MODEX 2026: What to Expect for Material Handling Automation and How to Capitalize on Shifting Priorities

The material handling industry is set to gather once again for MODEX 2026. As always, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) will take center stage, attracting interest from organizations of all sizes.

ABI Research anticipates the event to shift from a hardware-driven spectacle, to more pragmatic demonstrations of scalable value. The industry’s perception and understanding of automation has matured significantly in the past few years, and companies will be looking beyond the flashy hardware to better understand the intelligence behind the systems and how they will see tangible Return on Investment (ROI).

From software-centric System Integrators (SIs), to increasingly specialized mobile robots and the emerging potential of mobile manipulators, this year’s event is poised to demonstrate how automation is maturing from individual tools to adaptable, coordinated end-to-end systems.

• Software-Defined System Integrators: Some innovations of ASRS are expected to be showcased, but most ASRS providers and SIs will be looking to differentiate with their software stack. The last couple of years have seen most hardware innovation come in the form of AMR-based ASRS like the KNAPP AeroBot and Exotec Skypod, but more impactful innovations have come in the form of advanced Warehouse Control Systems (WCSs) and the ability to better orchestrate siloed automation. Leading SIs like KNAPP, Dematic, and FORTNA are likely to showcase their software edge, while newer entrants to the market like Brightpick will present a unique alternative to the industry’s established SI giants.
• Mobile Robots Presenting New Form Factors and Scale: Another small influx of AMR startups is expected at this year’s show, but more emphasis is likely to be placed on the established players like Geek+, Hai Robotics, and Locus Robotics. New AMR form factors with varying capabilities and payload capacities will be a key part of the exhibits as end users seek to adopt more flexible forms of automation for more specific tasks, and providers seek to become a one-stop shop for customers.
• Retrofitted Forklifts and a Focus on Energy Management: Autonomous forklifts were a buzz at the last MODEX in 2024, and while adoption has remained limited since then, there remains strong interest from the industry. Key players in this space include Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Yale Lift Trucks and Hyundai, dedicated providers like BALYO, and AMR providers that have added lift trucks to their portfolio like OTTO Motors. Retrofitting existing trucks for automation will also be a key focus to keep costs low and provide operators with an ability to turn the solution on and off. Energy management and charging infrastructure will also be a key part of the conversation for heavy material handling as more companies look to electrify fleets and optimize robotic charging operations.
• A Breakthrough Year for Truck Unloading?: Truck loading/unloading remains a challenge for automation given its inherent complexities, but there will continue to be high interest from attendees and another strong showing from providers. Boston Dynamics, Contoro Robotics, and Slip Robotics will all be showcasing their unique forms of truck unloading for loose loaded containers, but cost, flexibility, and ability to scale will be top of mind for attendees to take these innovative solutions from early-stage interest to widespread adoption.
• A Need for Humanoids and Mobile Manipulators to Prove Value: Agility Robotics remains one of the only humanoid providers to consistently showcase at material handling shows and it continues to face an uphill battle to prove that a 4-limb robot is a better alternative to an ASRS or AMR-based picking system. Mobile manipulators from established players like KUKA and Omron are also expected to see growing interest for automation of more unstructured tasks and could steal the limelight from humanoids as the hype begins to drop.

To capitalize on the major themes at MODEX 2026, solution providers and SIs should focus on software maturity and integration flexibility, while owning industry expertise. Trying to offer a one-size-fits-all type of solution when it comes to automation won’t cut it, as end users look to long-term performance and ROI. Industry awareness and understanding of automation have increased tremendously over the last few years, meaning that users will be looking beyond the hardware on display, and more toward software maturity, lifecycle services, and continuous improvements.

The growing interest in mobile robots and mobile manipulators is coming both from mature deployers of automation seeking more specific task automation, and middle market companies looking at more incremental, flexible automation formats. As a result, providers will need to highlight system flexibility for varying processes leveraging continuous learning models, while also demonstrating ability to scale.

These providers should also use this year’s show to explore new partnerships with established SIs in the warehouse sector. SIs provide a strong go-to-market channel, particularly for new mobile form factors seeking to find their best industry fit, prove value, and smooth integration. SIs should also be doing the same, as many end users are looking to either begin their automation journey with small-scale mobile robot fleets before scaling to fixed formats, or are looking to add mobile automation to their existing ASRS for induction or final picking support.