Picking the right fleet-management software for your mobile robots is tricky—and far more painful if you choose the wrong one. In this Automation Awakenings episode, we break down 5 red flags that signal a software provider might not be the partner you think they are.
From the “NDA reference customer” that mysteriously never appears to the ghost roadmap full of features that never ship, we share field-tested warning signs that save you from blown budgets, stalled go-lives, and support teams that disappear when you need them most.
🎧 Watch now to learn:
Why the “NDA reference site” is often a polite way of saying “we have none”
How complex pricing models hide future cost explosions
How to test if features exist—or only live on a slide deck
Why VDA 5050 onboarding claims need real-world proof
How to spot suppliers that rely on one developer (and what that means for you)
🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from the world of logistics automation!
🧭 http://automation-a.com
🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings
🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN
Picking the right AMR/AGV partner is hard—and expensive if you get it wrong. In this Automation Awakenings episode, we break down 5 clear red flags that signal a mobile robot supplier might not be the right fit. From the “vampire” reference customer that vanishes in daylight to the proof-of-concept they won’t run, we share hard-won lessons to help you avoid stalled go-lives and the ROI that never shows up.🎧 Watch now to learn:The “Vampire Reference Customer” effect—and how to test claims fastWhy refusing a Proof of Concept is a deal-breakerHow no spec book = scope creep + endless change ordersSpotting a never-ending go-live (and how to escalate)Preventing the ROI that never arrives (or goes negative)🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from the world of logistics automation!🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN---00:00 Intro02:50 Red Flag #1: The “Vampire” reference customer04:48 Red Flag #2: Unwillingness to run a PoC07:52 Red Flag #3: No spec book (and why that’s fatal)10:28 Red Flag #4: The never-ending go-live/stabilization loop12:56 Red Flag #5: ROI that never materializes15:12 Recap & next steps
In this episode of Automation Awakenings, we sit down with David Reger, Founder & CEO of Neura Robotics, to explore how one of the fastest-growing names in robotics plans to revolutionize industry, service, and home automation.We discuss Neura’s bold goal to manufacture 5 million humanoid robots by 2030, the technology driving this vision, and the market forces — from an aging population to labor shortages — that make it possible. David also shares his insights on humanoids vs. mobile robots, physical AI, and why global collaboration is key to making humanoids mainstream.🎧 Watch now to learn:- Why humanoids are arriving faster than expected- The role of physical AI and sensor technology in humanoids- First real-world use cases for humanoid robots- How humanoids will coexist with mobile robots in logistics- Neura’s global market strategy and potential IPO plans🚀 Are humanoids the next big leap in automation — or is it all hype? Find out from the visionary leading the charge.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from the world of logistics automation!🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN
Summer ideas turn serious: can you automate a brownfield plant with mobile robots? Yes—if you tackle the right hurdles in the right order. In this episode, we break down the common blockers (floors, aisles, light, oil mist), the mindset shift from “manual steps + robots” to truly automation-ready processes, and when to choose AMR vs. AGV. We close with a practical “greenfield-for-brownfield” design method you can apply tomorrow.🎯 You’ll learn: -What really distinguishes brownfield from greenfield (beyond buzzwords) -Physical hurdles & pragmatic fixes (cracks, narrow aisles, sunlight, contaminants) -Why the first project should stay simple—then scaleProcess redesign: think automated processes, not automated manual work- AMR vs. AGV in brownfield + the “greenfield-for-brownfield” approach
If you’re planning to bring mobile robots into an existing site, this is your playbook.🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN
When do you actually need an agnostic VDA 5050 fleet manager, and when is the native fleet manager enough? In this episode (recorded at Schloss Solitude near Stuttgart), we unpack real-world scenarios: single junction vs. many, one vendor vs. multi-vendor fleets, IO-box “traffic light” workarounds, onboarding complexity, and the true tipping points. We finish with concrete “golden bullets” for your specification so you know how to start.🎯 You’ll learn:Native vs. agnostic fleet managers (clear definitions)When a simple IO-box fix is enoughWhy adding another vendor is the bigger complexity bombWhat to demand in your spec book (beyond “VDA 5050 ready”)How to de-risk multi-vendor scale-upIf you’ve got a tricky use case, drop it in the comments, we’ll cover it in a future episode.🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN
