MODEX 2026

Georgia World Congress Center

Date

April13-16, 2026

Location

Atlanta

Booth

#7711

A multifaced trade show experience

Daifuku Showcases Advanced Automation Solutions at MODEX 2026

Daifuku is heading to MODEX 2026, the premier,multifaceted supply chain experience, taking place April 13–16, 2026, atthe Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
As the global leader in material handling solutions, Daifuku will showcase its latest automation innovations designed to help businesses optimize efficiency, scalability, and performance across today’s most demanding supply chains.

Experience Daifuku at Booth B7711

Visitors to Booth B7711 will have the opportunity to explore state-of-the-art automated systems and solutions serving industries such as e-commerce, automotive, healthcare, and cold storage.

Daifuku will display two stationary products:

These solutions demonstrate Daifuku’s continued commitment to intelligent automation and flexible material handling systems.

Exhibit Highlights

The Daifuku booth will feature interactive kiosks highlighting the company’s newest technologies, including the highly anticipated Sorting Transfer Robot (SOTR) series, designed to deliver high-speed, accurate, and scalable sorting capabilities.

In addition, digital displays and demonstrations will showcase how Daifuku’s integrated solutions help customers address labor challenges, improve throughput, and future-proof their operations

Resources

From Holiday Peak to New Year Reset: Optimizing Intralogistics for Q1 Success
It's estimated that retail businesses generate up to 20 percent of their annual revenue during the holiday season, with some small businesses indicating that they account for as much as 50 percent of their total income during the months of November and December. With more than 90 percent of business owners citing the holiday season as key to their overall success, and many even referring to it as a "make or break" period, it's easy to see why so many place such emphasis on this crucial sales period.
With a projected growth of more than 4 percent compared to 2024, retailers are again competing for business with sales and promotions to ensure their holiday season is "merry and bright."
But while much emphasis is placed on the holiday season, retailers shouldn't forget about the Quarter 1 period from January to March. This tends to be a period of reduced spending and slower growth as consumers recover from the holiday season's frenzy. Yet, retailers shouldn't be content with the typical trend. While sales in Q1 aren't likely to reach holiday levels, there are still things that can be done to kick off the New Year and the new fiscal year for many on a positive track.
In this post, we'll explore ways to optimize intralogistics in the New Year to continue the positive momentum from the holiday spending season. Read on to learn more or contact Daifuku today for more information.

Optimizing Intralogistics for Q1 Success

Holiday peak exposed the strengths—and cracks—in your intralogistics operation.
Q1 is when you decide whether to fix them or carry them all year.
As order volumes slow, leading retailers use this window to eliminate inefficiencies, reclaim space, and prepare their facilities for the next surge.

Q1 is the ideal time to:

• Clean up and rebalance inventory
• Identify bottlenecks that limited peak performance
• Optimize layout, material flow, and labor productivity
• Evaluate automation
Lower volume. Lower risk. Higher return.
A focused post peak assessment now can reduce labor costs, increase throughput, and unlock capacity before the next peak season arrives.
If you’re still running your warehouse the same way you did during holiday rush, you’re leaving performance—and margin—on the table.
Now is the time to reset.

Post-Peak Optimization (The Intralogistics "Refining")

In Q1, you use the "quiet" to dissect the data your systems (WMS/WCS) generated during the rush.

• Debottlenecking: Identify exactly where the flow stalled. Was it at the packing stations? Or was it a slotting issue?

• Inventory Reconciliation: Conduct a deep-dive audit. The "chaos" of Q4 often leads to phantom inventory or misplaced stock; Q1 is the time to reset your accuracy to 99%+.

• Technology Integration: If your manual processes struggled to keep up, Q1 is the ideal time to evaluate, implement or upgrade automation (like goods-to-person systems) without disrupting live orders.

