Industry’s largest manufacturing and supply chain trade show return to McCormick Place in April 2027MHI recently announced the dates for ProMat 2027. ProMat 2027 will be held April 19-21, 2027 at Chicago's McCormick Place. ProMat is the largest international manufacturing and supply chain show and conference held in the United States.ProMat brings together solution providers who demonstrate their equipment, systems and services to over 50,000 manufacturing and supply chain professionals from around the globe, seeking productivity solutions for their operations. Over 1,000 exhibitors will showcase their solutions on ProMat’s three show floors totaling over 670,000 square feet of manufacturing and supply chain solutions.ProMat exhibits will represent all segments of the material handling, transportation, and logistics industry, from traditional, manual equipment to computerized, automated systems.ProMat 2027 will also feature a comprehensive educational conference including keynotes and show floor educational seminars led by industry experts and leading authorities.ProMat 2027 will again include its highly regarded and prestigious International Buyer Program. The Program provides matchmaking for interested buyers and sellers through an International Business Center located near the show hall.Exhibit Space Draw Lease Deadline is November 5, 2025The ProMat 2025 Exhibit Space Draw will be held November 18-21, 2025. This will be the first opportunity for organizations to secure exhibit space at this event. The deadline for leases for the Space Draw is 5pm ET on November 5, 2025.For more information on exhibiting or attending ProMat, visit promatshow.com.

