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Solutions Community members are Industry’s thought leaders on automation, software, hardware, equipment and services that support a fully integrated supply chain. This includes suppliers, integrators, consultants, media, academia and users. They collaborate on solutions worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. The philosophy of the Solutions Community is to support MHI’s mission of providing a unique venue where suppliers of material handling equipment and technology can collaboratively work with the user community to improve the marketplace for all. All participants adhere to a safe harbor no-buy, no-sell environment to openly discuss topics of mutual interest, including best practices, lessons learned and other information. Goals of the Solutions Community include: Identifying, developing and disseminating forward-looking value propositions for Material Handling and Supply Chain practitioners; Identifying market trends and challenges in Material Handling and Supply Chain operations in order to develop timely and relevant solutions; Providing a forum for discussion of business and technology trends; and, Establishing strong connections between Members of the Group with the community of Supply Chain and Material Handling product and service providers, as well as organizations and individuals interested in Solutions Community activities; A basic tenet of the Solutions Community is to create a non-commercial environment that fosters networking, relationship building and the open exchange of information. Mission To engage and collaborate with suppliers, practitioners, and stakeholders in timely discussions towards supply chain solutions. Vision Inspiring evolutionary excellence in the supply chain through diverse stakeholder collaboration. Members meet regularly to exchange ideas and develop Information Systems solutions for Supply Chains. Solutions Community Programs include: Engagement on an ongoing basis with: The User community. Adjacent communities such as: Consultants, Market Research Firms, Vertical Market Organizations, supply chain associations, academia, and regulatory agencies. Developing educational and seminar materials for presentation to interested communities. Providing public relations outreach on behalf of MHI relative to solutions. Authoring solutions blueprints and white papers Proactively responding to media to positively share information with the marketplace and position ISSG. Establish thought leadership on how information system solutions support the U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling & Logistics.. Conducting surveys on technology trends and developments To enable organizations to achieve material handling and supply chain excellence by facilitating the delivery of meaningful, innovative and practical information.

Mobile Automation Group (MAG) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of automatic guided vehicle systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Mission: To promote the market awareness, growth, and effective use of driverless industrial vehicle systems (e.g. AGVS, AMRs, and AGCs) Vision: To be the trusted, independent authority on driverless industrial vehicle systems The MAG group is a collaboration of trusted industry leaders that provide: Market Intelligence Market Awareness and Clarity Leadership Safety Advocacy Market Access By Coordinating Statistical Programs Delivering Promotional Marketing Providing Education Influencing Industry Standards Overcoming Barriers to Adoption Both Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are computer-controlled wheel-based load carriers (normally battery powered) that run on a plant or warehouse floor (or, if outdoors, on a paved surface). The main difference between AGVs and AMRs is how the path they follow is determined. Most AGVs follow predefined paths, although there may be areas of the plant or warehouse where they have more freedom. AMRs can determine their own path, although they will attempt to follow suggested paths if they exist. This difference leads to differing methodologies for ensuring safe operation for the two types of vehicle. AGVs follow the ANSI B56.5 Safety Guidelines There is a standard under development for AMRs MAG member companies meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and safe operation of automatic guided vehicle systems. MAG members are committed to the development, maintenance and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. MAG programs include: The development of educational and training materials; A voice in the development and maintenance of national standards; The confidential exchange of market statistics and publication of industry data to the public; The communication of the benefits of AGVS solutions via trade shows, educational forums, and other national and regional seminars.

The Robotics Group (TRG) are leading manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and component suppliers of robotic solutions designed specifically for warehousing and distribution applications. Traditionally, industrial robots in material handling applications have been limited to palletizing/depalletizing, conveyor picking, or other highly-repetitive tasks. Technology advancements are creating opportunities for robots and automated machinery in a wider variety of applications, including warehousing and distribution center activities. TRG conducts education and outreach with the goal of fostering technology adoption in this rapidly changing industry sector. Mission Our team of technology leaders inspires user confidence and fosters the adoption of robotic solutions to drive efficiency in supply chain applications. TRG member companies meet regularly to identify methods of promoting adoption of robotic and automated solutions in material handling applications. We identify barriers to adoption and understand the voice of the customer while creating opportunities to encourage the transition of automated technologies to promote supply chain efficiency. TRG programs include: The development of educational and training materials; A voice in the development and maintenance of national and international standards; The communication of the benefits of robotic and automated solutions via trade shows, educational forums, and other national and regional seminars.