Turning Surge Readiness into Post-Peak Optimization

While surge readiness is much about forecasting, building adequate inventory and ensuring you have adequate levels of staffing to handle the uptick in business, post-peak optimization should consist of analysis and refinement. There are also several aspects of your facility that you should assess, such as inventory cleanup, layout adjustments and a thorough data review. Here's a closer look at what to assess in the post-peak period to set yourself up for a successful new year:

In January, the goal shifts from "surviving" to "refining."

• The "Post-Mortem" Audit: Analyze where the bottlenecks occurred. Did the warehouse struggle with picking?   Identify exactly where the flow stalled. Was it at the packing stations? Or was it a slotting issue?

• Returns Management: Turn the "return season" into a customer retention opportunity by optimizing the exchange process.

• Process Automation: Use the quieter weeks to evaluate, design, and implement tools that solve the manual headaches discovered during the rush.

Inventory cleanup and optimization:

After clearing out the holiday season inventory, it's worth assessing and optimizing your inventory to identify areas for improvement. It’s a good time to assess your current methods for inventory storage and retrieval for the benefit of higher density storage, increased productivity, and improved inventory accuracy.  A key technology is automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) which can be utilized for palletized loads, case storage, and piece storage.  As the designer of the world's first AS/RS, Daifuku has installed more than 32,000 stacker crane installations worldwide.  Daifuku has also developed mini-loads, case and tote shuttles, and continues to improve the technology by introducing new innovations and capabilities.

Key benefits of AS/RS include:

• Maximizing space: Narrow aisles and high-density storage can help ensure you're utilizing every square foot of your facility to increase storage capacity. AS/RS is especially helpful for storing inventory vertically.

• Improved efficiency: Automated solutions reduce manual handling, allowing staff to focus on tasks that add more value. AS/RS also works continuously at all hours of the day.

• Improved order accuracy: Automated solutions aren't prone to making the same errors that human workers are. This can ensure greater order accuracy and result in more satisfied customers.

• Safety: Automation minimizes the risk of injury by removing humans from potentially hazardous environments. These systems can lead to safer working environments and reduce physical strain on workers.

Daifuku offers several different versions of the AS/RS: the mini-load, shuttle, unit-load and pallet monorail. Contact us today to learn about what type would best serve your facility.

Facility layout adjustments:

Time is money. The faster you can get products pulled from inventory and out the door, the more business you stand to make and the more money you stand to earn. That said, assess your warehouse and make adjustments as necessary, especially if you're implementing the aforementioned AS/RS, robotics or other automated technology.

Some things you should look for when assessing your facility's layout include:

• Review your facility layout Master Plan

• Look for bottlenecks, inefficiencies and underutilized space.

• Assess traffic flow throughout your facility to identify high-traffic areas or areas of concern.

• Account for seasonal demand, future growth and scalability when reassessing your layout.

• Some of the specific zones you likely want to pay attention to are receiving, picking and the shipping/packing spaces.

As part of your facility layout, consider the proper flow to streamline workflows and implement a warehouse management system (WMS) to provide data that empowers smarter decision-making. Finally, remember to continually monitor performance and make adjustments as needed. Include your employees in the process to gather their thoughts and identify any ideas that could help improve performance.

Review of Key Performance Metrics:

If you're not already regularly reviewing your data and tracking key metrics, now's the time to start. Your data sources represent great potential for your warehouse, and can help inform key business decisions and areas for improvement. Some of the key metrics you'll likely want to track include:

• On-Time Shipments

• Order accuracy rate

• Productivity Metrics

• Inventory turnover

• Space utilization

• Order Cycle time

By monitoring these key metrics, you can identify inefficiencies and address them accordingly. Assessing these metrics can also help you determine if you're making the most of your available space and aligning inventory with customer demand. From here, you can turn data into actionable insight that streamlines improvements to propel your business into the new year and beyond.

Contact Daifuku Today

We hope that you have had a prosperous holiday business season and we also encourage you to take the time now in Q1 to assess your situation and make improvements where possible, so you can continue to grow and evolve. As a world leader in designing and manufacturing automated solutions, Daifuku is here to help. For more information on solutions that can help your business peak during the holidays and reset in the new year, contact us today.