Automation experts will drive the next wave of intelligent robot deployments in North America, empowered by MujinOSATLANTA—Aug 14, 2025—Mujin, a pioneer in intelligent robotics for logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain operations, is proud to announce the first wave of automation integrators to join its partner program. These early partners mark a pivotal milestone in Mujin’s mission to make advanced automation more accessible to end users everywhere by equipping experienced integrators with MujinOS, the same reliable platform that has powered thousands of robotic systems globally.The initial cohort of integrators includes some of the industry’s most forward-thinking firms, selected for their deep technical expertise and proven track record of delivering automation at scale. Robotics system integrators include Applied Manufacturing Technologies, Convergix, CRG Automation, Mesh Automation, and RG Group, each bringing advanced knowledge of robotic systems deployment. On the material handling side, C&B Material Handling, Conveyco, and Honeywell Intelligrated are expanding the reach of MujinOS into complex warehouse and distribution environments.Each partner brings deep industry knowledge and implementation expertise. With MujinOS in their toolkit, they are empowered to address high-mix production needs, solve unstructured logistics challenges, and reduce time-to-value for their customers.MujinOS empowers integrators by removing traditional barriers to automation—eliminating the need for custom programming, manual calibration, and rigid system design. At its core is a real-time digital twin that continuously perceives, plans, and controls robotic systems, enabling consistent performance even in high-mix, high-variability environments. With MujinOS, integrators can rapidly design and deploy advanced automation applications—including palletizing, depalletizing, bin picking, and mobile robot coordination—while expanding into more complex and dynamic use cases that were previously too difficult or time-consuming to automate.“Through Machine Intelligence, MujinOS enables robotic systems to have higher throughput with better ROI for end users and their businesses,” said Ross Diankov, Mujin’s co-founder and CEO. “By giving trusted partners access to MujinOS, we’re enabling them to bring transformative automation to more factories and warehouses, faster than ever before. This is how we unlock the next generation of industrial robotics.”To ensure partner success, Mujin has developed a hands-on training program that gets integrator teams up to speed quickly in Mujin’s dedicated training center. While MujinOS is designed to be intuitive and accessible, partners have access to dedicated support from Mujin’s technical team whenever they need it—ensuring smooth deployments and long-term success. Through this support structure, partners gain the confidence and capability to independently deliver intelligent automation at scale.“With the latest advancements to MujinOS, our partners have access to a powerful toolset—enabling everything from simple depalletizing to complex mixed-SKU palletizing,” says Mujin’s Vice President of Sales - Product, Ed Mullen. “By unlocking configurability across applications, hardware, and layouts, we’re helping integrators deploy automation faster, with more flexibility and scalability than ever before. We’re proud to partner with the best RSIs and MHIs in the industry to shape the future of industrial automation.”Mujin is actively expanding its partner program and seeking new relationships with experienced robotics system integrators, material handling integrators, and high-tech distributors who share a passion for solving meaningful challenges through robotics. This moment marks a new chapter in Mujin’s journey—a commitment not only to advancing the technology, but to empowering the ecosystem that brings it to life.Additional Quotes from Mujin PartnersCraig Salvalaggio - President and COO, Applied Manufacturing Technologies:“AMT has a long-standing history of partnering with best-in-class vision technologies to unlock new applications. Working with Mujin will allow us to accelerate automation in warehousing applications and prepare solutions that we can scale. Their unique platform will help us with faster deployments and greater flexibility for case-handling solutions. Together, we can help more businesses embrace robotics and continue advancing automation.”Greg Borchers, Chief Operating Officer, Conveyco:“Conveyco is proud to partner with Mujin, whose strong U.S. presence, trusted leadership, and commitment to standardized, scalable solutions align perfectly with our mission to deliver reliable, efficient systems to our customers. Mujin fills a critical need in both our solution portfolio and the broader industry by offering proven, productized robotics and intelligent automation that reduce downtime, increase flexibility, and support long-term growth.”Dillon Sego, VP of Engineering and Sales, CRG Automation:“At CRG Automation, we’re always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible in industrial automation. Partnering with Mujin allows us to significantly enhance our robotic product offerings and deliver more innovative, efficient solutions to our customers—faster than ever before. Mujin’s advanced technology, particularly the Mujin Controller, is not only powerful but incredibly intuitive to use. In our work with Mujin, what sets them apart is their team’s integrity and relentless commitment to ensuring every solution is implemented exactly as promised. We’re proud to be one of Mujin’s first integration partners in the U.S. and excited for the transformative impact this collaboration will bring.”James Webb, Director of Sales and Marketing, Mesh Automation:“MESH Automation is proud to be partnered with MUJIN and part of the new wave of advanced vison and robotic control technologies. By implementing MUJIN tech, we are able to provide our customers with solutions to material handling challenges that would have been prohibitively expensive and too risky just a few years ago. MUJIN has a solid and dependable suite of products that are simple to commission and maintain.”Patrick Gross, President and COO, RG Group:“We’re proud to be one of Mujin’s first official system integrators,” said Patrick Gross, President of RG Group. “Our partnership is built on years of trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to innovation. We’ve seen firsthand the intellect, passion, and vision Ross and the Mujin team bring to the future of industrial automation — and we’re honored to help bring that vision to life.”About MujinMujin develops intelligent robotics systems that enable industrial robots to perform complex tasks with speed, reliability, and flexibility. Its core platform, MujinOS, eliminates the need for teaching or coding by empowering robots with real-time decision-making capabilities powered by a continuously updating digital twin. Headquartered in Tokyo with offices in the United States, Europe, and China, Mujin is redefining automation across the global supply chain. Visit us at www.mujin-corp.com, or www.mujin.co.jp in Japan.Contactpress@mujin-corp.com(404) 963-1117

