Too many warehouse automation projects are failing, leading to widespread layoffs in the autonomous mobile robots industry, and putting the future of organizations at risk.

Autonomous lift trucks are all the rage in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, says David Griffin, chief sales officer with Seegrid. But bringing them on requires extensive preparation.

Monty McVaugh, head of products with Opex Corporation, tackles two major challenges in the warehouse today: the chronic labor shortage, and demand by customers for ever-faster order fulfillment.

Bringing technology into a warehouse — especially robotics — is no simple task. Kim Losey, chief growth officer with Rapid Robotics, discusses the right way to introduce innovation.

It may sound surprising, but what differentiates humanoid robotics from a lot of other automation technologies is that it actually takes nothing to prepare for it, says Damion Shelton, president of Agility Robotics.

Gina Chung, vice president corporate development with Locus Robotics, traces the progress of artificial intelligence in the warehouse, and the ever-broadening scope of functions that it's driving today.

Inventory distortion isn't just a problem for supply chain teams; it results in missed sales, dissatisfied customers, excess wastage and capital tied up in stocks.

The rise of digitization is making warehouse processes more efficient, by automating tasks and giving employees time to focus on more complex duties.

Artificial intelligence can aid in the primary goal of warehouse management: to get the right inventory as close to the end-consumer as possible, says Corey Calla, president and CEO of SencorpWhite.

The practice of gamification is contributing to a more highly motivated workforce in the warehouse, says Ken Ramoutar, chief marketing officer of Lucas Systems Inc.