As 2024 draws to a close, Robotics & Automation Magazine reflects on a transformative year for the industry in the USA. Our coverage has captured the sector’s technological evolution, providing insights into the innovations and milestones that defined the year.
This year saw US companies at the forefront of automation advancements, driving progress across a diverse range of industries. From manufacturing and healthcare to logistics, food and drink, and industrial production, automation technologies continued to break new ground. Developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have further propelled automation’s impact, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling smarter, more adaptable systems.
In 2024, US-based firms launched pioneering products, forged strategic partnerships, and addressed critical challenges in labour, sustainability and regulatory compliance. Companies navigated a shifting landscape, seizing opportunities for growth while tackling issues linked to workforce transformation and environmental responsibility.
This review highlights the most significant moments from our US coverage, spotlighting how robotics and automation are shaping the future of US industry. From technological breakthroughs to strategic industry shifts, 2024 underscored the sector’s role in redefining how businesses operate and how people live and work.
General Motors ditches its Cruise robotaxi business
Automotive manufacturer General Motors (GM) announced a strategic shift in its autonomous driving strategy, prioritising the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for personal vehicles. The move follows financial setbacks at its majority-owned Cruise subsidiary’s robotaxi operations. GM aims to reduce costs by more than US$1bn through the revised approach. READ MORE
International Longshoremen’s Association continues its fight against job losses 
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) continues to confront a critical challenge in ongoing negotiations with ocean carriers and employers regarding the future of automation in the shipping industry. Talks follow months of campaigning by the ILA and its members, who argue that increased automation threatens job security. READ MORE
Outreach Robotics works with environmental researchers to collect rare plant in Hawai’i 
Researchers from the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), Outreach Robotics and Hawai‘i’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife discovered a previously unknown cliff-dwelling plant on Kaua‘i island using drones and a robotic collecting arm. The discovery was deemed a significant breakthrough for conservationists, highlighting the extraordinary potential of robotic technology in environmental research and species preservations. READ MORE
US retailer to automate fulfilment centres with Ocado technology 
US retailer Kroger announced plans earlier this year to upgrade its customer fulfilment centres using technology from Ocado Group’s automation division, Ocado Intelligent Automation, to enhance efficiency and productivity. Ocado will showcase its robotic solutions at IntraLogisteX on March 25-26, which will be co-located with Akabo Media’s flagship events, Robotics and Automation Exhibition and the Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition. READ MORE
US farming robot start-up secures more than US$10m to advance solution 
In June, we reported that farming robotics developer Farm-ng had completed its Series A funding round, raising more than US$10m (£7.8m) to advance the development of its Amiga agricultural robot. READ MORE
IntraLogisteX expands into the USA!
In 2024, the UK’s leading warehouse automation exhibition, IntraLogisteX, made its debut in the USA with IntraLogisteX USA, held at the Miami Convention Center in Florida in October. Organised by Akabo Media, publisher of Robotics & Automation Magazine, the event established itself as an independent and dynamic platform for the US logistics and manufacturing sectors.
The inaugural exhibition showcased next-generation warehouse robotics and automation technologies from leading solution providers, including Onward Robotics, Ocado Intelligent Technologies, Moffett Automation, AutoStore, Dexory, Lucas Systems, VisionNav Robotics, and more. Attendees also had access to an extensive two-day conference programme featuring over 40 sessions from global industry leaders and prominent domestic organisations, such as Nike, Johnson & Johnson, and Stanley Black & Decker, delivered across two dedicated theatres. Watch the best bits from the show in the video below!
IntraLogisteX USA will return next year, on September 17-18, 2025. Click here for more information!
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