Daifuku Intralogistics America Corporation Announces Grand Opening of Expanded Facility in Hobart, Indiana

Daifuku Intralogistics America Corporation Announces Grand Opening of Expanded Facility in Hobart, Indiana

Hobart, Indiana – September 9, 2025 – Daifuku Intralogistics America Corporation, a subsidiary of Daifuku Co., Ltd., headquartered in Japan, is proud to announce the Grand Opening of its expanded facility in Hobart, Indiana, taking place on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM CST.

The expansion adds 310,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space to the original 324,000 square foot facility, creating a total footprint of 634,000 square feet. This significant investment supports Daifuku Intralogistics America’s long-term commitment to strengthening its material handling equipment (MHE) manufacturing capabilities in the United States, ensuring enhanced capacity to deliver advanced automation technologies and solutions to customers across North America.

The Hobart facility currently employs 440 professionals, with plans to expand the workforce by 350 over the coming years to meet the growing demands of the market.

“This expansion represents more than just additional space—it’s a reflection of our dedication to innovation, our customers, and our long-term vision in the North American market,” said Christoph Schenk, President at Daifuku Intralogistics America. “We are excited to complete this expansion and welcome our customers and partners to visit the new facility."

Invited guests will enjoy an exclusive first look inside the state-of-the-art facility, featuring:

• Guided tours of the expanded operations

• Product demonstrations showcasing the latest automation technologies

• Remarks from company leadership and local officials

• Networking opportunities with invited industry peers, media representatives, and partners

Event Details:

Location: Daifuku Intralogistics America

6300 Northwind Parkway, Hobart, IN 46342

Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM CST

Formal invitations will be sent to guests with additional details.

About Daifuku Intralogistics America

Daifuku Intralogistics America Corporation, a subsidiary of Daifuku Co., Ltd., designs, manufactures, and installs advanced intralogistics systems that enhance the efficiency, safety, and performance of modern manufacturing and material handling operations. As part of the Daifuku Group, the world’s leading provider of automated material handling solutions, Daifuku Intralogistics America serves the North American market with a commitment to innovation, manufacturing excellence, and customer success.

For press inquiries or to RSVP, please contact:

Cecile Dick-Calmes

Marketing Manager

cdick-calmes@daifukuna.com

Press Release PDF.

From Manual to Robotic: The Rise of of Robotics in Mixed Case Palletizing (and How Daifuku Intralogistics Can Help)

If you're relying solely on manual processes in your warehouse or distribution center, you're falling behind your competition.

While certain manual processes still have their place in the warehouse, their advantages are increasingly overshadowed by automated,  robotic solutions that enhance productivity and profits. For instance, manual processes are slow and prone to human errors. Additionally, while the human element of such processes can offer a personal touch, warehouse managers are also challenged with labor shortages and staffing difficulties in these environments.

While there's an upfront investment in robotics technologies, the benefits often pay for themselves over time in increased productivity, better efficiency and accuracy, and the ability to scale robotic solutions to meet evolving needs. What's more, there's a significant safety element involved in robotic solutions, as they eliminate the need for human laborers to work in dangerous settings or manage hazardous tasks.

On this note, robotics is becoming increasingly common in warehouse settings. Mixed-case palletizing is just one application. Because creating pallets that contain a variety of SKUs can be time-consuming and laborious, warehouse managers are turning to robotic and more automated systems to handle their complexity. In this post, we'll explain the rise in robotics for mixed-case palletizing and how solutions from Daifuku Intralogistics can help take your operations to new heights. Read on to learn more or contact Daifuku today.

When Robotic Solutions Make Sense

So when do robotic solutions make sense in the warehouse environment? As we said earlier, humans will never be completely replaced in these settings, but introducing robotics to manage certain tasks can have notable productivity benefits. Here's a look at some of the common scenarios where implementing robotics makes sense.

• Task complexity: Robotics can handle highly repetitive tasks with ease.