In this special Automation Awakenings summer edition, we take you outside to the stunning Solitude Castle in Stuttgart to unpack one of the most important — and most misunderstood — topics in logistics automation: ROI calculation for mobile robots. 📊We break down the top-down vs. bottom-up approaches, reveal hidden savings layers beyond labor cost, and share golden tips from real-world projects that can dramatically shorten your payback period.🎯 You’ll learn:- Why the top-down approach beats stopwatch timing- How to factor in safety, damage reduction & process stability- The “latent effects” that make every future project cheaper & faster- How to convince your boss or finance team with a rock-solid ROI case- Whether you’re planning your first AMR project or refining your automation strategy, this episode will help you calculate ROI the smart way.📽️ Watch now and turn your ROI into a winning argument for automation!🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN---
🤖 Plug & play or still a puzzle? Join us live from the Mobile Robot Mashup 2025, where eight vendors and ten different mobile robots came together under one roof - steered by MHP’s Fleet Executor via the VDA 5050 standard.We sit down with Katharina Grimm and Matthias Beiswenger from MHP, the masterminds behind this year’s Mesh-Up, to uncover:
✅ How they managed to onboard 8 vendors & 10 AGVs/AMRs in just 2.5 days
✅ The biggest technical challenges of connecting different fleets
✅ What’s still missing in VDA 5050 version 2.1
✅ Why version 3.0 is a game-changer for AMR integration
✅ Lessons learned about alignment, planning & communication in multi-vendor setups
✅ Their one wish for the VDA 5050 working group
From corridors vs. zones to bi-directional layout updates, this episode dives deep into the real-world pain points and future potential of fleet interoperability.
🎧 If you’re working with AMRs, AGVs, or fleet management software - this one’s for you.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from the world of logistics automation!🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com
🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings
🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN---
Why do so many automation projects fail before they even start? In this episode of Automation Awakenings, we reveal the recurring patterns and misconceptions we see across site assessments in Europe, North America, and Asia.From choosing the wrong use case (yes, truck unloading, we’re looking at you!) to partnering with the wrong supplier, lacking in-house expertise, miscalculating ROI, and finally failing to build a scalable automation strategy with proper IT integration—we’ve seen it all.Join us as we share hard-earned lessons and golden bullets to help you avoid these traps and set your automation journey on the right track. If you’re serious about scaling automation without burning time, budget, and credibility, this episode is a must-listen.🎧 Listen now to learn:Why “obvious” use cases often backfireHow supplier selection can make or break your projectThe dangers of putting automation in the wrong handsWhy ROI calculations are often misleadingThe Champions League level of strategy & IT integration👉 Tune in and future-proof your automation journey!🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from the world of logistics automation!
🤖 China overtakes Germany in robot density – but what does that really mean?In this episode of Automation Awakenings, we challenge the hype around industrial robot density as a KPI and ask the bold question: Should mobile robot density be our next benchmark? Spoiler alert: More robots ≠ better automation.Join us as we explore:Why robot density is misleading for measuring automation successWhat KPIs actually matter in logistics and manufacturingHow to deal with internal “robot rankings” and focus on real impactThe one question every automation project should ask: Are we saving money?📊 Forget vanity metrics — this episode gives you the tools to drive value, not just robot counts.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from the world of logistics automation!🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN---
Is automation in China faster, bolder—and maybe riskier—than in Europe? In this no-filter episode of Automation Awakenings, we dive deep into the cultural clash of automation philosophies:🇨🇳 "Progress over perfection" vs. 🇪🇺 "Safety and planning first."We compare real-life experiences from the shop floors of China and Europe, what each side can learn from the other, what works, what fails, and what really happens during implementation.🚨 Hot Topics in This Episode:Safety standards: Cultural differences in responsibilityPlanning vs. iteration: Big bang or cautious rollout?QR codes and “good enough” mentalityWhy China skips the “project phase”Lessons in speed, scale, and mindset📍 Whether you're automating your first process or scaling up fast, this episode gives you a fresh perspective on global automation practices.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from the world of logistics automation!🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN
