URBX Robotic Storage System Delivers 500 Cases or Totes Per Hour Per Robot, Reaches 125 Feet High, and Eliminates Traditional Aisle RequirementsWIXOM, MI – October 8, 2025 – Integrated Systems Design (ISD) announces the launch of its URBX automated storage and retrieval system, a Cube robotic ASRS system that fundamentally changes how distribution centers, warehouses and manufacturers operations approach high-density storage and rapid fulfillment.The URBX Cube Robotics ASRS system addresses three critical pain points facing warehouse operators: insufficient floor space, unsustainable labor costs, and inadequate throughput capacity to meet ecommerce and omnichannel delivery demands."Traditional ASRS systems require aisles for cranes or forklifts. This robotic cube system eliminates that waste," states Bob Jones, Senior Analyst and Consultant at ISD. "You're storing inventory in what used to be empty air. That matters when you're paying $15 per square foot."The Floor Space Problem Gets WorseDistribution centers and warehouses face a fundamental constraint—they're running out of room. Adding square footage increases inefficiencies and wastes valuable time. Industrial real estate rates continue climbing. Building new facilities takes 18-24 months and requires capital expenditures that strain budgets.Meanwhile, inventory requirements increase. SKU proliferation forces warehouses to stock more items in more variations. Ecommerce returns add to storage demands. Safety stock levels rise to buffer against supply chain disruptions.The math doesn't work. You need 40% more storage capacity but can't expand your footprint. Traditional solutions—racking configurations, mezzanines, off-site storage— don't solve the core problem."We've seen operations store inventory in trailers parked in their lots," Romaine explains. "That's not a storage strategy. That's desperation. You can't efficiently pick from a trailer 200 yards from your packing stations. I’ve seen a facility that parked trailers permanently at non-essential dock doors and just kept the doors open and utilized it as storage. This creates hazards and congestion and simply indicates a much larger problem… lack of floor space."How URBX Cube Robotics ASRS Changes the EquationThe new ISD URBX Cube robotic ASRS operates on different principles than conventional crane and aisle and other Cube automated storage systems.Instead of using cranes moving through fixed aisles, autonomous robots traverse a three- dimensional grid structure. They climb vertically and move horizontally without dedicated travel lanes. Each robot accesses any storage location within the grid. The system stores totes in a dense Cube arrangement—eliminating the wasted aisle space that traditional ASRS requires.The storage density improvements are significant. A Cube robotic system typically achieves 3-4 times the storage capacity of conventional racking in the same footprint. The system reaches heights up to 125 feet—utilizing vertical space, which most facilities leave empty.Each robot handles up to 100 pounds and completes up to 500 presentations per hour. That's 1000 transactions hourly when counting both storage and retrieval operations.Multiple robots work simultaneously within the same grid structure, scaling throughput based on demand."Think of it as three-dimensional chess," notes Ed Romaine, VP Marketing and Business Development at ISD. "The robots know where every tote or case sits. AI-driven software constantly optimizes their pathways.They're storing popular SKUs in easily accessible locations and moving slow-movers to deeper positions—automatically, continuously, without human intervention."Technical Specifications That MatterThe system's capabilities address real operational requirements:Storage Performance• Handles cases and/or totes• Maximum height: 125 feet• Load capacity: up to 100 pounds per tote• Tote or case handling rate: 500 per hour per robot• Transaction rate: 1000 storage/retrieval cycles per robot hourly• Tote and case dimensions: accommodates 6-inch to 24-inch containers for maximum flexibilityIntegration Capabilities• Compatible with standard conveyor systems• Interfaces with warehouse management software (WMS), warehouse control systems (WCS) and/or warehouse execution systems (WES)• Integrates with existing pick-to-light and goods-to-person technologies• Integrates with palletizers and outbound shipping systemsOperational Features• Machine learning algorithms optimize robot tasking and routing• AI-driven grid technology maximizes throughput• Vision systems detect dimensions, anomalies, and barcodes• Redundant robot fleet ensures continuous operationSystem Architecture• Modular design allows phased implementation• Scalable configuration grows with business requirements• Fault-tolerant operation continues during individual robot maintenance• Remote monitoring enables predictive maintenanceReal-World ApplicationsThe Cube robotic ASRS serves multiple industries facing storage and