• Cost Savings: Increased efficiency and reduced errors can represent significant long-term savings. Robotics can also remove humans from certain tasks, freeing them up to work on other things they're perhaps better suited for.

• Scalability: Your warehouse's needs will likely fluctuate with seasonality. Rather than hiring seasonal staff, robotics can help operations scale up and scale down accordingly.

• Safety Concerns: As we said in the opening, robots are ideal for working in situations where human safety is at risk.

• Consistency and Quality: Once programmed to perform a task, robots can work consistently and uniformly, which helps improve quality and minimize the likelihood of errors. What's more, robots can work 24/7 without breaks, fatigue or the need for rest. In addition to consistency and quality improvements, there's faster throughput and better turnaround times.

• Offsetting labor shortages: Here's a well-documented labor shortage in today's warehouse and distribution environment. While humans will always have a place in these facilities, managers are increasingly tasked with innovative thinking and adopting new solutions to help offset these challenges. Robots represent a big possibility.

Considering all this, incorporating robotics into your warehouse for mixed-case palletizing has significant short- and long-term benefits. Their efficiency, accuracy, safety advantages and flexibility largely outweigh the upfront cost of acquiring and implementing them in the setting. Robotics is revolutionizing warehousing and logistics operations, and mixed-case palletizing is just one aspect of how they're doing it.

Mixed Case Robotic Palletizing: What You Need to Know

Unlike single-SKU case palletizing, which typically involves bulk shipment of identical products, mixed-case palletizing involves assembling pallets with a variety of SKUs. Also, mixed-case palletizing requires more advanced processes to handle the various shapes, sizes and weights of the products being processed. Mixed SKU palletizing can involve a combination of single SKU layer picks and mixed SKU case picks. This is where a solution with advanced automation including shuttles, sorters, and layer/case handling robotics can play a significant role.

Mixed-case robotic palletizing is also becoming increasingly essential in today's modern-day warehouses and distribution centers, underscoring the importance of incorporating such a capability into your facilities. Daifuku Intralogistics, a world leader in developing and manufacturing industry-leading materials handling solutions, is here to help bring robotic palletizing solutions to your operation.

Daifuku solutions consist of automated technology including case AS/RSs, sortation equipment, and case handling robots picking products from various inventory pallets and stacking them onto shipping pallets in mixed SKU configurations. Processes are guided by advanced software that calculates the optimal stacking pattern to ensure optimal stability and the most efficient use of space. Daifuku's robotic solutions can process up to 600 cases per hour, which can significantly increase productivity and operational efficiency when compared to a manual option.

Daifuku's robotic solutions are also highly flexible and can be configured and tailored to meet specific customer outbound requirements.  These automated solutions typically support both sequenced and destination-sorted loading, making complex order fulfillment simple and error-free.

Daifuku's solutions are as versatile as they are flexible, especially applicable in a variety of markets such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, retail, cold chain logistics, e-commerce and more.

Choosing to invest in robotic solutions simply makes sense for mixed-case palletizing. Strong financial and intangible benefits provide managers and engineers with a clear path to recommend mixed case robotic palletizing for their warehouses and distribution centers.

Incorporating AI and Other Advanced Solutions

Robotics continue to evolve and improve with time, and solutions from Daifuku are no exception. Today's solutions are outfitted with next-generation vision systems and automation capabilities to work smarter and better than previous solutions. Future initiatives and optimizations utilizing AI-driven software will help do more than just select the right products to place on the pallet; it can also optimize placement by considering the weight, size and shape of the product, reducing product damage and leading to more satisfied customers throughout the supply chain.

Robots for mixed-use palletizing can also seamlessly integrate with Warehouse Management Systems and other warehouse solutions to automate more than just one task and contribute to the automation of the entire facility. When you combine these capabilities with real-time data analytics and optimization, it all contributes to a smarter, better-operating facility overall. Managers have key insights at their fingertips on how to further enhance operations and lead their warehouses and distribution centers in smarter and more responsible ways.