In this eye-opening episode of Automation Awakenings, we go straight to the source: China. 🤖✨Join us as we bust the biggest myths about mobile robots in Chinese factories – from cheap AGVs to QR-code-covered warehouses and full-on robot armies in car production!🎧 Tune in to discover:✅ Are Chinese mobile robots really that cheap?✅ Is quality sacrificed for cost?✅ Why under-rider AGVs dominate Chinese logistics✅ What role AMRs play – and why✅ How QR codes are used (and not used) in robot navigation✅ What China’s “Automate by Default” mindset means for global logistics✅ What tasks still need human hands – and where humanoids might come in🔥 Bonus: A behind-the-scenes look at factories with 1,500+ mobile robots in action!🧭 Next episode teaser: What we can learn from China – and what China can learn from us. Don’t miss it.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real-world insights on automation in logistics!🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN
VDA 5050 version 3.0 is just around the corner – and it's a game changer for AMRs and AGVs! In this episode of Automation Awakenings, we take a deep dive into the most important updates and what they mean for your automation strategy.In this episode we explore:✅ Trajectory-based navigation – how it's changing the game✅ Zone logic, free driving areas & better obstacle avoidance✅ What happens to your existing fleet and fleet manager?✅ Is upgrading a must, or can you stay with 2.1 for now?✅ What’s still missing in the VDA 5050 standard...💡 If you're working with mobile robots on the shopfloor, this is the episode you need.📌 Tune in now and stay ahead before version 3.0 becomes reality.🔔 Subscribe for more insights into automation, robotics, and next-gen logistics!🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN
🚀 NVIDIA Enters the Mobile Robotics Game – Here’s What It Means for AGILOX and the Industry 🤖In this episode of Automation Awakenings, we’re diving into a powerful new tech collaboration: NVIDIA + AGILOX.Join us as we speak with Wolfgang Pointner, Team Lead Future Tech at AGILOX, to explore how one of the world’s leading AMR manufacturers is working with NVIDIA’s Omniverse simulation platform to accelerate development, create digital twins, and push the boundaries of logistics automation.🎧 Tune in to learn:Why NVIDIA is now moving into mobile roboticsHow AGILOX leverages NVIDIA Omniverse for simulation and AIThe role of synthetic data in future developmentWhat’s next for AGILOX in future techWolfgang’s vision for logistics automation in the next 3–5 years💡 Is simulation the new superpower of robotics development? Find out how AGILOX is using it today.🔔 Subscribe for more insights into automation, robotics, and next-gen logistics!🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN--
In this episode of Automation Awakenings, we sit down with Andreas Schneider, Senior Vice President EMEA Automation at KION Group, to explore how a traditional giant like Linde Material Handling is evolving into a leader in AGV and AMR automation!🎧 Tune in to learn:How Linde balances tradition and innovationStrategic insights into automation, digital twins, and software integrationLinde's approach to collaborating with startupsTrends reshaping the future of material handlingThoughts on "lights-out" warehouses and the role of humans in automated environmentsIf you’re curious about how legacy companies adapt to the world of automation — this episode is a must-listen!🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN--
In this Automation Awakenings episode, we go behind the scenes of one of the most innovative startups in logistics automation: Filics.Live from the Interlogistik Testcamp, we sit down with Julius Lutzer, co-founder of Filics, to explore their radically minimal, ultra-compact mobile robot system — a synchronized pair of autonomous skids designed for next-level pallet transport.🔍 What’s inside:How Filics aims to cut truck loading time from 45 minutes to just 5Why they ditched the traditional AMR shape to focus on just the forksReal use cases from customers like Bosch and Coca-ColaThe startup story: from student idea at TUM to market entry with certified systemsChallenges of scaling hardware in logistics – and how they’re tackling them💡 Whether you're into robotics, logistics tech, or the future of warehouse automation, this is a must-watch episode packed with insight, startup energy, and bold visions for what's next.🎧 Watch now to learn:Why Filics believes “less is more” in mobile robot designHow their synchronization tech makes two robots work like oneWhat’s next: from certified pallet transport to autonomous truck loading🔥 Ready to meet the most compact AGV you’ve ever seen? Let’s go!
