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A growing number of warehouse operators are employing robotics and automation to fulfill demands for reduced costs and quicker delivery times. “Lights-out” facilities offer the promise of full automation; however, many warehouses and distribution centers still depend heavily on manual processes. A panel discussion at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo will delve into the technologies that facilitate these lights-out operations.
This session, titled “Maximizing the Value of a Warehouse Through Lights Out Order Fulfillment,” is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, May 1, in Room 256 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Panelists will explore various elements like picking systems, mobile robots, and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).
Experts indicate that successful end-to-end automation hinges on a solid business model, effective integration of technologies, and software that efficiently manages return on investment (ROI). Attendees will gain insights on:
- The strategies warehouses can use to navigate economic disruptions
- How robots can seamlessly interact with legacy systems and other machinery
- Situations where human supervision continues to be essential
- The current demand landscape for lights-out facilities
- The importance of software, data, and artificial intelligence in enhancing accuracy and throughput
- The necessity of integrators in automation processes
Insights from Leaders in Lights-Out Fulfillment
Yaro Tenzer is the co-founder and CEO of RightHand Robotics, a company focused on delivering reliable fulfillment solutions in logistics via robots capable of grasping a diverse array of everyday items. Pioneering this space, RightHand has expanded its customer base across Europe, Japan, and North America.
Before establishing RightHand Robotics, Dr. Tenzer served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Harvard Biorobotics Lab, where he and his co-founders developed a preferred grasping solution for the DARPA Grand Robotics Challenge. He earned his Ph.D. in medical robotics from Imperial College London and holds an M.Sc. in mechatronics and a B.Sc. in mechanical engineering from Ben Gurion University.
Ayman Labib is the co-founder and CEO of SIMPL Automation. Under his leadership, SIMPL is revolutionizing warehouse efficiency by retrofitting goods-to-person (G2P) automation onto existing storage infrastructures, effectively merging traditional setups with modern automation techniques.
With over 28 years in the automation field, Labib has overseen the successful completion of more than 80 automation projects across various industries. Previously, as the chief technology officer at Invata Intralogistics, he played a significant role in launching and directing its robotics division, contributing to over $180 million in revenue growth in just four years.
An entrepreneur at heart, Ayman has been instrumental in founding and investing in multiple startups, leveraging his mechanical and industrial engineering expertise to drive innovation in automation technology. His authority in system design, robotics, and intralogistics makes him a prominent figure in the industry, consistently advancing the possibilities within warehouse automation.
Mike Keneally is a co-owner of Accutech Packaging, recognized as a leader in outbound packaging solutions for the e-commerce and fulfillment sectors. The company provides fully integrated systems, including film wrapping mailer and autoboxing systems. Keneally has shown a keen interest in robotics advancements and has partnered with various firms in the ASRS and robotic picking domains.
With numerous companies developing innovative solutions for item picking and sorting, Keneally emphasizes the importance of considering integrated auto bagging and auto boxing for achieving lower costs and improved transaction speeds. Accutech also enables its e-commerce clients to offer sustainable, curbside-recyclable packaging that resonates with eco-conscious consumers.
Eugene Demaitre serves as the editorial director of the robotics group at WTWH Media, which produces Automated Warehouse, the Robotics Summit & Expo, The Robot Report, and RoboBusiness. Previously, Demaitre held editorial positions at BNA (now Bloomberg), Computerworld, TechTarget, Robotics Business Review, and Robotics 24/7, and has participated in numerous robotics-focused webcasts, podcasts, and global conferences.
Demaitre has a master’s degree from George Washington University and resides in the Boston area.
Overview of the Robotics Summit & Expo
The 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo is set to gather over 5,000 attendees focused on the development of robots across various commercial sectors. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the latest enabling technologies, engineering methodologies, and emerging trends.
Keynote speakers are expected to include notable figures such as Aaron Saunders, the chief technology officer at Boston Dynamics; James Kuffner, CTO of Symbotic; and Aaron Parness, director of applied science in robotics and AI at Amazon Robotics, among others.
The conference will feature more than 50 educational sessions covering topics such as AI, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on-site will showcase presentations from industry experts as well.
The expo hall will highlight over 200 exhibitors displaying the latest products and services aimed at assisting robotics engineers throughout their development processes.
The Robotics Summit will also provide extensive networking opportunities, a Career Fair, a robotics development challenge, and the prestigious RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards Gala.
Register now to ensure your participation!
Source
www.therobotreport.com