Roberto Michel

Robust.AI’s Carter becomes the first collaborative robot deployed in DHL’s Latin American operations. he plan calls for hundreds of the robots to be deployed over the long term.

From getting frontline worker buy-in for warehouse automation projects, to planning how to scale up systems in phases, these best practices are sure to be in vogue this coming year

This System Report shows how Veritable Vegetable modernized order fulfillment with voice-directed picking to improve accuracy, reduce paper use, and support its mission of sustainable, high-touch distribution for organic produce. By integrating voice technology with its ERP, the company cut errors by 40%, boosted productivity, enhanced visibility, and created a safer, more efficient warehouse operation without sacrificing customization or environmental values.

Starting later this year, and especially into 2027, a predicated return to growth in new warehouse starts prompts analyst firm to adjust its warehouse automation forecast upward. Interact Analysis now forecasts 2025’s warehouse automation order intake to rise by 7% over 2024, up from only a 1% increase predicted last May.

Amer Sports has deployed advanced, modular warehouse automation at a new fulfillment center near Toronto to support growing omnichannel demand while creating a standardized blueprint for future facilities worldwide. By integrating goods-to-person robotics, automated packaging and conveyor-based material flow, the company has significantly increased productivity, improved order speed and positioned its fulfillment network to scale alongside continued brand growth.

Modern’s 2026 Productivity Achievement Awards recognize companies that delivered exceptional gains in automation, robotics, DC network strategy, and operational innovation based on standout System Report case studies from 2025. This year’s winners—Performance Health, Staples, and Mouser Electronics—show how smart system design, orchestration, and execution drive measurable performance improvements across warehousing, innovation, and e-fulfillment.

All World Machinery Supply improved warehouse storage density and order picking productivity by deploying vertical lift modules (VLMs) integrated with a conveyor system to support high-SKU parts fulfillment. The automation cut storage footprint by 75%, increased picking efficiency by 400%, and delivered 99.8% order accuracy while supporting same-day shipping.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is standardizing a scalable automation blueprint across new greenfield DCs, leveraging pick modules, conveyor/sortation, WCS orchestration and semi-automated palletizing to boost throughput, accuracy and labor efficiency. At its Geismar, La. facility, the approach is delivering measurable gains—including a 25% increase in picking volume—while improving ergonomics, enabling future expansion and enhancing inventory visibility through drone-based cycle counting.

OnePointOne is leveraging an AutoStore-based AS/RS as the foundation of a modular vertical farming platform, using robotics and automation to grow, move, and harvest crops in a highly controlled indoor environment. By pairing automation with plant science, the company is aiming to localize food production, improve sustainability, and streamline distribution by bringing fresh products closer to end consumers.

National Forklift Safety Day returns June 9, bringing together lift truck manufacturers, safety experts and regulatory officials to discuss best practices for improving industrial truck safety. Hosted by the Industrial Truck Association, the annual event highlights the importance of operator training, industry education and workplace safety as forklift use continues to grow across warehouses and distribution centers.