Kenco opens new innovation lab for warehouse automation testing

Kenco opened a 30,000-square-foot Innovation Lab on September 10, expanding its testing footprint from 10,000 square feet in 2015. The new facility enables the company to test larger and more complex warehouse automation systems, as well as run multiple systems simultaneously. The lab's design replicates real-world warehouse conditions to ensure test results are applicable to live distribution centers.

Ainsley Williams, vice president of automation and innovation at Kenco, stated that the expansion benefits both manufacturers and customers by providing a neutral space to explore and implement emerging technologies. Kenco president and CEO Denis Reilly credited Kristi Montgomery for initiating the process 10 years ago, as the company's ambitions and the industry's growth required a larger testing space.

The lab's vendor-neutral design allows OEMs and customers to evaluate equipment without any purchase commitments, while Kenco collects valuable evaluation data for both parties. The facility also serves as a working environment to validate technologies, develop solutions, and explore future possibilities for customers and operations.

Kenco emphasizes that automation is about enabling human workers, reducing excessive walking, eliminating tedious tasks, and creating safer work environments.