Are humanoid robots ready for real warehouse operations—or are they still just a futuristic dream? In this episode of Automation Awakenings, we sit down with Tom Anderson, Founder & Principal Analyst at STIQ, to get expert insights on the current state of humanoid robotics in logistics and where the industry is headed. 🚀🎧 Watch now to learn:- How humanoids compare to traditional mobile robots- The best use cases for humanoids in logistics today- Why venture capital is betting big on humanoid robotics- What’s still missing for full-scale deployment- How employees react to working with humanoids- When we can expect humanoids to reshape logistics🔔 Subscribe & Follow for More📽️ 🎙️ YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & LinkedIn for more insights on logistics automation!🧑💼 https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🔉 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN🚀 What do you think? Are humanoids ready for logistics, or is mass adoption still years away? Comment below! 👇
What was once science fiction is now operational reality. In this episode of Automation Awakenings, we sit down with Adrian Stoch, Chief Automation Officer at GXO Logistics, to dive deep into how humanoid robots like Digit and Apptronik are already being deployed in real-world logistics operations.🚨 This isn’t a test lab — this is the real deal. 🚨🎧 Tune in to discover:- How humanoids are being used in active warehouse operations- Why GXO Logistics is betting big on this tech- Where humanoids outperform other automation- How employees react to working alongside them- What the future holds for warehouse robotics💡 Are humanoids the future of logistics, or just a bold experiment? Find out from the pioneers who are already making it happen.📍 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on the cutting edge of logistics automation!👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments — are humanoids ready, or is it still too soon?🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🧑💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🔉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN
What’s next for humanoid robots? In this episode of Automation Awakenings, we explore the latest breakthroughs, trends, and innovations shaping the future of humanoid robotics. From AI-powered autonomy to bio-inspired designs, humanoids are evolving faster than ever! 🚀🎧 Watch now to learn:- Why autonomy is the key to scalable humanoid deployment- The rise of large behavior models for smarter robots- How superhuman movement is changing humanoid design- The impact of bio-inspired materials and sensors- Why partnerships & collaborations are accelerating development- How affordable humanoids could reshape automation💡 Will humanoids become mainstream, or are we still years away? Join us as we discuss the game-changing advancements that could define the industry’s future!🔔 Subscribe & Follow for More📽️ 🎙️ YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & LinkedIn for more insights on logistics automation!🧑💼 https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🔉 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN
🤖 Episode 53: Humanoids in 2025 – Where’s the Return on Investment? 🤖Humanoids promise to revolutionize logistics, but are they worth the investment? In this episode of Automation Awakenings, we take a hard look at the economic challenges facing humanoid robots in logistics. From unclear costs to unpredictable savings, we explore why calculating a real return on investment (ROI) for humanoids is so complex.🎧 Watch now to discover:Why ROI for humanoids remains a mysteryThe hidden costs of humanoid deploymentWhether humanoids can truly replace human laborWhat early adopters reveal about their financial impact🔔 Subscribe & Follow for More📽️ 🎙️ YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & LinkedIn for more insights on logistics automation!🧑💼 https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-awakenings 🧭 http://automation-awakenings.com🔉 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3NRKD0tb1qOwAvECNJi4HN--
🤖 Humanoids in Logistics: Technical Challenges 🤖Humanoid robots are often presented as the future of logistics automation, but why aren’t they widely deployed yet? In this episode of Automation Awakenings, we take a deep dive into the real challenges holding humanoids back from mass adoption in logistics.🚧 What’s stopping them?Technical barriers – From battery life to autonomy and learning capabilitiesEconomic challenges – High costs, ROI concerns, and scalability issuesSocial implications – Workforce impact and acceptance📌 Today's focus: The Technical HurdlesWe analyze the power supply problem, the training & autonomy gap, and the complexity of maintenance & repairs that make humanoids a tough sell in today’s warehouses and factories.💡 Are humanoids the "Swiss Army Knife" of automation, or just a futuristic dream? Join us as we break down the facts and separate hype from reality.📅 Next Episode: We tackle the economic challenges of humanoid robots—stay tuned!🔔 Subscribe & Follow for More📽️ 🎙️ YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & LinkedIn for more insights on logistics automation!