throughput challenges.Ecommerce operations benefit from rapid order fulfillment speeds and high inventory visibility. The system handles split-case picking efficiently—a critical requirement for direct-to-consumer fulfillment.Case handling applications allows organizations to cost-effectively store, sequence, buffer, stage, and retrieve cases automatically without any human intervention.Retail distribution centers use the technology for omnichannel order processing. The same system fulfills store replenishment orders and individual customer shipments without reconfiguration.Third-party logistics providers leverage the system's flexibility to serve multiple clients from shared facilities. They reconfigure storage allocations quickly as customer requirements change.Pharmaceutical distributors appreciate the system's accuracy and inventory control capabilities. The technology provides real-time location tracking and supports first-expired-first-out (FEFO) picking strategies.Electronics manufacturers utilize the system for component storage and kitting operations. The high-density storage accommodates thousands of low-volume SKUs in minimal floor space."One automotive parts distributor we worked with needed to double their SKU count without expanding their building," Romaine states. "Traditional racking couldn't deliver that. The Cube robotic system gave them 3.5 times their previous storage capacity in the same footprint. They canceled a planned facility expansion that would have cost $12 million."URBX Cube Robotics ASRS Implementation ApproachISD's OptimalOps-Process framework guides Cube robotic ASRS implementations from initial assessment through system validation.The process starts with comprehensive data analysis. ISD examines order profiles, SKU velocity, inventory characteristics, and workflow patterns. This analysis determines optimal system sizing and configuration.Design work considers both upstream and downstream operations. The Cube ASRS doesn't operate in isolation—it connects to receiving processes, picking workstations, packing stations, and shipping sorters. ISD designs these integration points for seamless material flow.Implementation planning addresses operational continuity. Most facilities can't shut down for system installation. ISD develops phased deployment strategies that maintain operations during construction and commissioning.Training programs prepare staff for new workflows. Technology changes how workers interact with inventory. Comprehensive training ensures smooth transitions and rapid productivity ramp-up."The technology works beautifully—when it's implemented correctly," Romaine emphasizes. "Poor integration kills ROI. We've seen expensive systems underperform because nobody thought about how totes move from receiving to the ASRS input, or how picked orders flow to packing stations. You need integrators who understand the entire workflow, not just the equipment."Return on Investment Factors for URBX Cube Robotics ASRSCube robotic ASRS investments typically deliver ROI through multiple operationalimprovements:Labor Reduction Manual picking requires workers to travel, search, and retrieve items. The Cube system brings inventory to stationary picking positions. Labor productivity typically improves 3-4 times compared to manual operations.Space Optimization Increased storage density eliminates expansion requirements.Organizations avoid capital expenditures for building additions or new facilities. Some operations consolidate multiple locations into single automated facilities.Accuracy Improvement Automated storage and retrieval eliminates location errors. Vision systems verify tote contents. Pick accuracy typically exceeds 99.9%—reducing returns, customer complaints, and reshipment costs.Throughput Capacity The system scales throughput by adding robots to the grid structure. Organizations handle peak volumes without temporary labor surges or overtime expenses.Inventory Visibility Real-time location tracking provides accurate inventory data. Organizations reduce safety stock requirements and improve inventory turns."One Ecommerce operation calculated their payback at 22 months," notes Romaine. "They eliminated 18 picking positions, gained 12,000 additional pallet positions, and improved order accuracy from 98.1% to 99.7%. Those aren't hypothetical benefits. They're documented results measured six months post implementation."Why ISD as Your URBX Cube Robotics ASRS Integration PartnerISD brings 60-plus years of warehouse automation experience to Cube robotic ASRS implementations. The company's OEM-agnostic approach ensures clients receive optimal solutions rather than vendor-locked specifications.ISD's expertise extends beyond equipment installation. The company analyzes entire facility operations—from receiving through shipping—designing integrated solutions that maximize performance across all processes.The OptimalOps-Process framework provides systematic methodology for assessment, design, implementation, and