The supply chain industry will come together at ProMat to discover the latest equipment and tech, learn the latest trends, and connect with key suppliers

Technology, geopolitical change, and customer expectations for speed and efficiency are driving supply chains to reinvent themselves. New advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other technologies, are providing opportunities to leapfrog the competition with resiliency, efficiency and productivity gains.

For manufacturing and supply chain professionals, ProMat 2025 is the best opportunity to see these new trends and leading technologies in action and learn how they can be implemented into operations. Held March 17-20 at Chicago's McCormick Place, ProMat is the equivalent of a four-day accelerator program for supply chain innovation. The event includes 1,200 exhibits covering 660,000 square feet and a comprehensive educational conference of over 200 sessions and four keynotes.

When it comes to product interest, ProMat 2025 attendees are looking for a broad range of equipment and technologies. However, there is a heightened interest in AI, automation, robotics, and autonomous vehicles as firms seek to build resiliency and visibility into their operations. Looking at the current product interest from ProMat attendee registrations, there are several key technology themes emerging that can radically reinvent supply chain operations in the future:

The Power of Data and AI for Supply Chains

ProMat attendees are demonstrating an increased interest in using data and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize order picking routes, demand forecasting, and identify bottlenecks. AI, specifically agentic AI, solutions and applications will be on display and among the leading topics at ProMat 2025 including for two ProMat keynotes that will cut through the hype and discuss the real-world AI impact on supply chains. This technology can drive faster decision-making and more accurate operations by providing real-time information, autonomous operations, and actionable intelligence.

Utilizing Automation for Connected, Scalable Warehouse and DC Operations

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Autonomous Forklifts, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are now seen as interconnected solutions for facilities. Attendees are interested to see how these solutions can work together to build smarter, scalable, and more agile warehouse and DC operations.

Collaborative and Humanoid Robots

Humanoid and collaborative robots (Cobots) are of keen interest due to their enhanced precision and adaptability. The ability of these solutions to collaborate safely and efficiently with human workers as they provide real-time operational data has the attention of ProMat attendees. These solutions are also enhancing human jobs in this space as the robots complete more repetitive and lower-value tasks.

Wearable Tech

From smart glasses to headsets and advanced gloves and wrist wearables, these solutions are enhancing worker efficiency and safety. Wearables streamline warehouse workflows by removing manual steps from day-to-day processes. They also improve worker satisfaction by empowering workers with real-time information and feedback. Wearables also work to reduce worker strain as they monitor physical activity, location, and health.

"ProMat offers manufacturing and supply chain professionals the unique opportunity to witness in person, in action the vast array of technology and innovations impacting this industry," says John Paxton, CEO, MHI.

"From hands-on demonstrations to unparalleled education experiences, attending ProMat is your best opportunity in 2025 to gain the tools you need to innovate your supply chain operations for the next level of success," adds Daniel McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer, MHI. "If it's your job to innovate your manufacturing and supply chain operations, you can't afford to miss ProMat."

ProMat will be held March 17-20 at Chicago's McCormick Place. For more information and for complimentary registration for ProMat, visit promatshow.com.

ProMat is Powered by MHI

MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, their customers and the industry through its programming, events and its Warehousing Education & Research Council (WERC) division. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX trade events.