Material Movement Insights from Automate 2025

The future of manufacturing was on full display at Automate 2025. From cutting-edge robotics to next-gen tech, innovation was everywhere.  

But beneath the excitement, a familiar concern weighed on many manufacturers. They’ve invested in automation, yet their systems still don’t work together. 

At the LIFT booth, we had the opportunity to connect with these manufacturers, listen to their challenges, and demonstrate how material movement software like LIFT 3.0 can solve them. Based on those conversations, here are four key takeaways from Automate 2025. 

Hear firsthand what the Flexware team learned at Automate.

1. Automated Vehicle Adoption is Accelerating 

The robotics and automated vehicles showcased at Automate 2025 aren’t just visions of the future — they’re already transforming shop floors. In fact, a recent report from MHI found that 41% of the leaders surveyed are using robotics and automation, with another 42% planning to make the investment in the next five years. 

As more and more businesses adopt automation, manufacturers must maximize the value of their investments to maintain a competitive edge. 

2. Manufacturers are Doing More Research 

The increased investment in automation has prompted manufacturers to spend more time researching and evaluating solutions before making a commitment. In doing so, they’re realizing that success isn’t just about selecting the right technology; it’s about ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. Without it, even the best tools can create friction, slow down operations, and reduce overall efficiency.

3. Orchestration Continues to be a Challenge

At the LIFT booth, many manufacturers shared that orchestrating material movement is more complex and dynamic than they initially anticipated. Even a seemingly simple task, like replenishing materials, can require multiple systems working in sync. For example: 

• The Manufacturing Execution System (MES) must initiate the material request based on the production schedule and bill of materials. 

• The Warehouse Management System (WMS) needs to provide the location of the materials. 

• The automated vehicle must interface with the infeed conveyor to coordinate the pallet drop. 

What’s more, orchestration becomes exponentially more complicated for complex use cases — like replacing conveyors with automated vehicles directly in a production line. Without the right infrastructure, these systems can quickly become bottlenecks rather than boosters of efficiency.

4. Custom Solutions are Slowing Manufacturers Down

Even with thorough research, many manufacturers fall into the trap of building custom solutions to integrate their automated vehicles with core systems. While API-based integration may seem simple on the surface, it often requires intricate, hard-to-maintain logic. To avoid the burden, some manufacturers turn to suppliers to complete the integration — but these solutions come at the cost of flexibility and control. 

Custom solutions make it harder for manufacturers to innovate and adapt as their operations evolve. 

LIFT: The Future of Material Movement Automation 

Automate 2025 confirmed what we’ve known all along: manufacturers need a smart, intuitive, and scalable way to integrate their automated solutions and core systems.  

LIFT offers just that. It’s the missing link that turns disconnected tech into a fully coordinated operation.  

And, you don’t need technical expertise to use LIFT. Its drag-and-drop interface is designed to make integration simple and accessible. With LIFT, material movement is smarter, faster, and more efficient. 

Request a demo today and see firsthand how LIFT can transform your operations.