validation. This structured approach minimizes risk and accelerates time to full productivity.ISD maintains relationships with leading material handling equipment manufacturers. This network provides access to proven technologies and ensures long-term support availability."We're integrators who happen to manufacture some products—not manufacturers trying to be integrators," Romaine concludes. "That difference matters. We recommend Cube robotics if it's the right solution. We recommend other technologies when they fit better.Your operational success is our success. We're partners, not vendors."For organizations evaluating automated storage solutions or seeking to optimize existing warehouse operations, ISD offers free consultations to assess operational performance and identify improvement opportunities.About ISD - Integrated Systems DesignISD is a leading systems integrator specializing in warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing operations, as well as an OEM provider of the UltraStore Mid-Load ASRS system. Our proprietary OptimalOps-Process™ features an 8-step framework designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, expedite ROI, and future-proof operations by optimizing picking, sorting, packing, and shipping processes.At ISD, we prioritize collaboration, working closely with clients to define objectives, conduct comprehensive data analyses, and implement strategic planning. This partnership creates high-performance, tailored solutions that align with operational and business KPIs.Our extensive offerings encompass conveyor systems, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), robotics, sortation systems, warehouse software, pallet handling, packaging automation, and order fulfillment technologies.With 60-plus years of experience and an OEM-agnostic approach, ISD delivers customized solutions that maximize ROI and operational effectiveness. For more information, visit www.isddd.comVideo Link: https://youtu.be/vfHuAcZZpNQContactEd RomaineChief Marketing Officereromaine@isddd.com.

High-quality gear motors from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS are a crucial piece of the manufacturing puzzle for this Georgia-based automation provider.Consider the following scenario: guided by vision sensors, a robot spots a product on a moving conveyor, determines its exact position and, in one fluid motion, picks it up and places it into a waiting assembly, carrier tray, or shipping container. What human operators once found tiring—or at least tedious—the robot performs flawlessly, hour after hour, even long after its flesh-and-blood coworkers have gone home for the evening.Given the ongoing shortage of skilled workers, we can expect to see many more such scenarios, especially as the U.S. ramps up its reshoring efforts. That's where John London, Director of Operations at MESH Automation, comes in. "Getting parts and products positioned precisely without fail—there's little room for error," he says. “That’s long been one of the primary challenges with many competing automation systems. But not for us.”Since its founding in 1999, MESH Automation of Dawsonville, Georgia, has been meeting these and other automation challenges head-on. The company designs and builds robotic palletizing, machine tending, material handling, and warehouse control systems for an eclectic mix of customers across practically every industrial manufacturing sector.Whether they’re building solutions for automakers and their tier suppliers or food processors, roofing material producers, fertilizer manufacturers and many others, MESH and its 40+ employees work to provide robust and reliable automation systems by focusing on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.Proud PartnershipsPart of this success stems from strategic partnerships with some of the leading names in automation. These include FANUC, Siemens, and Cognex, to name a few, all of which contribute to MESH Automation's reputation for quality and dependability. But with automation comes the equally important need to bring products and materials to and from the machine tool, packing station, or inspection system, and do so without fail.For this critical task, MESH depends on a supplier with equivalent recognition throughout the industry: NORD DRIVESYSTEMS. “I like to tell people that, even though we build conveyors, we're not a conveyor company,” says London. “Still, we make a lot of them, and pretty much all are located within 30 feet or so of a robot.”For the past three years, he adds, each of these conveyors has used NORD helical worm gear motors tomove whatever’s sitting on top of it.This particular partnership began thanks to a COVID-induced supply chain disruption; after MESH Automation’s previous gearmotor supplier ran into inventory problems, London and his team reached out to their distributor, Motion Automation Intelligence of Birmingham. The sales representative there suggested they give NORD a