Warehouse automation solutions provider Exotec has named Bastian Solutions (Bastian), a Toyota Advanced Logistics company, as its latest official technology integrator for the North American market.
The company has said this will enable Bastian to sell and install its flagship Skypod system in Canada and the US, and that the market is “continuing to shift towards highly performant and flexible warehouse robotics”.
The two firms have already partnered to implement a robotics solution for a sport equipment customer, with delivery of the site expected for 2024.
Read more: Exotec to provide robotic solutions for new AAG distribution centre
“Exotec’s scalable and adaptable solutions provide customers with transformative results. Their customer focus and innovation align perfectly with Bastian Solutions,” said Bastian Solutions, president and CEO, Aaron Jones.
The warehouse robotics company already delivered more than 20 customer sites across the US and Canada, with companies include Gap Inc., Ariat and Decathlon.
It is hoped that this partnership will provide a foundation for Exotec to expand its presence in the North American market, while also growing Bastian’s pool of technology offerings and clients.
Research from Vecna Robotics, in collaboration with CITE Research, has revealed that most supply chain decision-makers plan to introduce automation to some extent in the coming year, and that 40% have reported positive returns on investment from prior deployments.
This data comes from a survey of more than 1,000 supply chain professionals spanning industries such as automotive, third-party logistics (3PL), consumer goods, manufacturing, e-commerce and retail.
Despite optimistic attitudes to the introduction of robotics, the industry still expects to encounter significant obstacles before it sees widespread adoption.
By implementing solutions that cut costs and reduce physical strain on employees, and free them up for more value-added work, companies can use robotics to respond to the shifting landscape of modern e-commerce fulfilment.
As an integral part of the supply chain, warehouses are set to play a key role in broader robotics adoption.
Some of the wider issues that automation could help address include ‘The Great Resignation’ of 2021, which led to approximately 4.5m warehouse and transportation workers resigning. In 2022, 490,000 of jobs in this area were still vacant.
The latest developments in robotics and automated technologies for materials handling will be on show at the Robotics and Automation Exhibition, which will be held on 19-20 March 2024 at the NEC Birmingham. Register now to attend the UK’s biggest exhibition dedicated to robotics and automation, which is co-located with Britain’s biggest warehousing show, IntraLogisteX, where Exotec will be exhibiting at Stand 220.