FREMONT, Ohio (8-13-2025) — Motion Controls Robotics, Inc. (MCRI), a leading provider in robotics and automation solutions, is empowering customers to move forward with their BA Palletizer projects through flexible financing options from First American Equipment Finance. These payment plans are designed to help reduce the budgetary impact of adding the BA Palletizer by spreading the total project cost into manageable, predictable payments.“We want our customers to feel comfortable investing in their automation upgrades. Offering a financing option through First American Equipment Finance aligns with our vision to help our customers achieve their goals, faster,” says Scott Lang, President & CEO of Motion Controls Robotics.By providing the option to finance BA Palletizer projects, MCRI helps organizations align a payment plan with their unique goals, maintain cash flow, and achieve a quicker return on investment. With over 30 years of automation achievement, MCRI is committed to innovating the automation space. By introducing a new way to fund palletizing solutions, the company aims to make automation more accessible and empower organizations to sharpen their competitive edge.For more information on financing your BA Palletizer project, please visit motioncontrolsrobotics.com/cobot-ba-palletizer-purchase-options/About Motion Controls Robotics, Inc.Motion Controls Robotics (MCRI) provides solutions for customers by designing and building turn-key end of line applications, fulfillment solutions, and general material handling automation. MCRI offers unmatched capabilities to elevate companies to the next tier of Industry 4.0 by combining automation expertise with full plant and front office connectivity interfacing with ERP/WMS systems. MCRI has been implementing robotic automation since 1995, is a Certified Servicing Integrator for FANUC America, and Certified Integrator by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) (formerly Robotics Industry Association). Learn more at www.motioncontrolsrobotics.com.About First American Equipment FinanceFirst American Equipment Finance is a wholly owned subsidiary of Los Angeles, CA-based City National Bank, an RBC Company. First American is ranked among the largest equipment finance companies in the United States and provides equipment financing to established commercial borrowers nationwide.About City NationalCity National Bank, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, is one the largest banks headquartered in Los Angeles with $93 billion in assets as of April 30, 2025. Founded in 1954, City National provides personalized banking, investment and trust services in select markets including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, Nashville, Atlanta, Delaware, Las Vegas, Washington D.C. and Miami.* In addition, the company and its investment affiliates manage or administer $101 billion in client investment assets. City National is dedicated to strengthening communities, and in 2024 alone, the company made charitable contributions of nearly $10 million to nonprofits that support the communities it serves.*City National Bank does business in Miami and the state of Florida as CN Bank.ContactNicole BusenbarkMotion Controls Robotics419.334.5886sales@mcri-us.com

