Chinese firms are becoming increasingly influential in the world of warehouse tech. Among them, Libiao Robotics is making waves with its AirRob system, writes Peter MacLeod. Libiao Robotics, manufacturer of the AirRob robot-based tote handling solution, recently held a global partner conference at its Hangzhou manufacturing facility near Shanghai, to which I was invited. As […]
Europe’s Driver Shortage Demands Long-Term Strategy
Europe’s transport system is facing an unprecedented challenge: a shortage of professional drivers that is already disrupting supply chains across the continent. As of 2024, over 426,000 truck driver positions remain unfilled in the EU, and the number is expected to almost double by 2028. Behind these figures lies a complex mix of factors, from […]
Solving the Dark Trailer Problem
Small data strategy matters in global asset tracking, helping to locate ‘dark trailers’, writes Alastair MacLeod (pictured, below), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ground Control, a company that provides satellite-centric M2M (machine-to-machine) and IoT (Internet of Things) technology services. For anyone running logistics operations, the number of ‘dark’ assets right now is a persistent frustration. […]
Warehousing Surge Ahead of Peak Season
As the peak shopping season approaches, retailers are putting the finishing touches to their seasonal strategies, to ensure shelves and online channels are well stocked to meet consumer demand. Last year’s UK Black Friday and Christmas sales showed a mixed performance. Despite a strong Black Friday, the entire 2024 festive period was somewhat lacklustre for […]
Drive Electronics Evolve with New Features
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS are expanding its range of drive electronics with new developments to meet changing industrial requirements. Frequency inverters have been part of the company’s modular drive systems since the 1980s, forming a key element of its complete motor and gear unit solutions. When designing drive systems, NORD places emphasis on factors such as energy […]
Towards an AVR Robotics Future
Craig McDonnell of ABB Robotics tells Logistics Business why the company’s new AI-enabled technology marks the next great breakthrough – Autonomous Versatile Robotics (AVR). ABB Robotics is no newcomer. The Swiss-based global power and automation business has a long and golden history in robotics. “ABB actually invented the modern computer-controlled electrical robot, 51 years ago,” […]
Forklift Market Positions for Recovery
After a year defined by delayed investment decisions, rising costs and fragile confidence, the UK forklift truck market is moving through a period of adjustment rather than retreat, a new financial report reveals.The latest UK Forklift Truck Market Outlook, compiled for the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) by Oxford Economics, shows that cost pressures and […]
Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls this Winter
From snow to ice and freezing temperatures, there is much to consider when winter-proofing warehouses and large sheds for the peak season. As temperatures drop and the first snow begins to fall, most of us hunker down indoors, but for the logistics industry the busiest season is just beginning. Winter weather creates a unique set […]
Fleet Managers Embracing AI
Recent research conducted by Microlise has revealed that over two-thirds of transport and logistics managers believe adopting AI will give companies a major competitive edge. AI has dominated conversations across every industry in 2025, and as the year draws to a close, its influence in transport and logistics is set to accelerate. The research found […]
Replacement Dock Leveller Launched
A fast, cost-effective solution aimed to minimise loading bay disruptions has been unveiled. Rite-Hite, one of the leading manufacturers of loading bay and industrial safety equipment, has launched a new readily available, cost-effective replacement dock leveller designed to reduce operational downtime at the loading bay. Defective dock levellers can bring operations and supply chains to […]