The Trends & Tech We’re Watching
MODEX 2026, held April 13–16 in Atlanta, was the largest edition of the show to date. According to Modern Material Handling, the event welcomed more than 50,000 registered attendees from all 50 U.S. states and 132 countries, spanning 630,000 square feet of exhibit space, 1,057 exhibitors, and 189 educational sessions.
During the show, MHI also announced plans to expand the brand with MODEX West, slated for October 18–20, 2028 in Las Vegas, while the original Atlanta event will continue on April 3–5, 2028.
The DLN team exhibited in Booth 15573 (Hall C) and showcased our six‑foot‑scale distribution center model, built from more than 50,000 parts over eight months—a featured stop for many attendees looking to visualize modern DC design at scale. Beyond our booth space, our team shared their experience with attendees.
Sharing Our Experience
Ricardo Parra, DLN’s Senior Director of Professional Services, presented an education session titled “Paralysis by No Analysis: The Cost of Not Thinking Through Material Handling Investments.” Attendees learned how to make the best decisions to move forward in optimizing their distribution plans.
Garrett Smith, DLN Senior
Account Executive, was interviewed by Supply Chain Brain about how overwhelming the show could be for leaders with aging facilities, where the biggest concern was less about the flashy technology and more about just keeping things running. For these attendees, he suggested an End-of-Life Audit, to stabilize operations to buy time for more thoughtful upgrade planning.
Our Top 5 Takeaways
CJ Anten, DLN’s Senior Solutions Engineering & Technology Manager, shares his top takeaways from MODEX 2026, along with standout examples of the technologies shaping the future of material handling.
As an independent systems integrator, DLN’s team is continuously evaluating technologies and partners that help our clients solve their toughest distribution challenges.
1. More Variety in Moving More Material—In More Ways
Material flow has never been more flexible.
Warehouses once relied almost entirely on manual labor. Over time, automation layers were added—conveyors, cranes, shuttles, and AMRs—each solving specific problems. At MODEX 2026, the biggest change was not a single technology, but the sheer variety and overlap of solutions, blurring traditional task boundaries.
Today’s systems are designed to move more product types, at higher speeds, in tighter spaces, often serving multiple functions at once.
Examples We Saw At The Show
Flowturn
What it’s Used For: Conveyance
What’s New:
- Quiet, high‑speed belt curves
- Allows product overhang when needed, expanding usable carton sizes
- Eliminates chain-driven systems and side guides for smoother flow
- Turbo‑Turn: Uses square turn end pulleys with bearings riveted directly to the belt for quieter operation at high speeds
- Zone Turn: 24/48V accumulating belt curves provide clean, narrow transitions—just like straight conveyors
Interroll 
What it’s Used For: Sortation
What’s New:
- Alternative to traditional shoe sorters
- Throughput of 3,000–8,000 units per hour
- Supports broader use cases at lower complexity
- Up to 50 meters (164 ft) long
- Speeds up to 1.35 m/s (265 ft/min)
NuMove 
What it’s Used For: Palletizing
What’s New:
- Robotic mixed‑SKU and single‑SKU palletizing
- Well suited for beverage distribution
- Designed for both high‑ and medium‑throughput operations
2. Optimizing Tasks for Hard-to-Find Labor
Across industries, companies are finding it increasingly difficult—and expensive—to recruit and retain labor. As a result, operations leaders are focused on reducing physically demanding tasks, improving safety, and creating more attractive working environments.
The goal is no longer just automation—it’s retention through task optimization.
Examples We Saw At The Show
Loadhog Rolling Cart System
What it’s Used For: Moving Product Throughout DC’s & store networks
What’s New:
- Durable, lightweight, reusable totes and trays
- RFID compatibility for improved inventory tracking
- Stackable and nestable designs to maximize space utilization
IMA E-CO FLEX
What it’s Used For: Automated Box Erecting & Lidding
What’s New:
- Reduces physical strain while increasing throughput
- Automates the start & end of the packaging process
- Presents operators with an open, ready‑to‑fill box
- Handles up to 16 carton footprints at one time
- Fully customizable size ranges with quick HMI reprogramming
- WMS/WCS‑driven random sequencing
3. Using Technology – Including AI – For Greater Flexibility
AI continues to generate interest, but MODEX 2026 also reinforced how difficult it remains to move from pilot programs to production systems. While many companies are experimenting, only a small percentage have AI actively running in live environments.
That said, several practical examples showed how AI can provide flexibility without massive infrastructure change.
Examples We Saw At The Show
Gather AI – MHE Vision
What it’s Used For: Pallet Tracking
What’s New:
- AI‑driven camera systems mounted on MHE
- Tracks pallets from unload to putaway to replenishment
- Works with forklifts, pallet trucks, and automated pick equipment
- Improves real‑time visibility while allowing dynamic DC layouts
Ranpak Print’IT!
What it’s Used For: Box Personalization
What’s New:
- On‑demand, full‑color box top printing
- Single packaging line supporting multiple brands or clients
- AI‑driven control for personalization
- Graphics scaled to fit any carton size
- Randomized printing tied directly to order release
- Improved customer engagement with reduced SKU complexity
4. Standalone Solutions for Entry-Level Automation
Not every operation wants—or needs—a fully integrated, large‑scale automation project. MODEX 2026 highlighted several self‑contained, entry‑level solutions that allow companies to automate targeted processes with lower risk.
Examples We Saw At The Show
Blue Sword Spider Shuttle
What it’s Used For: Storage & Retrieval
What’s New:
- Combines AS/RS, case shuttling, and AMR functionality
- Handles cases and totes, double‑deep
- Operates up to 60 feet high
- Freezer capable
- Works in buildings with uneven / bumpy floor
- 4D shuttle movement (down aisle, cross aisle, level change)
Slip Robotics
What it’s Used For: Truck loading & unloading
What’s New:
- No dock or trailer modifications required
- Works with any truck, any dock, any freight
- Pallet stands placed in trailers allow AMRs to stay productive while trailers are on route
- Simple integration
- Ideal for closed‑loop delivery fleets
5. Modernizing Existing Buildings & Increasing Density
With capital costs high and uncertainty still present in the market, many companies are choosing to invest in existing facilities rather than build new ones. MODEX 2026 reflected strong demand for solutions that increase SKU capacity, throughput, and automation density within existing footprints.
Examples We Saw At The Show
MOVU Robotics
What it’s Used For: High Density Pallet ASRS
What’s New:
- Modular pallet shuttle systems
- Easily adapted to different room shapes and ceiling heights
- Supports freezer environments
- Auto‑replenishment for picking modules
- Shuttles can be added as throughput needs grow
Prime Robotics TPS
What it’s Used For: Mixed Case Palletizing
What’s New:
- Advanced Tall Pallet Station (TPS) is a hybrid automation cell to enable mixed-case palletizing
- Flexible configurations with decentralized architecture to allow dense storage
- Space saving footprint
Closing Thoughts
MODEX 2026 confirmed that the industry is moving beyond automation as a novelty. Companies are investing in flexibility, density, and labor resilience, with practical solutions that can scale over time. Whether through entry‑level automation, AI‑enabled visibility, or strategic modernization, the focus is clear: do more with what you already have—and do it smarter.
Intrigued by the possibilities for your own facility? Let’s connect and discuss how we may be able to apply our experience to solve your challenges!
We will see you at PROMAT 2027!
