Field Notes: ProMat 2023 returns, manufacturers hoping to stand out
by Sadi Muktadir
The event features exhibits from more than 1,000 global manufacturers and supply chain companies, across 560,000 square feet, which is much larger than any previous in-person iteration.
ProMat 2023
2023’s iteration of ProMat is different from 2021’s, and not just because it’s finally in-person again. The attendance and hubbub of the showroom floor is not what some manufacturers were hoping.
Vincent Ma, or iLiving, a manufacturer of giant electric fans in warehouses, was clear in his assessment.
“This year especially, because of inflation, people are holding onto this a lot more,” he says, pulling out his wallet. “Even when I go out, that’s what I’m worried about. Consumers are much more hesitant to spend.”
The event is well attended still in 2023, and describes itself as the largest international materials handling, logistics and supply chain show of the year.
The event features exhibits from more than 1,000 global manufacturers and supply chain companies, across 560,000 square feet, which is much larger than any previous in-person iteration.
Sessions and solutions on offer include presentations from FORTNA, robotics company, on how you can process over 2,000 parcels an hour, software solutions from Kardex Connect, an IIoT platform to help reduce downtime and enhance cybersecurity, and new containers from ORBIS that offer more cubic density on offer as well.
Cobots on offer to help manufacturers mix and manufacture their various products were on display, and Canadian Manufacturing had a chance to speak to Universal Robots’ Joseph Campbell, Strategic Marketing and Applications Development about their new UR20 cobot.
“Our UR20 features less parts in the joints of the actual cobot, which I know mechanical engineers will be thrilled about,” he says. “Less parts means less maintenance and less chance of breakdowns or overheating. The UR20 can lift 20kg as its payload capacity and has a 1750mm reach, so we’re excited to show it off here.”
When asked if any of the other booths or competitors around him worried him at all, Joseph was clear.
“No, not really. We have good competitors, but we have the biggest market share of cobots for a reason. 40-50% of all cobots on the market right now are ours, because we’ve been around for some time, and are already on our 4th or 5th generation of cobots, solving problems that some of our competitors haven’t figured out yet,” he says.
Canadian manufacturers at ProMat include OTTO Motors, a cobot manufacturer that just announced their AMR 600 on Mar. 20th (capable of carrying up to 600kg), and Delta-Q Technologies, a manufacturer of battery chargers that improve the performance of electric drive vehicles and industrial machines.
Manufacturers are excited to speak to showroom floor attendees, and even amidst the economic climate, are enthusiastic about targeting new markets and showcasing their technologies.
One major difference from the WMTS that took place just a scarce 6 months prior, was the presence of east Asian robotics companies and manufacturers making their presence known. At WMTS, which was a larger show by attendance, the companies headquartered in China were few and far between. At ProMat, the companies occupy multiple aisles, soliciting robots for a wide range of use-cases.
ProMat continues until Thurs. Mar. 23rd, and promises to deliver a dizzying spectacle of manufacturing solutions, from which Canadian manufacturers hope to stand out in front of.
