FEATURE Robotics


A NEW AGE OF INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION


Craig McDonnell, Managing Director, Business Line Industries, ABB Robotics, talks to Michelle Lea about how the company’s vision for Autonomous Versatile Robots (AVR) will open up new possibilities in logistics and warehouse automation


W


ithout doubt, the big news story of 2025 was the burgeoning use of AI in industrial settings. Always


keen to stay at the forefront of innovation,  in logistics and warehousing with its    create adaptive, intelligent, and scalable   features that are crucial due  logistics applications. So, what are the key drivers for robotic  Craig McDonnell outlines four key factors: Labour shortages and rising costs


 labour shortages. With fewer people wanting to work in warehousing jobs, it can  workers to process and handle orders, especially during periods such as seasonal        Sustainability pressures Sustainability is another factor. Large


warehouses take up a lot of space and     sustainable.


Digital readiness


 the issues above is digital readiness and


12 January 2026 | Automation


A NEW AGE OF INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION


       operational visibility, and allow predictive  the pace of adoption


across logistics networks. McDonnell illustrates the


advantages of AI enhanced robotic technology in a warehouse


scenario where a diverse range of products need to be sorted, picked and handled:    bags, proving a challenge for robots without   huge advantage.”





enabled the integration of LandingLens,  into ABB Robotics’ own software suite.      controller architecture, this integration enables robots to better handle variability in SKU types, packaging, layout changes, and seasonal peaks across tasks such as


 and inspection.


McDonnell said: “Using LandingLens has enabled us to develop solutions that can   and characterise objects quickly and     disruption.”


   picking parcels, picking bolts out of a bin,  McDonnell cites another application, again in      way to winter coats and heavy jackets and   He said: “Previously, introducing new    With our new architectures, together with   winter clothing.”


  operation. ABB acquired Sevensense in 2024


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