Telepresence and delta style robots come of age at latest combined Automate and Promat Shows

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the Automate Show (robots and vision) and the Promat Show (material handling) that ran jointly in Chicago, with emphasis on the new robot innovations and applications on display. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots, as well as system integrators who apply robots to specific categories of applications. Findings – Telepresence robots have come of age with multiple vendors offering units. Delta robots have found a niche in quick handling of packing and order assembly tasks. Practical implications – Customers will have to begin thinking of robots as much more that automated workers and start to envision them as tools for making it possible for people to be in more than one place at the same time. Logistics customers need to examine the abilities of the delta style robot to do more and faster order assembly than ever before. Originality/value – A fresh look at innovations in robotic technology for users. Robots are not limited to just “heavy” lifting any more.