Kroger Invests 1B in Automated Grocery Warehouses

Kroger Invests 1B in Automated Grocery Warehouses

Kroger is investing $100 million in automated fresh food delivery, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce costs through a 'hub-and-spoke' model and Ocado robotics. Despite the significant investment and long payback period, Kroger believes automated warehouses are superior to traditional stores and could potentially give them a competitive edge in a cutthroat market. This move into automation highlights Kroger's belief in the future of retail and could significantly impact the industry landscape as others follow suit.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Brooklyn Startup Uses Robots for Smallbatch 3D Printing

Brooklyn Startup Uses Robots for Smallbatch 3D Printing

Brooklyn-based startup Voodoo Manufacturing is disrupting small-batch parts manufacturing with robotics-driven 3D printing. Having secured $5 million in funding, the company operates 160 3D printers, leveraging automated processes to enhance production efficiency and flexibility. This allows them to offer customized part solutions across various industries. Voodoo Manufacturing's approach highlights the significant potential of 3D printing technology within the manufacturing sector, showcasing how automation can revolutionize traditional processes and unlock new possibilities for on-demand, tailored production.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Amsterdam Tests Autonomous Boats for Urban Water Transport

Amsterdam Tests Autonomous Boats for Urban Water Transport

The Amsterdam 'Roboat' project aims to develop autonomous watercraft for urban logistics, public transport, and infrastructure construction. Led by the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS Institute) and supported by various research institutions, the project introduces automation to transform urban waterway transportation, improve efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for urban development. The Roboat initiative envisions a future where autonomous vessels contribute to a more sustainable and efficient urban environment by optimizing the use of waterways.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Lightbulbscom Boosts Peak Season Output Without Adding Staff

Lightbulbscom Boosts Peak Season Output Without Adding Staff

LightBulbs.com doubled its throughput during peak season without adding staff by integrating a multi-carrier shipping platform and automated dimensioning technology. This solution streamlined shipping processes, improved freight cost accuracy, enabled real-time shipment visibility, and identified/recovered losses from carrier overcharges. The result was effective cost reduction and improved customer satisfaction. The automation and optimization of their logistics processes allowed them to handle the increased volume efficiently and effectively, demonstrating a significant return on investment.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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China Showcases Industrial Growth at Russias INNOPROM 2026

China Showcases Industrial Growth at Russias INNOPROM 2026

The INNOPROM Industrial Exhibition in Yekaterinburg, Russia in 2026, presents a prime opportunity for Chinese companies to enter the Russian market. Following the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the subsequent withdrawal of Western markets, demand for Chinese industrial products in Russia has increased. Chinese enterprises should seize this opportunity, focusing on sectors like industrial automation, machinery manufacturing, metalworking, power and energy, and transportation machinery. This will help fill market gaps and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for both China and Russia.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Locus Robotics Partners to Expand Smart Warehouses

Locus Robotics Partners to Expand Smart Warehouses

Locus Robotics partners with SCS to deliver LocusBot robotic solutions to warehouses across the United States. This collaboration aims to improve picking efficiency, reduce operational costs, and accelerate the adoption of smart warehousing. By deploying LocusBots, warehouses can optimize their order fulfillment processes and gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced market. The partnership highlights the growing demand for automation solutions in the logistics and warehousing sectors, driven by the need for increased productivity and reduced labor dependency.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Vietnam Sees Decline in Expat Factory Assignments

Vietnam Sees Decline in Expat Factory Assignments

Expatriate assignments are decreasing as factory operations in countries like Vietnam mature. Companies favor localization strategies to reduce costs. Rapid technological advancements are accelerating job displacement, requiring expatriates to enhance their value, stay informed about industry trends, and plan their careers effectively. A rational perspective on the opportunities and challenges of expatriation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the job market. Expatriates should focus on developing skills that are not easily replaced by local talent or automation.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Hanover Messe 2026 to Showcase Smart Industry Innovations

Hanover Messe 2026 to Showcase Smart Industry Innovations

Hannover Messe 2026 will focus on global industrial transformation with a new thematic structure, optimized guidance, and innovative exchange formats. The fair will showcase how artificial intelligence empowers businesses to address challenges and reshape the future. It features three main exhibition areas covering research & technology, automation & digitalization, and energy infrastructure. Interactive sessions like masterclasses and roundtables will foster collaboration. Concurrent events will highlight topics such as Industry 4.0 and AI, helping companies grasp industry trends and opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Dockworkers Union Avoids Strikes Seeks Congress Help in Labor Talks

US Dockworkers Union Avoids Strikes Seeks Congress Help in Labor Talks

International Longshoremen's Association President Harold Daggett has postponed the planned port shutdowns, opting instead to engage in discussions with Congress to resolve the dispute with the United States Maritime Alliance over issues such as automation and non-union labor. This move aims to avert a significant blow to the US economy. However, the underlying conflict between labor and management remains unresolved, and the future direction hinges on the ability of all parties to reach a consensus.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Pinduoduo Sellers Adopt Strategies to Boost Sales Ratings

Pinduoduo Sellers Adopt Strategies to Boost Sales Ratings

This paper addresses the challenge of obtaining positive store reviews on Pinduoduo, offering three compliant and efficient strategies: leveraging "Duoduo Jinbao" for promotion, incentivizing authentic reviews with gifts, and utilizing XiaoBa Assistant for automation. It emphasizes the importance of compliant operations, helping small and medium-sized sellers quickly build a positive reputation and boost sales. These methods aim to improve review scores without violating Pinduoduo's terms of service, ultimately leading to increased customer trust and higher conversion rates.

01/30/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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