This is a paid advertisement. This video details why flooring engineered specifically for AGVs and AMRs should be considered a key component for optimal robotic performance on elevated floors. Learn how gloss, texture, wear, and the condition of the floor can all effect the ability of robots to run at peak operating levels.

This is a paid advertisement. There are many things to consider when choosing a mezzanine floor. Will it need to be flexible for future modifications? Is saving time and money important? Is an ergonomic solution required? Will robotic fleets be present? How will the flooring product impact the environment? This video includes feedback from industry experts to help highlight the differences of ResinDek® flooring compared to concrete on elevated platforms. Watch Now!

Demag provided a 10 Ton DRPRO Hoist on A Demag Crane for a metal flooring company manufactures metal floor decking products and associated metal flashings for use in the fast track construction. With a projected output of over 2,500,000 sq feet of metal decking per year, performance and reliability were deciding factors. Features and benefits provided: Safe Handling, Slow speed travel for positioning, High speed with positioning not required and Radio remote control allows the operator to always remain at a safe distance.

A project located in Manchester, U.K. had a three level mezzanine with 220,000 sqft per level. The flooring system that was selected was 3/4" ResinDek HD with the TriGard® ESD finish and corrugated steel decking.

When ICON Mechanical needed both a clean room and an elevated platform - they turned to Panel Built to engineer a mezzanine with ResinDek LD flooring panels.

Refers to the type of flooring used on an elevated work platform or shelving pick module or the shelf decking associated with standard shelving units. Common decks include composite engineered wood or plywood, corrugated metal, bar or plank grating, steel plates, and concrete.The material, generally made from welded wire, that is placed on shelves, rack load beams or walks to support loads of variable sizes.The decks or flooring of a mezzanine can be made of several different types of materials depending upon the requirements, features and capacity of the mezzanine. These flooring/decking options may include bar grating, plank grating, wood planking, plywood, composite materials and cement.

A formed sheet metal structural element typically associated with elevated platforms that spans across structural members to support engineered wood panels, floor plates, or concrete flooring.

The design of a floor in a building or mezzanine is an important ingredient in the reliability and safety of that building or mezzanine. Worker-friendly floors are imperative if ergonomic considerations are to be addressed. The strength and stability of the floor is an important consideration as the floor must adequately support the machinery and moving vehicles utilized in the material handling system.