In the dynamic world of material handling, where the efficiency and safety of operations hinge on the reliability of equipment, the often-overlooked heroes are the casters and wheels. Both play a pivotal role in the seamless movement of loads through industrial environments, yet the intricacies of selecting the right ones are often underestimated.Before you add to cart consider these common mistakes to avoid.Ignoring Load Limits: The Pitfalls of Overlooking Capacity RequirementsExceeding the recommended load capacity of casters can result in premature wear, damage, and failure. Most loads don't maintain an even weightacross the length and width of the platform. An off-center load could overload even the most durable casters. If a caster fails due to excessive weight, it can potentially cause injuries to workers and damage to products or infrastructure.It's crucial to accurately assess load requirements and choose casters that can accommodate the appropriate load capacity (including the weight of your cart!) Pro Tip: For optimal load distribution and safety, the common mistake of dividing the load capacity by 4 overlooks crucial factors. Instead, we advise dividing by 3 to account for potential uneven floors and to ensure stability. There are two reasons for this: First, on uneven surfaces, 3 or fewer casters bear a greater load, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the load can be adequately supported by 3 casters for operator safety and equipment integrity.Second, unpredictable load distribution necessitates planning for potential shifts, whether due to floor irregularities or weight imbalances. Adjusting the load rating accordingly ensures a proactive approach to prevent potential issues.Material Mismatch: Why the Right Wheel Matters for Your EnvironmentWheels are used in material handling because they significantly reduce the force required to move an object. Think about the force needed to push a heavy box across a floor. Static friction demands a specific applied force to initiate motion, and once in motion, dynamic friction insists on a consistent force to sustain it. The person exerting the force encounters a delicate balance: their applied force against the friction force generated by the box's weight and the floor. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the factors that impact caster performance.Will it navigate rough or uneven floor conditions? Is floor protection a priority? Does noise or speed play a role? Will the wheel be subjected to washdown or high-heat applications? These are the questions that guide the meticulous selection of the right caster and wheel.The complexities within polyurethane wheels alone can create paralysis in selecting the right type. Add in metal, nylon, rubber, and pneumatic, and it becomes even more crucial to comprehend the environment the wheel will be working in. Choosing caster materials unsuitable for the environment can have a significant impact on rolling resistance, triggering a waterfall effect of potential issues including compromised performance and durability, premature wear, failure, and a more strenuous work environment.Pro Tip: Casters and wheels come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to match unique performance requirements. Some roll-on tracks and temperatures up to 500F. Others bear 40,000-pound loads inside and outside the factory. Gather application data and choose an industrial caster/wheel manufacturer (or distributor) that you trust to help you select the right caster. Taking these extra steps will prevent headaches down the road. RELATED: Casters, Wheels, and Accessories GuideMaintaining Momentum: Why Speed Matters Most casters are rated for walking speed (3-5 mph), but sometimes the need for speed extends beyond this. Faster speeds require a caster that can not only withstand the increased velocity but also the increased severity of impacts. When towing loads at accelerated paces, it becomes imperative to assess not only the wheel material but the bearing type as well.Precision ball bearings can typically handle higher speeds and radial forces. These bearings are best for manual applications due to lower start-up forces. Wheels used in towing applications benefit from tapered wheel bearings as they run at higher speeds and encounter turns under load. These bearings are best for side load conditions as well as higher industrial speeds. Pushing the speed boundaries requires casters that can keep up without compromising performance or safety.Pro Tip: Larger wheel diameters and axles, more robust swivel construction, and bearing selection are critical components that enhance casters' overall performance and endurance at higher speeds. Overlooking Safety Standards: Don’t Put Your Workplace at RiskAccording to the Spine Research Institute at The Ohio State University, over 1.3 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders that lead to low back, neck, shoulder, and other joint pain. While the causal pathways of these disorders are influenced by a multitude of factors, the workplace environment is a consideration.Adhering to safety standards ensures casters used in material handling meet specific load capacity, durability, and design criteria. This compliance is directly tied to workplace safety, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and damage to both personnel and property. Following safety standards helps create a safer working environment by ensuring casters can withstand the demands of the application.Pro Tip: Ask if the manufacturer is a member of the Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers (ICWM), a Material Handling Institute (MHI) subgroup. Members are committed to safety and must adhere to certain criteria such as the American National Standard ANSI ICWM-2018, Vocabulary, Performance, and Testing Requirements for Casters and Wheels. This Standard is intended to guide owners, users, designers, purchasers, and/or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems.Neglecting Maintenance: The Silent Killer of Caster LongevityAccording to Forbes, unplanned/unscheduled downtime represents one of the costliest events at any manufacturing plant.  Specific to casters, failing to perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubrication, can lead to the accumulation of foreign objects and debris on caster components. This accelerates wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of the casters and increasing the risk of failure and unplanned downtime.Alternatively, planned downtime is a proactive approach to preventing breakdowns, and the build-up of contaminants within your caster to prolong the life of your equipment. Should you be using a caster that is not maintenance-free, it is important to implement a routine maintenance schedule that includes cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of caster components. Pro Tip: Have you considered maintenance-free casters? These casters minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs by eliminating the need for lubrication or regular upkeep. Featuring sealed precision bearings and durable construction, they provide consistent performance, enhanced safety, and cleaner operation. Perfect for lean manufacturing, automated systems, and industries like aerospace, automotive manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, electronics assembly, cleanrooms, and renewable energy.As we understand the pitfalls explored above, it becomes evident that the right caster choice is not just about functionality but a commitment to safety, efficiency, and longevity. So, before you proceed with your next caster purchase, remember the cardinal rules: respect load limits, choose materials wisely, embrace routine maintenance, adhere to safety standards, and consider the often-underestimated factor – velocity. Each decision contributes to a chain reaction of reliability and performance in the workplace.Never consider casters and wheels a commodity; rather consider them the foundation of a safe, efficient, and enduring material handling environment.For more information visit hamiltoncaster.com or www.mhi.org/icwm.