try. Unfortunately, the very first shipment hit a snag—the motors arrived damaged in transit."That's when I knew NORD would be a good company to work with," London says. “Their standard lead time was six weeks at the time, but they were able to deliver replacement motors in just two, keeping us on schedule. That told me a lot about their emphasis on customer service.”This support level continues to this day. In one recent example, a MESH apprentice accidentally wired three motors incorrectly, causing them to burn out during startup. After being notified of the situation, NORD's Charlotte plant prepared replacements within a few hours, allowing a MESH project manager to pick them up that afternoon. "That was a big deal for us, and it reinforced what I already knew: NORD DRIVESYSTEMS is a solid company, as is our relationship with them," London says.Diverse NeedsThe partnership with NORD has served them well. As noted earlier, MESH enjoys a diverse customer base, with no industry segment exceeding 25% of its business. “We don't want just one industry feeding us," London explains. "Despite their differing needs, however, we're able to cost-effectively deliver automated systems to each of these industries due to our use of pre-engineered platforms, which we can easily modify for specific applications.” He laughs. “No two are identical, although we do use terms around here like 'half identical’ and ‘three-quarters identical’ to describe the level of customization needed to meet customer requirements.”NORD helps in this respect as well. For instance, MESH technicians can quickly change the gear ratio on any motor, a normally onerous chore made possible by NORD's modular, interchangeable components. This flexibility allows them to easily adjust the speed and torque to match the application without having to stock additional components. And when a special order is called for, notes London, "They've pretty much had whatever we need in stock or available within a couple of weeks."Whatever the customization level, these platforms often fall under the “MAC” family of automation cells—the MACTend for machine tending, the MACPac for packaging tasks, the MACGrind for finishing small- to medium-sized parts, and so on. Together with its assortment of process-specific “bolt-on” modules, each offers a starting point for MESH engineers to design what are effectively custom solutions but without the associated price point.Prove ItAmong the many customer success stories posted on the company website is a manufacturer of carpet tiles, which needed to feed "master" tiles to a press that cuts them into smaller pieces, a step known as "planking." Here, MESH delivered a cell containing a pair of vision-equipped robots and custom end-of-arm tooling ableto replicate the delicate but ergonomically taxing motions of a human operator.In another, a company that constructs hurricane-proof sheds wanted an automated way to screw the wall and roof panels to the wooden frame. In the past, this operation proved both labor-intensive and error-prone. Yet MESH designed a system with two robots, each armed with a screw gun to fasten the panels, following pre-programmed paths and working around window and door openings while ensuring consistent attachmentquality.And a company supplying machined components to its automotive customer desired to augment its human workforce by going “lights out” for three days at a time. This endeavor wouldn't be notable except for the fact that two different castings were used to produce six different part numbers, which meant that the system had to be "smart" enough to identify each workpiece before loading it into the CNC lathe. MESH accommodated this requirement by integrating a vision inspection system into the cell, reading each casting number and tracking it both during and after machining.Each of these solutions and many others share a common theme: the need for dependable conveyors to move products, parts, and materials into and out of the cell. Without them, nothing happens, which is why the company continues to rely on NORD products, despite their being a bit more expensive than those of the previous supplier.Says London, “We buy around seventy NORD gear motors each year and are actually paying slightly more than we did before, but the partnership we've built is well worth the extra money. We’re not one to beat someone up on price and then run away when there's an issue—instead, we place great value on suppliers who offer a fair price and stand behind their products. That’s what NORD does.”Fast MoversMESH's latest project may be its most ambitious yet: a robotic induction system for e-commerce sortation, which debuted at the recent ProMat 2025 trade show. The system uses a vision-guided robot to pick items from bins, scan barcodes on either side of the box, package, or envelope, and place each on a high-speed conveyor feeding a bomb bay-style sorter. Here again, the system depends on NORD worm gear motors to keep everything