Logistics

Global contract logistics market size set to double in size

The global contract logistics market size is set to double in size by 2031, reaching $505bn, up from $244bn in 2021. The market is driven by variables such as the e-commerce sector’s expansion, the rise in trade-related agreements and the manufacturing sector’s expansion. What’s more, the advent of last-mile delivery combined with automated logistics and a sharp increase in the usage of IT systems and … Continue reading Global contract logistics market size set to double in size

Neil Martin
Logistics

GXO Logistics extends Avon agreement

Contract logistics provider GXO Logistics has extended a co-packing agreement with Avon. GXO Logistics and Avon, the health and beauty products company giant, have already worked together for 15 years. The extended deal means that GXO Logistics will provide Avon with services including the distribution of products to Europe, Africa and Asia, and warehousing and manufacturing. GXO operates the Avon contract via its Garwolin site … Continue reading GXO Logistics extends Avon agreement

Neil Martin
Contract Manufacturing, Contract Packing, Logistics, Warehousing

Pallets not compatible with automated systems cause concern

Pallets which are not compatible with automated systems such as robotic arms and conveyor systems are causing concern.  Warehouse managers face a significant uplift in costs if they have to buy, or rent different pallets to fit new systems, especially those that are automated.  The issue was raised in a new report which highlighted manufacturers’ lack of understanding of the total cost of pallet ownership … Continue reading Pallets not compatible with automated systems cause concern

Neil Martin
Contract Packing

Global contract packaging market booming

The global contract packaging market is set to boom.  Expected worth at the end of this year is US$50.8bn, rising to US$60bn by 2026.  A new report from Transparency Market Research (TMR) has crunched the numbers and points out that the rise is down to the growth of the food and beverage sector, coupled with rising consciousness regarding healthcare. The report said that the increasing … Continue reading Global contract packaging market booming

Neil Martin
Industry, Robots

Was Musk and Sunak tech chat the usual rocky horror show?

Elon Musk has spoken, but the Bot-Hive team won’t be putting their feet up and leaving its work to robots anytime soon. Musk has just been ‘interviewed’ by none other than Tory leader Rishi Sunak, the latter no doubt pleased to take a day off from the daily Westminster punch up. Sunak is said to be a tech fanatic, so interviewing Musk must have been … Continue reading Was Musk and Sunak tech chat the usual rocky horror show?

Neil Martin
Industry

Kite flies high as it wins packaging award

An e-commerce packaging specialist has won the Packaging Company of the Year award at the 2023 UK Packaging Awards. Kite Packaging is based in Coventry and achieved a commendation for the same award last year. The award recognises excellence in packaging design, production and innovation. The company said it was praised for its ability to deliver packaging products and services which align functionality with environmental … Continue reading Kite flies high as it wins packaging award

Neil Martin
Insights

A round of applause for UK manufacturing, but no marching bands yet

Strong hearts and big wallets are needed to boost the UK up the manufacturing league, otherwise we’ll end up fighting for the lower places, again. Co-founder and CEO of Bot-Hive Jacques Bonfrer takes a look at the latest UK manufacturing figures and wonders if the UK is doing enough to go further. How do you boost UK manufacturing and what thinking is needed to take … Continue reading A round of applause for UK manufacturing, but no marching bands yet

Neil Martin
Robots

Explosives robot gets the thumbs up

The first automated robot charger for underground mines has passed its initial testing.  Mine operators are looking to advanced automation and robotics for safer working environments. The ABB Robot Charger detects drilled holes in a rock face and instals explosive charges during mining operations, removing the need for human presence. The testing was completed by ABB, and mine operators Boliden and LKAB. Technology development will … Continue reading Explosives robot gets the thumbs up

Neil Martin
Logistics, Warehousing

Barriers to warehouse automation revealed

One of the main barriers to warehouse automation is a lack of expertise to carry out projects.  Some 30% of those questioned in a new survey cited this as a main obstacle, with almost a quarter (24.5%) noting integration difficulties in their current warehouse environment.  What’s more, 22% struggle with internal resistance, 21% said support and maintenance is an insurmountable issue and 22% don’t have … Continue reading Barriers to warehouse automation revealed

Neil Martin
Robots

Four legged robot gets a walk in Dubai 

The latest four-legged robot from DEEP Robotics, the X30, has just been put through its paces at GITEX GLOBAL 2023. The company’s quadrupedal robotics technologies have a number of real-life applications across a spectrum of industries such as electricity inspection, fire detection, emergency response and rescue, mapping and metal smelting. The Hangzhou-based high-tech company used GITEX GLOBAL 2023 to unveil the latest generation of its … Continue reading Four legged robot gets a walk in Dubai 

Neil Martin