Associate Director Josh Langley manages our warehouse automation team here at CrimsonXT, and has a wealth of experience recruiting across the automation industry. Putting his industry expertise to use, he recently produced “Automation Insights” – a bi-weekly LinkedIn news roundup, that explores the latest funding, collaborations, product updates and funding news from cutting-edge automation and robotics companies across the US, Europe and APAC.

In this episode, Josh explores the latest funding, collaborations, product updates, and funding news from cutting-edge warehouse automation, mobile robotics, and material handling companies across the US, Europe, and APAC.

 

 

To kick off, let’s take a brief look at the market during 2024. Key trends in the market were:

  • Robotics integration
  • AI and IoT
  • Demand for tech-savvy workers
  • Shift in workforce training
  • Geographic hiring shifts
USA

There was a 21% increase in talent across the US, with the prominent skills being:

  • Manufacturing
  • Engineering
  • Manufacturing process improvement
  • Automation

One of the most significant deals in the US sector was the expanded partnership between Symbotic and Walmart. Symbotic agreed to acquire Walmart’s Advanced Systems and Robotics business for $200 million, with potential future payments of up to $350 million.

Europe

There was a 35% increase in talent across Europe, with the prominent skills being:

  • Engineering
  • SCADA
  • PLC programming
  • Automation

In 2024, we saw the significant development of GXO Logistics, Inc. acquisition of Wincanton plc for £762 million. This strategic move, completed in April 2024, expanded GXO’s footprint in the UK and Europe, enhancing its capabilities in automated warehousing solutions.

APAC

There was an 18% increase in talent across APAC, with the prominent skills being:

  • Engineering
  • SCADA
  • Industrial automation
  • PLC programming

In 2024, a notable development in the sector was Coles Group‘s substantial investment in advanced automated distribution centers in Australia. The company allocated approximately AUD 1 billion ($700 million) to establish two high-tech warehouses.

 

warehouse automation robotics rack

 

Spotlight on: PHINXT Robotics

For each newsletter edition, I want to bring attention and ‘spotlight’ a company developing innovative software across the market. Phinxt Robotics has developed software that enables warehouse robots from different manufacturers to collaborate seamlessly, even without a network connection.

This technology reduces deployment costs, making automation more accessible to smaller warehouse operators. In UK trials, including one with a major grocery retailer, users experienced a doubling of profit margins and a fourfold increase in productivity. Recently, the team secured £2 million in funding to expand into Europe, aiming to further enhance warehouse efficiency through advanced robotics collaboration, so they are one to watch!

 

Funding throughout January

Warehouse robotics automation company Deus Robotics has closed a $3 million Seed funding, bringing its value to $20 million.

German tech company Sereact has raised $26 million for its AI-powered robotics efforts.

 

Exciting market updates to keep an eye on

Amazon‘s drone delivery expansion in the UK: Amazon is seeking permission from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority to initiate drone deliveries from its warehouse in Darlington, County Durham. If approved, customers within a 7.5-mile radius could receive same-day deliveries via drones, enhancing delivery efficiency and speed.

UK retailers are embracing automation: UK retailers are increasingly adopting automation technologies to address the rising labor costs. Innovations such as electronic shelf labels for quick price updates, self-service checkouts in various retail sectors, automated returns machines, and the integration of AI-enhanced cameras for stock management are continuing to prove more and more popular across the sector.

Global AMR market growth: The global warehouse AMR market is projected to triple by 2030! AMRs are becoming integral to modern warehouse management, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.

 

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