ArcBest unveils Vaux Smart Autonomy system

ArcBest on Tuesday (Feb. 13) rolled out its Vaux Smart Autonomy system that, in conjunction with other Vaux products, promises to reduce materials handling in warehouses, distribution centers and other facilities from “an hours-long process to mere minutes.”

The Fort Smith-based shipping and logistics company previously unveiled the Vaux Freight Movement System which used a mobile platform system to change how freight is loaded and unloaded. That system was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023.

According to the company, the Vaux systems combine “autonomous mobile robot (AMR) forklifts and reach trucks, intelligent software and remote teleoperation capabilities to autonomously handle materials movement within warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities — all while keeping humans in the loop.” The company said it invests $175 million annually in technology and innovation designed to improve supply chain systems.

“As supply chains become increasingly complex, we are introducing transformational innovations to the market that help our customers achieve their financial and operational objectives. Vaux Smart Autonomy will revolutionize material handling for customers, helping to optimize and unlock greater efficiencies in their warehouses, distribution centers and the overall supply chain,” Judy McReynolds, ArcBest chairman, president and CEO, said in a statement.

The AMR forklift and other equipment used to move materials can operate in autonomous, remote or manual modes, according to ArcBest. They are equipped with software, sensors and cameras, they can “safely navigate a warehouse, detect and identify pallets and racking systems, and perform tasks such as loading and unloading, moving goods and stacking pallets.”

The company said Tuesday it is piloting Vaux with companies in manufacturing, automotive, retail and other industries, with “many” of them Fortune 500 companies.

“Today, businesses are facing challenges in their material handling processes, particularly when it comes to productivity, labor availability and safety. They need a practical solution that can be implemented without significant facility or process changes. Vaux Smart Autonomy improves efficiencies, adds labor flexibility and creates a safer working environment — even for companies with complex operations that traditionally have not been able to adopt autonomous technology,” Michael Newcity, chief innovation officer of ArcBest and president of ArcBest Technologies, said in the press release.

Link here for more info about the Vaux system.

Founded in 1923, ArcBest has around 15,000 employees at 250 locations. ABF Freight is the largest subsidiary and is a less-than-truckload carrier. The company on Feb. 6 reported full-year net income of $195.433 million, down 34.4% compared with $298.209 million in 2022. Revenue in 2023 totaled $4.427 billion, down 12% compared with $5.029 billion in 2022.

ArcBest shares (NASDAQ: ARCB) closed Monday at $144.43. During the past 52 weeks the share price has ranged between $146.24 and $82.18.