Another Key Benefit: Sustainability

As consumers become more conscious of the impact their activities have on the environment, they are also looking to improve sustainability downstream. That's one other key benefit of automating mixed-case palletizing with robotics.

Robots are designed to optimize space utilization on pallets, which can reduce the number of pallets and shipments that are required. This can all positively impact the environment, resulting in fewer truckloads of product, which thereby leads to reduced emissions. Robotics can also help minimize waste thanks to the accuracy of their operations and how their actions work in a way that minimizes the chance of product damage.

Contact Daifuku Intralogistics Today

Contact us today for more information on the rise of robotics in mixed-use palletizing and how Daifuku's solutions are meeting the needs of modern-day warehouses and distribution centers. As a world leader in the development and manufacturing of material handling solutions, Daifuku is here to serve as your long-term partner on advanced solutions to streamline productivity and profit in the warehouse. Our line of advanced robotic solutions can help your facility enhance its operational efficiency and build a competitive advantage in mixed-use palletizing.

Contact us today for more information and to learn about the solutions that can take your facility's operations to new heights.

Rethinking Efficiency: How Daifuku’s Advanced AS/RS Solutions Are Transforming Intralogistics

Since the introduction of its first Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) in 1966, Daifuku has remained at the forefront of material handling innovation. Today, with more than 34,000 ASRS cranes delivered across the globe, Daifuku continues to lead the way in transforming warehouse and production environments through automation that is built to last and tailored for performance.

From freezer-ready facilities to high-capacity shuttle systems, our solutions are not only built to meet today’s challenges they’re engineered for tomorrow’s demands.

In this blog article, we take a closer look at our journey in automation, explore key AS/RS technologies, and highlight how our approach ensures exceptional flexibility, reliability, and operational gains for every customer.

A Legacy of Innovation

Daifuku’s commitment to continuous improvement and long-term reliability dates back nearly six decades. When we launched our first AS/RS in 1966, we envisioned a future where automation could optimize space, increase safety, and improve accuracy within the warehouse. That vision still drives us today.

Our systems are built to last, some have been operating reliably for more than 50 years. This remarkable longevity reflects the excellence of our engineering, robust maintenance strategies, and our unwavering commitment to customer success

In 1973, we designed and deployed our first freezer-capable AS/RS, which operated in environments as cold as -40°F (-40°C). While our current standard product line is rated to -30°C, we continue to offer customized solutions capable of reaching -40°C when required. Shortly after that initial installation, we built a large-scale refrigerated AS/RS featuring 20 storage and retrieval machines—a system that remains in operation today. These milestones highlight our long-standing commitment to innovation and the trust our customers place in Daifuku as a reliable, long-term partner.

Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work

A key differentiator of Daifuku Intralogistics America is our belief in tailored automation. Cookie-cutter solutions simply don’t work in environments where unique products, storage needs, and workflows demand specialized approaches.

That’s why we take the time to analyze each client’s operations, infrastructure, and goals. Whether you’re handling pallets, trays, long items, auto bodies, or anything in between, our ASRS systems are engineered for precise, purpose-built performance. This custom-fit philosophy ensures our clients gain real-world advantages today and into the future.

As Andrew Sawyer, Manager of System Engineering at Daifuku Intralogistics America, puts it: “One of the most important things to know about Daifuku Intralogistics America is we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.”

Watch our Innovation Center video to see this philosophy in action and explore how our tailored automation solutions meet real-world challenges.

AS/RS Solutions That Deliver More

Unit Load ASRS

Daifuku's Unit Load ASRS is one of the most trusted and field-proven solutions available in the market. With over 34,000 cranes delivered globally, our expertise in unit load handling spans industries from food and beverage to automotive, cold storage, and pharmaceuticals.

Key Features:

• Multi-depth storage: Configurable for single, double, or up to eight products deep storage.

• Towering height: Capable of reaching up to 40 meters (~130 feet)—ideal for high-density, rack-supported building designs.

