The market for logistics robots is set to hit 620,000 a year by 2021, according to market intelligence firm Tractica, – that compares to just 40,000 in 2016.
The growth of robotics in logistics is exemplified by developments at Amazon and Ocado which have both been developing robotic warehouses in the UK. And both will be speaking at the Robotics and Automation Exhibition which takes place in Milton Keynes on 10 – 11 October. The exhibition is growing dramatically following the success of last year’s event and is on track to be three times the size.
Alex Harvey, head of robotics and autonomous systems at Ocado, will provide the opening keynote looking at the development of robotics in the warehouse. Amazon’s regional director of operations will be the keynote speaker on the second day of the event focusing on the picking and packing process.
The conference sessions will include presentations from leading academics in the field. Prof Peter Childs, head of the Dyson School of Design Engineering at Imperial College London, will look at upskilling with robots. And Dr Ildar Farkhatdinov, lecturer in robotics at Queen Mary, University of London, will focus on designing robots to interact with people.
The Robotics & Automation exhibition will host more than 80 companies demonstrating their technology, its practical application and competitive advantage.
Last year’s exhibition provide to be a big hit with exhibitors and visitors alike. Tara Baker from KUKA Robotics said: “WOW what a first day. Today, KUKA launched our new trailer at the Robotics and Automation show down in MK, and I can honestly say, it is the best show I have ever attended.”
And Tapani Tilus, vice president, head of Agilon business at Konecranes said: “Fantastic day with close to a hundred customer discussions today.”
Russell Holmes of ABB, a leading supplier of industrial robots said: “The event is really good, nice and busy. A good range both from manufacturing and warehousing. It’s also nice to see what other competition is doing.”
And Dr Paul Rivers, managing director of Guidance Automation, said: “It’s been very, very good. I brought seven members of the team so thought it might look overcrowded. But they’ve all been really, really busy. The whole automation world is booming.”
Logistics Manager will be publishing a supplement ahead of the event featuring all of the exhibitors.
For further details, contact Nairn Foster, tel: 020 7953 3807, email: nairn.foster@akabomedia.co.uk