moving.London notes that the scanning capability eliminates a key limitation of current systems, where operators must place items with barcodes facing upward. “Our system doesn't care which way the label faces. It also picks 1,800 items per hour—well beyond what a human operator can achieve. We think it’s the first such solution on the market.”When asked a question that’s at the top of mind for many—whether automation is putting people out of work—London pushes back. “Our robotic cells don't replace people—they move them to better jobs. For example, I’ve seen how the companies that implement automation can often expand their quality control efforts. They put more energy into making sure products meet higher standards. And because workers no longer have to perform the repetitive, oftentimes strenuous tasks common in manufacturing, they’re able to spend more time on process improvement, oversight, and other value-added activities. It's better for everyone involved and makes the company more profitable to boot. That's what automation delivers.”About NORD DRIVESYSTEMSWith more than 4,900 employees, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has been developing, producing, and selling drive technology for over 50 years, and it is a global leader among full-service providers in the industry. In addition to standard drives, NORD delivers application-specific designs and solutions for special requirements, such as energy-saving drives or explosion-protected systems. NORD has subsidiaries and sales partners in 80 countries worldwide. The dense sales and service network guarantees optimal availability, enabling short delivery times, and customer-oriented service. NORD produces a very diverse range of drives for torques from 88 lb-in to more than 2.5 million lb-in, provides motors in the power range of 0.16 – 1,341 hp, and manufactures frequency inverters with the required power electronics of up to 200 hp. Inverter solutions are available for conventional control cabinet installations as well as for decentralized, fully-integrated drive units. Visit nord.com.ContactArielle SPOTTS608-850-1444Arielle.Spotts@nord.com

MHI (The Association That Makes Supply Chains Work), a leading trade association representing over 1,000 member companies in the material handling and supply chain industry, confirms that ProGMA (Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association) is an official Industry Group operating under the MHI umbrella.MHI Industry Groups are specialized communities formed to advance specific technologies and solutions within the supply chain sector. These groups are governed by MHI-appointed managing executives and member volunteers, and are not independent entities. ProGMA has long been part of MHI’s internal structure and functions as one of these collaborative groups.As part of MHI’s digital strategy, all Industry Groups are represented through showcase pages under MHI’s main LinkedIn presence. This approach ensures consistent branding and unified representation across the organization. ProGMA joins other MHI Industry Groups in this structure, including: MHI Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers TRG (The Robotics Group) of MHI CSS (Conveyor & Sortation Systems) Industry Group of MHI MAG (Mobile Automation Group) Industry Group of MHI MHI Storage Manufacturers Association RMI Rack Safety SLAM Industry Group of MHI (Scan | Label | Apply | Manifest)This alignment reinforces ProGMA’s role within MHI and supports a cohesive digital presence that reflects the collaborative nature of all MHI Industry Groups.To further explore the affiliation between MHI and ProGMA, please refer to the following official MHI resources: ProGMA Debuts New Logo Reinforcing Industry Leadership (MHI.org) Sorting Through Protective Guarding Solutions with Expert Help (MHI Solutions Magazine) Who is ProGMA? (MHI Video)For more information about MHI, visit mhi.org.To learn more about MHI Industry Groups, visit mhi.org/industrygroups.To learn more about ProGMA, visit mhi.org/progma.About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 1,000 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, workforce solution providers, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, the members’ customers, and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association produces the ProMat and MODEX expositions that showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehousing, distribution, and logistics community.

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.

Description of Types of Conveyor and Sortation Systems

Introduction to Conveyor and Sortation Systems: Conveyors and sortation systems allow for more efficient movement of materials within retail, wholesale, distribution, and manufacturing operations. Because they are engineered to transport and organize large volumes of materials rapidly through a process, conveyors and sortation equipment save labor expense and increase handling productivity.