MODEX 2020 will certainly be one the Waypoint team won’t soon forget. MHI made the difficult decision to move forward with the event while taking every precaution to keep us all safe amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Given the circumstances, we made the best of it.
While the overall attendance was much lower than a typical MODEX, those who did attend were there for a reason; with a sense of urgency and mission. We met with supply chain professionals looking for real solutions that reduce the amount of time valuable workers waste moving materials. Interest, therefore, was high for Waypoint’s easy to use, omnidirectional mobile robots that empower workers to get more done and focus on higher value tasks.
Here’s a VIDEO of CEO Jason Walker talking about new products and our mission, and the following is a summary of highlights:
Waypoint / Numina Partnership Makes Waves
Monday saw the official announcement of Waypoint’s partnership with The Numina Group. During the press conference, CEO of Numina Group Dan Hanrahan and Waypoint Robotics CEO Jason Walker talked about how Numina Group’s Real-time Distribution Software, RDS™ Batch Bot Voice Picking application integrates with Waypoint’s Vector™ AMR and Kingpin™ to provide an innovative, highly efficient order picking solution that ultimately reduces worker walk time and fatigue. The press conference was attended by top industry publications and covered in The Robot Report, Supply Chain Management Review , and Supply & Demand Chain Executive among others.
Kingpin™ Unveiled
MODEX also featured the big reveal of the Waypoint Kingpin™ AMR top module for automatic loading/unloading AND cart pulling. Kingpin is the first all-in-one AMR top module that can lift and hitch. It enables Waypoint’s industrial strength, omnidirectional AMRs to automatically load and unload payloads AND connect to a variety of carts offering unmatched flexibility for materials movement.
MAV3K™ Released
Waypoint also showed off a production model of MAV3K™ (short for Mega Vector 3000), the only industrial strength, omnidirectional AMR with a carrying capacity of 3000 lbs. A variety of applications were discussed for MAV3K such as moving large rolls of yarn, delivering pallets of automotive parts to a distribution center, handling both full and empty molds, and picking oversized parts. Visitors to the Waypoint booth loved MAV3K’s versatility, omnidirectional mobility, and smooth movement. They appreciated options for connecting MAV3K to most WMS or ERP systems and wireless, autonomous charging.
EnZone Wireless Charging & WiBotic partnership
Also on full display at MODEX was Waypoint’s EnZone – the first and only truly wireless charging option for AMRs. We were side by side with Waypoint technology partner, WiBotic, so attendees received saw a complete demonstration of the many benefits of a contactless wireless charging system that is efficient, actively manages power, and requires no maintenance. Get in touch to learn why EnZone is the safest, most reliable means for autonomously charging AMRs.
A Roadmap for How to Include Workers in Industry 4.0
We often write about the importance of empowering the workforce with easy to use automation tools. At MODEX, CEO Jason Walker had multiple opportunities to explain how to include workers in automation initiatives. He gave two talks that detailed the strategy and methodology around putting robots in workers’ hands early and often to promote pride of ownership and unleash their creativity for continued process improvements. Jason first presented to Supply Chain Automation educators and students during the NCSCA Annual Symposium and then as part of MODEX’s workforce development track in the Emerging Technologies Theater. You can download or view the presentation here.
But wait, there’s more…
MODEX also saw the debut of Waypoint’s new booth display that featured augmented reality to virtually demonstrate the various top modules available to Vector, such as shelves, Kingpin and an integrated robot arm for mobile manipulation. All of this information can be found in our shiny new Vector Brochure now available for download. Special thanks to Link to VR for their excellent augmented reality development work. We look forward to expanding this tool for future displays and demos!
Despite the challenges, MODEX 2020 was a great show for the Waypoint team and we look forward to continuing conversations as we forge onwards and upwards. Most importantly, we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
Please contact us today if you have questions or would like to schedule a live demo of Vector & MAV3K and our growing family omnidirectional, autonomous industrial robots designed to empower your manufacturing workforce.