• Extreme temperature readiness: Designed to operate in freezer environments as low as -30°C (-22°F).

• Flexible load capacity: Handles various loads including pallets, rolls, and auto bodies—up to 6,600 lbs per unit.

• High throughput: Options such as dual cranes in a single aisle allow the system to meet the needs of demanding applications.

What sets our Unit Load system apart is the engineering process behind each installation. Our team works closely with customers to understand their operational challenges and design a system optimized for their specific needs, be it in storage density, throughput, or environmental conditions.

Shuttle Rack Systems

For applications requiring smaller load handling, Daifuku’s Shuttle Rack solutions offer versatility, performance, and adaptability. These systems are ideal for case, tote, or tray-based workflows and are highly effective in goods-to-person picking, order fulfillment, and buffer storage applications.

Key Features:

• Single and double-deep storage configurations

• Maximum height of 18 meters (59 feet)

• Freezer-capable design, down to -30°C (-22°F)

• Supports load units up to 88 lbs

• Multi-format load handling within a single aisle, cases, totes, and trays

• Available with triple load lifters to increase throughput

The shuttle system’s modular architecture means it can scale easily with your business needs while optimizing throughput, accuracy, and energy usage.

Applications Across Industries

Daifuku’s AS/RS technologies are not just functional, they’re redefining the way supply chains operate across a variety of sectors.

Cold Storage and Food Processing

Cold environments are among the harshest for human workers, with labor availability and retention being a major issue. Our AS/RS systems for cold storage are designed to operate reliably in sub-zero conditions, helping companies maintain compliance, improve safety, and drastically reduce labor costs.

By maximizing vertical space and automating retrieval, we also reduce door openings, energy consumption, and temperature fluctuations, helping you achieve greater sustainability and operational savings.

General Warehousing and Distribution

For high-throughput warehouses, especially in e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, or third-party logistics, speed and accuracy are key. Shuttle systems provide multi-format handling and rapid order retrieval, while unit load cranes offer dense storage for larger SKUs.

Together, these systems help companies increase fulfillment speeds, reduce picking errors, and optimize labor efficiency in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Engineering for Sustainability

Sustainability is no longer optional it’s a business imperative. Daifuku’s AS/RS systems contribute to sustainability goals in several critical ways:

• Energy efficiency: Optimized travel paths and energy recovery systems reduce power consumption.

• Space utilization: Vertical systems reduce building footprints, cutting heating/cooling needs.

• Reduced waste: Automation improves accuracy and inventory control, lowering spoilage and overstock.

• Fewer emissions: Streamlined operations cut down on forklift traffic and fuel usage.

By enabling businesses to do more with less, our systems help customers advance both their operational performance and environmental responsibility.

A Partner in Your Automation Journey

Choosing the right AS/RS solution is only the beginning. At Daifuku Intralogistics America, we provide end-to-end support from initial consultation to custom engineering, integration, and long-term service. Our deep experience, global resources, and regional expertise make us a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes and industries.

We don’t just build systems; we build relationships grounded in understanding your goals and delivering measurable results.

Why Choose Daifuku?

• Proven reliability: Systems still running strong after 50 years.

• Custom-fit approach: Every solution is engineered to your unique needs.

• Global leader: 34,000+ ASRS cranes deployed worldwide.

• Comprehensive portfolio: Unit load, shuttle rack, freezer environments, and more.

• Focus on sustainability: Solutions that meet environmental and business goals.

Whether you're expanding a high-volume distribution center, optimizing cold storage, or rethinking your manufacturing logistics, Daifuku has the experience and technology to make your vision a reality.

Contact Daifuku Today

Looking to learn more about how our ASRS solutions can transform your operations?

Daifuku Intralogistics America is ready to help you build a smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable future.

Let’s talk about what automation can do for you.

Schedule a Meeting With OurTeam

Attendees are invited to schedule a meeting withthe Daifuku team during MODEX 2026 to learn more about our automation solutionsand discuss how we can support your operational goals.