Applied Manufacturing Technologies and FANUC to Demo CRX Cobot Mixed-Load Handling at Automate 2026

Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), North America's leader in automation engineering, and FANUC will demonstrate an advanced collaborative robotic solution for mixed-load palletizing and depalletizing during Automate 2026. The live demonstration will be showcased in FANUC booth #1001 at McCormick Place in Chicago from June 22–25.

The application features a FANUC CRX collaborative robot integrated with AI-enabled vision technology and intelligent robot control software from Mujin. Developed by AMT and powered by MujinOS, the intelligent software platform, the solution addresses growing demand for flexible automation in inbound logistics, warehouse flow management, 3PL operations and high-mix distribution environments.

Mixed-load palletizing and depalletizing remain among the most challenging warehouse automation applications due to constantly changing box sizes, pallet configurations and material flow requirements. Traditional automation systems often struggle with this variability, creating opportunities for AI-powered robotic systems that can adapt in real time. Warehouse operators and manufacturers continue to face labor shortages, ergonomic concerns and increasing pressure to improve throughput while managing a wider mix of products and packaging configurations.

Craig Salvalaggio, president of AMT, stated:

"Many warehouse operations are trying to improve throughput without adding complexity to existing workflows. Mixed-load handling is one of the more difficult automation challenges because product configurations, pallet conditions and inbound material flow can vary significantly from one operation to another. This demonstration gives attendees an opportunity to see a practical application while discussing how similar technologies can be applied to broader warehouse automation initiatives."

Ed Mullen, Vice President of Channel Sales at Mujin, added:

"Mixed-load handling applications require robots to make decisions based on changing pallet configurations and product variations rather than following a fixed sequence of movements. Our technology provides the vision and robot control capabilities needed to manage that variability, making it possible for integrators like AMT to deploy flexible automation solutions for warehouse and logistics operations."

The collaborative nature of the system makes it suitable for facilities requiring flexibility, portability and safe operator interaction. The showcase serves as both a practical mixed-load handling demonstration and a gateway to broader discussions around warehouse automation strategies, including high-payload robotic palletizing systems, custom warehouse automation cells and integrated material handling solutions.

AMT engineers and automation specialists will be available throughout the event to discuss collaborative robot integration, warehouse optimization and material handling requirements. Founded in 1989, AMT is a FANUC Level V Authorized System Integrator with more than 120 experienced controls and automation engineers. The company has engineered more than 25,000 automation systems worldwide for over 600 customers.