Engineering Excellence in Motion: Robert Smith’s Journey Through Innovation at Daifuku

At Daifuku Intralogistics America, we celebrate the people who drive our innovation—and few embody that spirit more than Robert Smith. From his early days as an intern to his current role as Controls Engineer III, Robert’s story is one of continuous learning, technical mastery, and leadership. His passion for automation, combined with a commitment to solving real-world challenges, has made him a standout contributor on some of our most complex and high-impact projects.

Let’s dive into his full story to see how his path unfolded and what continues to inspire his work.

"My journey with Daifuku is a story of growth, innovation, and relentless passion for engineering. I began as a Controls Engineer intern while completing my bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. In that foundational role, I worked alongside seasoned engineers, programming and commissioning conveyor systems—a hands-on experience that laid the groundwork for my technical expertise and ignited my curiosity for advanced automation.

Upon graduation, I transitioned into a full-time position as a Controls Engineer I, contributing to developing Sym3, our premier HMI solution, for various projects. Working on groundbreaking features like sorter maintenance screens demonstrated my technical acumen and underscored my commitment to resolving client challenges with creative, tailored solutions.

A pivotal element in my early professional growth was the mentorship of my manager, Ben Duerk. Ben's guidance and encouragement helped me navigate complex projects, pushing me to refine my technical skills. His insights instilled in me a client-first mindset and a commitment to excellence—values that have resonated throughout my journey.

With a drive for continuous improvement, I embraced the opportunity to pursue a master's in robotics, supported by Daifuku's tuition reimbursement program. This academic pursuit naturally led me to a role in the robotics office in Dallas, TX. There, I played a pivotal part in designing and commissioning a sophisticated PLC and HMI solution for a large-scale robotic depalletizer project. The success of this project fueled my advancement to Controls Engineer II, validating the integration of my academic and practical know-how.

My third year marked a significant milestone as I led my first full-scale project. Managing an interdisciplinary team, I oversaw and contributed to the entire project—from electrical design and programming to the commissioning phase. The project, which integrated an extensive conveyor network, a third-party tilt tray sorter, and a monorail system, successfully optimized ticketing and outbound processes for our client. This comprehensive endeavor earned me the title of Controls Engineer III, recognizing my progress and leadership.

Beyond these technical achievements, I've cultivated strong, collaborative relationships across cross-functional teams and with our clients. I have consistently met project milestones and navigated complex challenges by aligning advanced material handling systems with specific client objectives.

As I move forward, I am eager to continue creating solutions that enhance performance, drive customer satisfaction, and adapt to the industry's ever-evolving demands."

Robert’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when technical skill meets curiosity, mentorship, and a commitment to innovation. As Daifuku continues to lead in automation and intralogistics, professionals like Robert are shaping the future—one breakthrough at a time.

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