Photo credit: www.therobotreport.com
Challenges within global supply chains are becoming increasingly pronounced, with factors such as economic instability, workforce shortages, and growing demands for prompt and cost-effective order fulfillment at the forefront. In response, automation emerges as a potential solution. However, for robotics developers and suppliers, close collaboration with warehouse operators is essential to effectively meet their unique needs. Next week during the Robotics Summit & Expo, GAM Enterprises Inc. will present findings on prevailing warehouse trends, as well as share insights from its experience in the motion control sector.
The automation landscape encompasses a wide range of technologies, from traditional systems like conveyors and sortation mechanisms to modern innovations such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). This sector is thriving, presenting numerous possibilities for both established players and emerging startups. Nonetheless, it is critical for robotics providers to develop systems that are robust and adaptable in order to handle the increasing demand, particularly in industries like e-commerce and third-party logistics (3PL).
Effective motion-control technologies are vital for various warehouse functions such as order picking, consolidation, palletizing, and goods-to-person (G2P) handling, as highlighted by GAM. As robot arms and lift trucks evolve to accommodate larger loads and extended reach, there is a corresponding need for enhanced torque capacity, stability, and rapid yet smooth operational capabilities.
Understanding the role of gearboxes is crucial as they offer precision, repeatability, and safety to meet the elevated standards demanded in modern warehousing. It is essential for both integrators and end users to be cognizant of existing workflows, product movement, and the interactions among personnel and equipment, which includes both forklifts and robotic systems.
The session titled “Meeting Warehouse Demands: Robotics, Motion Control, and Gearbox Strategies for Smarter Automation” at the Robotics Summit & Expo will delve into several key considerations for developers:
- Defining application requirements and process versatility
- Available types of robots
- Components alignment with performance expectations
- Strategies for selecting reliable suppliers or partners
- Importance of configurability and customization
- Evaluating specialized versus general-purpose systems, including the potential for humanoid robots
Insights from Automation Leader
Craig Van den Avont serves as the president of GAM Enterprises, a company he co-founded in 1998, which has since evolved from a startup to a significant player in the industry.
Under his leadership, GAM established a full manufacturing facility in Mount Prospect, Illinois, playing a pivotal role in the revitalization of manufacturing within the United States. Van den Avont also holds the position of board chairman for the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC).
IMEC represents Illinois in the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network, a public-private initiative aimed at providing comprehensive solutions to enhance growth and competitiveness for U.S. manufacturers.
The center is committed to equipping local manufacturers with the necessary resources to thrive sustainably within the global market.
Before his tenure at GAM Enterprises, Van den Avont gained experience as the chief engineer at Rexroth-Indramat (now Bosch-Rexroth), a leading German firm in servo-based motion control systems for factory automation. His career commenced at McDonnell Douglas as a design engineer, contributing to the DC-9/MD-80 aircraft.
A Chicago native, Van den Avont holds a BS in aeronautical-astronautical engineering from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from DePaul University. He is devoted to advocating for the success of U.S. manufacturing, participating in discussions with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Council on innovation and research development.
His efforts have earned recognition from the Northwest Educational Council for Student Success (NESS) for GAM’s contributions to local educational initiatives promoting careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and the manufacturing sectors.
Exploring the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo
The upcoming Robotics Summit & Expo is anticipated to attract over 5,000 attendees focused on advancing robotics across various commercial sectors. Participants will have the chance to access the latest technologies, engineering principles, and emerging trends.
Notable keynote speakers and over 50 educational sessions will cover topics ranging from AI to healthcare and logistics. The Engineering Theater will showcase expert presentations on significant industry developments.
Additionally, the expo hall will feature more than 200 exhibitors presenting cutting-edge technologies and services to assist robotics engineers throughout their development processes.
The Robotics Summit will also offer multiple networking opportunities, a Career Fair, and various competitions including a robotics development challenge and the RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards Gala.
Register now so you don’t miss out!
Source
www.therobotreport.com