robotics Summit & Expo, the world’s main technical occasion for industrial robotics builders. The occasion is produced by The Robotic Report and WTWH Media.
>> LISTEN TO THE PODCAST EPISODE FOR A DISCOUNT CODE TO REGISTER! <<
The present can have greater than 50 sessions in tracks on synthetic intelligence, design and improvement, enabling applied sciences, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on the present flooring will even function displays by trade specialists.
Greater than 70 audio system are confirmed from corporations similar to AWS, Mind Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, PickNik Robotics, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Strong AI, Tesla, Toyota Analysis Institute, and extra.
The Robotics Summit will even function various networking alternatives. They embrace a Combine & Mingle Networking Reception after the primary day of the present and the ticketed RBR50 Awards Dinner.
The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, which focuses on medical units.
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