Peter MacLeod Archives

[Podcast] Adapting to Industry 4.0: Intralogistics Automation

Posted on 15 April, 202525 July, 2025 by David Priestman

In our most recent episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter Macleod engages in an in-depth discussion with David Hibbett, CEO of TGW Northern Europe, focusing on the transformative role of Logistics Automation in facilitating the transition to Industry 4.0. We discuss the challenges and transformations in the logistics sector, including labor shortages, the increasing demand for flexibility and efficiency, and the importance of cost-effectiveness.

David shares his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut and how he went from the sales department to being the CEO of TGW Northern Europe. The conversation delves into how automation technologies, specifically TGW’s Live Pick system, facilitate improvements in operational flexibility, scalability, and overall efficiency, allowing users to introduce additional bots to increase pick rate or add more racking to increase scale. David emphasises the growing importance of software and algorithms in logistics, as well as the critical considerations surrounding data security in an increasingly digitalized environment, and highlights the benefits of the shared data for users of their standardised system, allowing all operators to learn from each other.

From discussions around software and algorithms to data security, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in the evolving landscape of logistics. This episode is a much listen for all businesses that value flexibility and need to increase labour efficiency.

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[Podcast] Future Fulfilment: Smarter, Scalable Warehouses

Posted on 1 April, 202529 July, 2025 by David Priestman

In this insightful episode of our podcast, Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter Macleod is joined by Andy Ingram, Vice President of Advanced Technology at Ocado Intelligent Automation. Together, they explore the evolution of Ocado from an online grocery retailer to a global pioneer in warehouse automation and the future of fulfilment automation.

Andy shares the remarkable story of how Ocado’s early warehouse systems—like their monorail pick-and-pack setup—were replaced through bold decisions and fast learning. From conveyor-based systems with major points of failure to today’s fully fault-tolerant, modular storage and retrieval grid powered by “naked bots,” the conversation dives deep into the transformative power of technology, simulation, and in-house innovation.

Key highlights include

The journey from Ocado’s early automation failures to cutting-edge proprietary tech

The development of the Ocado Storage and Retrieval System and its global rollout

Why Ocado runs its own tech and how this operational insight fuels innovation

The shift toward “lights-out” warehouses and additive manufacturing (3D printing) to create lighter, faster, more efficient robots

Insights on flexibility, scalability, and KPIs businesses should measure when adopting automation

The importance of simulation and data modeling to design high-throughput, fault-tolerant systems

How Ocado is addressing labor challenges by upskilling workers and simplifying robotic systems

A look ahead at the future of logistics automation—including exciting technologies like subassembly 3D printing

Whether you’re a logistics professional, automation enthusiast, or just curious about the future of fulfilment, this episode delivers a fascinating glimpse into what’s next for warehouse operations around the world.

Click here to listen to this episode and more

Humans and Robots: How Collaboration is Shaping Logistics

Posted on 1 March, 202531 July, 2025 by David Priestman

In this episode of our podcast, Logistics Business Conversations, Peter MacLeod sits down with Damon He from SEER Robotics to discuss the evolving relationship between humans and robots in warehouse operations. As automation reshapes logistics, Damon sheds light on how robotics enhances, rather than replaces, human roles, creating a more efficient and safer working environment. He highlights that robots don’t eliminate jobs but instead restructure them—allowing workers to focus on higher-value tasks such as robot maintenance, programming, and data analysis.

Key Topics Discussed:

✅ Robots as Collaborators, Not Replacements – How automation supports human workers by taking over repetitive, physically demanding, and hazardous tasks.
✅ Job Creation Through Robotics – Why the introduction of mobile robots doesn’t mean job losses, but instead creates opportunities for higher-skilled roles.
✅ Safety & Efficiency Gains – How robotics reduces workplace injuries, improves accuracy, and enhances productivity.
✅ The Role of AI in Future Warehouses – Damon’s insights on AI-driven robotics and its potential to further optimize logistics operations.
✅ Steps to Automation – Practical advice for businesses looking to integrate robotics, starting with small-scale pilot projects before scaling up.

“It’s time to welcome robots, not resist them.” – Damon He

Listen Now – Available on all major podcast platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe to Logistics Business Conversations for the latest insights from industry leaders!

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Humans and Robots

March marks a major milestone for SEER Robotics, as the smart logistics company gears up to showcase its latest intelligent robotics solutions at two of the world’s most influential logistics exhibitions—LogiMAT Stuttgart and ProMat Chicago.

As a global supplier of intelligent robotics controllers, SEER Robotics will present a comprehensive line-up of hardware and software solutions built around its industry-leading SRC series controllers, highlighting its cutting-edge automation technologies and innovation-driven capabilities.

With a commitment to localization and adaptability, SEER Robotics tailors its solutions to meet the unique needs of different markets, driving the intelligent transformation of global logistics. Visitors to LogiMAT and ProMat will witness region-specific solutions that have already been deployed by world-renowned enterprises, including Schneider Electric, Philips, Hisense, Haier, Gree, Bosch, Volkswagen, ABB, Walmart, and many more.

Where to Find SEER Robotics
LogiMAT 2025 | March 11-13 | Stuttgart, Germany | Hall 8, Booth 8D77
Showcasing: SRC controllers, intelligent stacker forklifts (SFL-CDD14-CE & SFL-CDD15-CE), pallet trucks (SFL-CBD15-CE), single-arm forklifts (SOF-300EU), RDS resource scheduling system, and visualization products.

ProMat 2025 | March 17-20 | Chicago, USA | Lakeside Hall, Booth E12013
Showcasing: SRC controllers, rotary lifting AMRs (SJV-SW600), single-arm forklifts (SOF-300EU), reach trucks (SSR-1400), RDS resource scheduling system, M4 QuickGo application, and visualization products.

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Podcast: Automation: The Future of Your Warehouse

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Key Topics Discussed:

Humans and Robots

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