What We Saw at ProMat 2025: How Ai is Rewiring the Material Handling Industry

Last week at ProMat 2025 in Chicago, we had the chance to see the future of material handling—up close and moving. From March 17 to 20, McCormick Place buzzed with innovation, and if there was one theme that stood out above all, it was this: artificial intelligence isn’t just coming to the warehouse. It’s already here—and it’s moving freight.

Walking the floor, it was clear that autonomous vehicles are quickly becoming the new normal. AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) zipped through mock warehouse setups with precision. What’s impressive isn’t just their ability to navigate without human help—it’s how Ai makes them smarter, faster, and more efficient every iteration.

But here’s the piece that often goes overlooked: none of this tech works without power—and lots of it.

As Ai systems advance, their computing needs grow. Faster chips mean more processing, more sensors, more data, and more autonomy. All of this demands a reliable and longer-lasting energy supply. And that’s where the battery industry, including companies like Harris Battery, plays a critical role.

If you’re integrating Ai and automation into your warehouse, you’re also increasing your dependency on a steady, sustainable power infrastructure. It’s not just about runtime—it’s about resilience, performance, and readiness for predictive maintenance. Batteries are no longer just accessories; they’re foundational to how AI-enabled systems function daily.

One trend I found especially interesting was how predictive maintenance, powered by Ai, is starting to reshape equipment longevity. As discussed in recent industry pieces, smart systems can now analyze usage data to predict wear-and-tear, signaling when to service equipment before it breaks. That’s a game changer for uptime and operational costs. But again—these systems rely on constant power to do their job right.

There’s also a bigger picture here—sustainability. Every warehouse we spoke to had the same goal: move smarter, waste less, and think green. Investing in high-performance batteries is part of that puzzle. At Harris Battery, we’re already supporting this shift by supplying powerful, efficient, and long-lasting battery solutions..

So what’s the takeaway from ProMat 2025?

Ai is no longer just an upgrade. It’s the backbone of modern material handling—and batteries are its heartbeat. As companies plan for the next phase of growth, it’s clear that success will depend on more than just automation. It will depend on the power behind it.

If you’re building a smarter warehouse, make sure you’re also building a smarter energy plan. We’re here to help.  Call Today 1.800.367.7670