To support organic growth and expansion via acquisition, a global retailer of sneakers and streetwear sought to increase throughput and optimize order fulfillment efficiency in its existing Philadelphia distribution center (DC). The operation, which supports both e-commerce and retail replenishment, has employee shifts nearly around the clock to keep up with demand. It also cross-docks shipments, when possible, to minimize handling. The retailer first engaged retail supply chain consultants Claris Solutions (claris-solutions.com) to define the optimal layout and technologies to meet their goals. Tony Chaplin, Claris Solutions’ Co-Founder and Managing Partner, led the project. “First we determined that the existing building could sustain both their forecasted growth trajectory and their desired throughput,” he said. “To do that, however, we advised the installation of a 70,000-square-foot mezzanine above their existing 220,000-square-foot workspace, along with the implementation of a shelf-to-person autonomous mobile robot (AMR) system.” Mezzanine Engineered to Maximize Usable Space For the mezzanine, Claris brought in Legacy Platform (legacyplatform.com). Upon arriving at the facility, the first thing Legacy Vice President John Sloan noted was its age. “The building is a historic brick structure that is several decades old,” he recalled. “That meant we first needed to verify that the existing concrete floor could support the weight of the mezzanine.” After conducting core samples in several areas, Legacy determined that the existing floor could support a mezzanine constructed of steel — but not one made of concrete. “Not only would concrete have been too heavy a load for the existing ground floor to support, but also the retailer wanted to continue to operate their distribution center throughout the construction of the structure,” Sloan noted. “To build a concrete mezzanine would have required them to shut down.” Additionally, to attain maximum space beneath the mezzanine, the retailer asked Legacy to space the support columns as far apart as possible. When building a platform of this size, Legacy typically places columns 15 feet apart; in this case, the company’s engineers were able to create spans of nearly 30 feet by using larger beams to carry the load. Existing Concrete Floor’s Condition Posed Problems for Robotic Navigation At the same time, Chaplin and Sloan both noted issues with the concrete flooring’s surface. It was not entirely level in certain places, and there was wear and damage in others. “A sloping, worn, and damaged concrete floor will prevent the AMRs from traveling smoothly and predictably along their workflow paths,” explained Chaplin. “Yet to grind it down to level it would be time consuming and extremely messy, particularly in an operation that needed to continue running throughout the project.” Legacy recommended the installation of ResinDek® mobile robot flooring panels from Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products (resindek.com) for both the mezzanine surface and overlaid across the existing ground floor. To ensure the ResinDek installation on the ground floor was level, the concrete was surveyed first to identify areas where shims were added to compensate for the slope. ResinDek Mobile Robot Flooring Installed on Both Levels With the retailer running loads of more than 2,000 pounds, Dave Paquin, Director of Robotic Sales for Cornerstone, recommended ResinDek MD for the mezzanine floor. On the ground floor, Paquin advised installing ResinDek HD, a 0.75-inch-thick panel capable of handling robot loads up to 4,000 pounds and pallet jack loads up to 4,500 pounds. “AMRs rely on sensors to successfully and safely navigate through a facility. For that reason, all ResinDek robotic floor panels have a customized finish that meets the specific coefficient of friction, surface roughness, levelness, gloss, and wear requirements of the AMRs being deployed,” Paquin explained. “Every floor we design is custom manufactured to meet the specified load capacities and traffic volumes to ensure the operation attains the performance and throughput they expect.” To further protect the robots’ sensitive on-board electronics from static electricity, Paquin also recommended the mobile robot flooring panels be coated with Cornerstone’s proprietary TriGard® ESD finish. This coating incorporates electrostatic dissipative (ESD) protection that complies with ANSI/ESD Association speci?cations to shield electronic equipment from damage. Additionally, TriGard ESD has been engineered to provide 3x greater resistance to wear than the standard ResinDek surface finish. This ensures that the panels will withstand the consistent, repeated travel patterns of high-frequency robotic traffic. Finished Facility Meets Retailer’s Goals By working closely with the retailer’s operations team to clear inventory from work areas daily, the mezzanine construction and flooring installations were completed in a highly aggressive 12 weeks. The facility is now home to more than 2,000 mobile storage racks across the two different levels with 50,000 product locations. Apparel and accessories are housed on the mezzanine; footwear on the ground floor. Conveyor transports received cartons to designated induction stations on each level which direct putaway into empty shelf positions. As directed by the facility’s warehouse management software (WMS), a fleet of 142 AMRs continuously delivers mobile shelves to associates at workstations equipped with light directed picking modules on both floors. Conveyors also transport completed picks from the mezzanine down to the ground floor for order consolidation as needed. “The retailer gained three main benefits from this project,” noted Chaplin. “First, by transitioning away from conventional picking to shelf-to-person, they’ve been able to increase their throughput without needing to increase their headcount. In a challenging labor market, that’s very important. Second, they’ve reduced their inventory turn time and enhanced their service levels because orders can be filled faster. And third, they’ve significantly improved their space and capacity to accommodate continued growth.” About Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products, LLC For more than 20 years, Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products, LLC (www.resindek.com) has been in the forefront of research and development in the field of engineered wood floor panels for the material handling industry. Solutions include durable flooring that withstands the rigorous demands of heavy rolling pallet jacks, automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), as well as flexible shelving systems. About Legacy Platform, LLC Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Legacy Platform (www.legacyplatform.com) is an established delegated design and construction metals manufacturer covering a range of products from elevated platforms, catwalks/crossovers and miscellaneous metals serving variety of markets and customers. In addition to our project management and engineering offices in Milwaukee and Piqua, Ohio, we have the support of our 60,000-square-foot full-service fabrication facility in Amherst, Wisconsin. About Claris Solutions Claris Solutions (www.claris-solutions.com) offers management consulting, engineering services, and automation design, selection, and implementation to help retail operations achieve maximum return on investment (ROI). Focused on omni-channel store operations, distribution, and warehousing, Claris has helped retailers improve performance by increasing throughput and efficiency since 1998. The Claris team strives to exceed customer expectations by saving clients’ money and attaining faster results than larger firms while remaining independently focused on each project.

