Gary Forger

From back-of-hand scanners and screens to voice systems, wearables are fixing real problems in real time for real warehouses. By November 1, 2025

Gary Forger’s Big Picture argues that despite rapid advances in automation, AI, and robotics, people remain essential to warehouse operations—even as their roles shift from physically demanding tasks to more technical, decision-oriented work. As automation scales gradually, not suddenly, the future warehouse will rely on fewer workers overall but with far higher skills, creating new opportunities in areas like system oversight, AI-driven planning, and automation maintenance.

Materials handling startups are transforming warehouses and manufacturing with AI-driven automation, robotics, and optimization platforms, including companies like Cartken, Freespace Robotics, Dexory, Augmentus, and WareBee. These innovative solutions enhance efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability, helping businesses scale operations, reduce costs, and future-proof supply chain processes.

Modern Materials Handling's 15th Annual Pallet Report reveals how companies rely on wood pallets for 92% of shipments, with 48x40-inch sizes dominating, and highlights evolving trends in plastic, reusable, and specialized pallets.

By June 1, 2026 According to Modern 's MRO survey earlier this year, hiring and retention challenges are widespread across the warehousing

As labor shortages persist, companies can’t rely on traditional hiring methods to build the workforce they need. This Big Picture argues for long-term workforce development—partnering with schools, certifications, and apprenticeships—to build talent pipelines years before job openings exist.

By September 1, 2026 There's no getting around it. Workforce development doesn't get the attention it needs.

As warehouse technologies become more sophisticated, maintenance technicians are finding that communication skills, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning are just as important as technical expertise. Through the experiences of technicians and industry leaders from Swisslog, OPEX, and Hyster-Yale, this article explores the evolving career paths, opportunities, and skills shaping the next generation of maintenance professionals.

This is our third of four articles this year about workforce development. Here, we take a look at some new takes on benchmarking everyone’s performance, the role of trade shows and conferences, new automation certifications and how Google is directly helping to make AI real in manufacturing.