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ProMat 2017 to feature first-ever autonomous vehicle and supply chain sustainable Solution Centers For the first time, ProMat will have exhibits in both the South and North Hall of McCormick Place. The ProMat show floor in the South Hall will be divided into solution-specific centers: Equipment and components for manufacturing/assembly logistics solutions, fulfillment and delivery solutions, and information technology (IT) solutions. Two new Solution Centers will be introduced at ProMat 2017, autonomous vehicle solutions and sustainable facility solutions. These two Solution Centers will be located in the North Hall of McCormick Place adjacent to the collocated Automate show. The North Hall expansion area will feature town hall style education sessions. The area will also feature educational opportunities provided by the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) and the updated U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling & Logistics . “Supply chain sustainability is a top priority for leading firms and this is the area of the show floor where attendees can come to find solutions to reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of their operations,” said Tom Carbott, MHI Senior Vice President of Exhibitions. These solutions include alternative and renewable energy and fuel systems, recyclable packaging and shipping materials, energy efficient lighting, high volume/low speed (HVLS) fans, energy efficient equipment and sensors, daylighting technologies, sustainable facility planning, and power regeneration technologies. While autonomous vehicle and drone technology is still emerging, 59% of survey respondents in the recent 2016 MHI Annual Industry Report said that they are having at least some impact on supply chains, and 37% said it has the potential to provide competitive advantage or disrupt the industry. Adoption rates for autonomous vehicle and drone technologies are expected to grow to 50% over the next six to 10 years. “Driverless (or autonomous) vehicles are technologies that are disrupting traditional supply chains,” […]