Conveyor and sortation equipment is essential for optimizing material handling systems. CSS educates the industry on key features, advantages, and emergingtechnologies while addressing market challenges through outreach. It provides valuable educational resources, promotes collaboration between manufacturers andtechnology providers, networking and supports career growth in the sector to drive innovation.

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries are an established and popular power source for consumer electronics, tools, appliances, and now passenger cars. One market which stands to benefit from the cost, efficiency and performance advantages of lithium-ion batteries is that of material handling equipment.This document presents an overview of the Lithium-Ion platform, including advantages and challenges of Lithium-Ion systems.

This Guideline was developed by the Lift Manufacturers ("LIFT"), an Industry Group of the Material Handling Institute ("MHI"); and represents suggested practices and considerations for precautionary labels on Industrial Scissors Lifts and Tilters. It is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers and/or specifiers of such equipment. It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting, and purchasing such a system, its repair or its replacement, and should not be relied upon as such. However, such a safety program should be developed, and an independent adviser should be consulted in doing so.

Material Handling is the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. The focus is on the methods, mechanical equipment, systems and related controls used to achieve these functions. See also, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Third Party Logistics. Note that all of referenced terms are highly interrelated and their definitions are frequently intermingled.

Controls refer to the control devices (and software) required to operate powered, mechanical material handling equipment. It is the emphasis on control that ultimately leads to an integrated system and brings about the level of coordination in material and information flow that is desired. With automated information handling, the word "controls" embraces specific pieces of hardware, software, a communication network and the human user interfaces used to capture and transmit data and instruction and invoke action. See also Integrated Systems & Controls .

Logistics Execution Systems manage inventory, space, material handling equipment, labor and transportation resources to assure timely, error-free fulfillment and visibility of order status throughout the supply chain.

Boxabl is a unique company, manufacturing high quality homes which can be delivered on a flatbed truck and erected the same day. American Equipment LLC recommended the installation of three 7.5-ton capacity top-running, single girder cranes from R&M Materials Handling, Inc. The cranes, which span 47ft 7ins and provide 25ft of lift, feature R&M’s SX low headroom wire rope hoists, which help to maximize the lifting height of each system.

Jet Stream, a leading supplier of plastic pipe for irrigation and sewer systems was looking to improve inefficiencies in their production processes. They wanted to gain better control of their pipe loading and binding process by reducing the manual tasks and integrating material handling equipment that would do the hard work for them. No, small task due to the enormity in size of the pipes and the reorienting requirements coming out of fabrication to get them ready for stacking and binding.

Klapperich Tool, Inc. provides machine shop services for tool and equipment manufacturers. The facility is equipped with milling machines, metal lathes, surface grinders, CNC machines, wire electrical discharge machines, welding machines, and more. Klapperich Tool has used propane forklifts and a single portable jib crane for their material handling which required a need for coordination and the forklifts also caused a high concentration of propane exhaust fumes. To replace their old system, Klapperich Tool purchased a Spanco Freestanding Workstation Bridge Crane with 104-foot, six-inch long runways.

This guidance document represents user considerations associated with industrial work platforms. It was developed by the Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) and is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers, or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems. It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting, and purchasing such a system, and should not be relied upon as such. Such a program should be developed, and an independent adviser should be consulted in doing so.

The Ergonomics Toolbox is a new interactive, multi-media CD-ROM designed to aid companies in assessing task evaluation and equipment recommendations for manual material handling. Produced by the Ergonomics Assist Systems and Equipment (EASE) Council in

This guidance document represents user considerations associated with multi-level shelving. It was developed by the Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) and is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers, or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems. It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting, and purchasing such a system, and should not be relied upon as such. Such a program should be developed, and an independent adviser should be consulted in doing so.