Greer, SC—An automotive parts manufacturer was looking to optimize its production facility and called on Creform engineers to help develop a system to transfer parts from its sub-assembly line to the main assembly line. With specific requirements from the customer, the Creform solution was to provide single direction AGV with conveyor deck that essentially acts as transfer vehicles between workstations. The AGV works two eight hour shifts per day. The single direction AGV travels in a loop with two stops. At the unload station, the powered conveyor will move the product off the powered conveyor deck to a floor-side conveyor. A manual mechanical gate drops down for load transfers with line side decking. This simple but effective mechanism ensures loads are held securely aboard the AGV during travel. The AGV is PLC controlled with HMI touch screen and provides for 50 course 128 command control, programming. Floor positioned RFID tags used for command initiation and to mark the stop positions along the course with a unique address. Aisle crossings are metered by a wireless system controller as well as other custom functions. If needed, a powered engage/disengage foot lever allows the cart to be moved easily if taken offline. Once disengaged, the unit works like a typical pushcart. The AGV (shown) is a model HA-A50060 single-direction AGV drive unit with 90° and 180° spin/turn capability. It is custom designed with a fabricated steel frame constructed for strength and durability. Creform was responsible for the design and assembly of both the AGV and system controls. Projects are turnkey with Creform…from the initial project design to the final installation, Creform will guide and support the entire project. The AGV follows a magnetic guidepath independently to ensure accurate and repeatable movement and is ideal in space restrictive areas. The magnetic tape guidepath is easily and quickly installed and routes can easily be changed or repaired. The unit can travel with speeds up to 164 fpm (50 M)/min and can carry a load capacity of up to 1320 lb. (600kg). The AGV is WIFI enabled and features an HMI touch screen for user and maintenance interface. Operator interface panels include push buttons at both front and rear of AGV. The power pack is an easy-access, 24-volt system powered by two 12V, 110AH, AGM batteries and is equipped with wireless touch charging to automatically maintain peak performance levels. The opportunity charging system minimizes the need for the user to change batteries as they are automatically charged by just pulling into the charging station positioned along the route. No human intervention is necessary. The AGV features complete equipment for compliance to safety category 3 and includes a laser obstacle scanner on the front utilizing 16 settable zones, safety circuit to cut power, audible warning device, flashing light, and E-stops. Multi-color LED lights are built into the overhead aluminum frame to indicate the various running conditions. The overhead also provides cover for the parts on the conveyor. Creform offers preventive maintenance agreements to ensure long-term performance and reliability. The company also offers to train plant maintenance personnel to help ensure that the necessary on-site with immediate support available. The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing and enhancing these programs. Contact: Creform Corporations SCsales@creform.com www.creform.com

Play to Win with FRAZIER at Booth #B11328 at MODEX 2026Long Valley, NJ – April 8th, 2026 – Kick off MODEX 2026 by making your way to FRAZIER’s World Cup themed Booth #B11328! In the high-stakes world of supply chain, it’s simple: you can play to win or get left on the sidelines. If you’re ready to score big, Frazier’s Storage Solutions can help make your warehouse up to 30% more productive and profitable.Stop by for ongoing booth demonstrations that will showcase winning strategies to maximize space, increase throughput, boost order picking efficiency, and reduce labor costs—all powered by FRAZIER’s Structural Racking Solutions That Last.Frazier showcase systems include:SelecDeck® Case Flow Rack - Innovative case flow rack system that converts just four floor-level pallet positions in a back-to-back row into more than 28 organized pick slots. Engineered for versatility, the SelecDeck® Case Flow Rack features a universal roller bed design that easily handles cartons of all shapes and sizes. with long-lasting performance.Axis2 Pallet Shuttle - The AXIS² system is a fully automated multi-directional shuttle rack solution designed for tomorrow’s cutting-edge warehouse demands. Developed in close partnership with Dambach, AXIS² combines cutting-edge technology with user-centric innovation to set supply chain storage standards for the flexibility, high speed utilization and the efficient handling of diverse pallet types.Mole IQ® and Shuttle IQ® – The next generation of semi-automated storage, Mole IQ® and Shuttle IQ® are direct evolutions to the legacy shuttle solution. Smarter and more connected these shuttles are powered by SkyMesh, FRAZIER’s proprietary warehouse control software solution. SkyMmesh monitors pallet movements, real-time diagnostics, and performance analytics. The human-machine interface enables direct control and live monitoring, increasing throughput, reducing dwell time, and maintaining consistent flow in high-density storage.Unique Rack Designs – FRAZIER has the engineering knowledge, experience, and know-how to design and implement unique rack solutions for special applications, such as cold storage. Such systems – like the Raised I-Beam frame - can help users to maximize storage utilization and more.Wire Screen – FRAZIER’s Wire Screen allows customers to find success increasing safety, maintaining warehouse capacity, and eliminating costly deck replacement within their operations. Unlike industry standard wire mesh decks with an external flare style, the Wire Screen utilizes an internal flare (tuck-in) style. This innovative design overcomes the challenges of warping decks and jagged wires that may cause damage, injury, and increased expense.Safety Accessories – In addition to our Wire Screen, Frazier provides a comprehensive range of rack safety accessories designed to protect your warehouse, employees, and equipment. From Bull Nose Protectors that deflect forklift impacts to frame posts, to Row End Protectors that safeguard aisle ends, our solutions help prevent damage and ensure a safer, more secure work environment. With Frazier, rack safety is more than a feature—it’s a priority.To learn more about additional FRAZIER Storage Solutions being showcased at FRAZIER Booth #B11328, please visit FRAZIER’s exhibitor page on the MODEX Show Website at: mx2026.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=14554ContactDiane DominguesVice President of Marketing & Customer Servicemodex@frazier.com(908) 876-3001

Order pickers and warehouse men walk miles every day and what they walk on makes huge difference. This compelling study conducted by Institute for Ergonomics at Ohio State University provides a comparison of tibial shock on four different types of flooring.