Innovation and evolution don’t just happen. They are a result of continually challenging the boundaries and testing the unknown. That is where MHI’s Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) Industry Group comes in—as far as automated solutions are concerned. The companies in this group are repeatedly questioning and challenging the limits in order to come up with innovative and cutting-edge technologies that will help everyone in the supply chain impacted by the capabilities of AS/RS equipment.

MHI recently released the list of finalists for the 2019 MHI Innovation Awards. After receiving 108 submissions for this year’s awards, six independent judges comprised of professionals from the material handling and supply chain industry completed the initial vetting process. Four finalists were chosen as the most innovative products in each category – Best New Innovation; Best Innovation of an Existing Product; and Best IT Innovation based on concept, value, and impact.

The Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers (ICWM) Industry Group of MHI has released a video titled “How Wheels and Casters Move the World.” The video outlines how objects become easier to move in an industrial environment when they are mounted on wheels and casters.

The Overhead Alliance—a marketing arm for the Monorail Manufacturers Association, the Hoist Manufacturers Institute and the Crane Manufacturers Association of America—has been busy. Most recently, they have been promoting items ranging from the Overhead Crane Safety Conference at ProMat 2019 as well as activities designed to solidify these groups’ relationships with OSHA.

The Conveyor and Sortation Systems (CSS) Industry Group of MHI is pleased to announce completed updates to their Application Guidelines for Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors document.

With e-commerce continuing to grow, customers increasingly expecting orders to be delivered yesterday and a shortage of talented labor, it’s no secret that supply chains are being pushed to the max. Adding new automation technologies to warehouses and distribution centers is essential to streamline processes and increase capacity. But it also is a daunting undertaking that poses considerable risk in terms of capital investments and disruptions to operations.

If you’re in the supply chain business, then you know it’s important to stay current on the latest and future trends in artificial intelligence (AI). Research from the Global Artificial Intelligence in Supply Chain Market report predicts global artificial intelligence in the supply chain is expected to exceed $6,548 million by 2024.