The 10th edition of Materials Handling Middle East, the region’s dedicated warehousing trade show, opened today with a focus on robotics and automation.

 

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of Dubai’s Road Transport Authority (RTA) today officially opened the 2019 edition of Materials Handling Middle East.

 

The event, which runs until September 5 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is co-located with SPS Automation Middle East, opening to a crowd of logistics, materials handling, automation and e-commerce professionals.

 

Al Tayer was joined by Simon Mellor, CEO, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the show’s organiser, as they toured the show floor meeting with representatives of local and international exhibitors.

 

The three-day tradeshow will address impactful topics for the industry, including automated solutions, operational and cost efficiency, production capacity and customer service.

 

Hosting close to 100 exhibitors from over 30 countries, international and local presence at the show was bolstered by Japanese automation providers, Daifuku; Germany’s Schafer; the regional branch of for industrial solutions provider, ACME; and Kuwaiti transportation logistics giant, Agility. 

 

Swisslog, a global leader in robotic, data-driven and flexible automated solutions introduced highly efficient robotised storage and order processing solutions for small parts and pallets that can be integrated into existing buildings.

 

Commenting on its benefits to logistics automation, Alain Kaddoum, general manager of Swisslog Middle East said: “The GCC automated materials handling equipment segment is growing at a CAGR of 8.6% and is expected to reach $498.5 million by 2023. 

 

“This growth will cross from e-commerce and retail, to F&B and pharmaceuticals and is fueled by the demand for operational efficiencies. Businesses are now recognizing the full potential and need for warehouse automation investments. 

 

“Our solutions such as Vectura, AutoStore, CarryPick and PowerStore are designed to shape the future of logistics automation and transform warehouses and distribution centres to achieve maximum efficiency, flexibility and agility.”

 

A new report was issued to coincide with today’s opening which has forecast double-digit growth for the region’s warehouse automation market with rising e-commerce demand being a key driver.

 

The report, produced by research and advisory firm LogisticsIQ, said the regional warehouse automation sector will attain compound annual growth of 17.5% to 2025 to reach a value of $1.6 billion – almost triple of today’s $600 million. – TradeArabia News Service