The New Warehouse Podcast

Welcome to this special “Safety Series” episode of The New Warehouse Podcast. Kevin chats with Vernon O’Donnell, CEO of Voxel, a computer vision-based AI company transforming warehouse safety. Voxel isn’t just monitoring environments; it’s actively preventing incidents by detecting hazards in real time using existing security cameras. Vernon shares how Voxel's solution identifies ergonomic risks, vehicle safety issues, and environmental hazards without requiring new hardware or invasive surveillance. With a passion rooted in both professional experience and a personal connection to workplace safety, Vernon offers insights into why traditional approaches often fall short and how technology can bridge that gap. This episode builds on the key themes in our Warehouse Safety Report and demonstrates what’s possible when prevention, rather than reaction, becomes the standard.Learn more about our sponsors here: Ocado Intelligent Automation, MPC & IFS Softeon Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Kevin chats with Nick Retzmann, Chief Growth and Product Officer at Vaibe, to explore how gamification can transform warehouse employee engagement. Vaibe offers a software-as-a-service platform that connects to existing systems, turning daily operational KPIs into fun, team-oriented challenges. From increasing pick rates to improving safety compliance, Vaibe creates an environment where employees feel recognized and motivated. With labor shortages, retention struggles, and competitive hiring markets putting pressure on warehouse operators, Nick explains why investing in engagement is no longer optional. Instead, gamification can make work more enjoyable while driving measurable gains in productivity, performance, and retention.Learn more about our sponsors here: Ocado Intelligent Automation, MPC & IFS Softeon Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, host Kevin speaks with Jason Minghini, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Solutions at Kenco, a leader in third-party logistics (3PL) solutions. Jason shares how Kenco proactively navigates tariff complexities affecting global trade and innovatively leverages automation and robotics to overcome persistent labor shortages in warehousing. They explore recent automation initiatives, including collaborations with AutoStore and GreyOrange, delivering valuable insights for operational flexibility and efficiency.Learn more about our sponsors here: Ocado Intelligent Automation, MPC & IFS Softeon Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where Kevin chats with Dale Walsh, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Roboworx. Roboworx provides tailored field service solutions for robotics fleets, working directly with OEMs, resellers, and integrators to ensure long-term uptime. From site surveys to installations, preventative maintenance, and customer success, Dale shares how Roboworx helps robotics companies scale while keeping automation performing at its best. With robotics adoption accelerating across warehouses and other sectors, Dale offers practical advice for operators and startups alike on building a sustainable service strategy from day one.Learn more about our sponsors here: Ocado Intelligent Automation, MPC & IFS Softeon Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Jeff Mahler, CTO and Co-founder of Ambi Robotics. Ambi Robotics applies artificial intelligence and simulation-driven learning to solve some of the most complex challenges in logistics automation. In this episode, Jeff shares how Ambi uses a combination of deep reinforcement learning, modular design, and real-world feedback to help operations scale productivity through robotic systems. From parcel sorting to the latest innovation, AmbiStack, the company is building solutions that adapt and improve over time. This episode dives into the tech, the challenges, and what’s next for warehouse robotics.Learn more about our sponsors here: Ocado Intelligent Automation, MPC & IFS Softeon Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Karl Iagnemma, CEO of Vecna Robotics. Vecna Robotics enhances warehouse productivity by integrating AI-driven autonomous robots with human workers, optimizing efficiency and safety. With extensive expertise in robotics and autonomous vehicle technology, Karl discusses his transition from developing autonomous vehicles for public roads to optimizing robotic solutions within warehouse environments. A particular focus of the discussion is Vecna's innovative CaseFlow solution, a robotics-driven approach designed to significantly streamline the case picking process in warehouses, reducing manual labor and operational disruptions.Learn more about our sponsors here: Ocado Intelligent Automation, MPC & IFS Softeon Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where Kevin chats with Alex Vinden, General Manager of Light Industrial at Instawork. Instawork is a flexible staffing platform redefining how warehouses meet labor demands. Alex dives into Instawork’s tech-powered approach to temporary staffing, its role in collecting real-time labor data, and key insights from their latest State of Warehouse Labor report. As warehouses grapple with evolving labor needs and the uncertainty of tariffs, Alex breaks down the emerging trends and why flexibility is no longer optional; it's essential for attracting and retaining top warehouse talent.Learn more about our sponsors here: Ocado Intelligent Automation, MPC & IFS Softeon Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with John Hantzis, Head of Operations at Streetleaf and Transportation Sector Chief for InfraGard. Streetleaf is a solar street lighting company recognized for its rapid deployment systems and storm-resilient infrastructure, primarily serving master-planned communities. John shares how Streetleaf developed a lean and adaptive warehouse strategy, built to withstand tariff volatility and unpredictable demand. He also delves into his role with InfraGard, where he collaborates with the FBI to enhance cybersecurity in transportation. From strengthening internal operations to detecting low-tech theft, John offers a unique dual perspective that blends real-world operations with national security insights.Learn more about our sponsors here: Ocado Intelligent Automation, MPC & IFS Softeon Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Knut Sandven. Sandven is the founder and CEO of Sonair, a Norway-based startup bringing new depth to robotic vision. With a background in ultrasonic sensing and two previous startups under his belt, Knut shares how Sonair is enabling warehouse robots to “see” with ultrasonic depth sensors that work in 3D. These sensors allow autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and robotic arms to detect and navigate around various types of objects, including transparent, reflective, and oddly shaped ones.Sonair’s sensors are built on a medical-grade beamforming technique, allowing them to detect soft, hard, or glass objects with high reliability. The sensors are not only designed to enhance safety but are also being launched in safety-certified versions, helping robotics OEMs meet compliance standards more efficiently. For warehouses looking to deploy automation without reconfiguring their entire layout, Sonair’s technology could be a game changer.Learn more about our sponsors here: Ocado Intelligent Automation, MPC & IFS Softeon Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Charles Ickes, CEO of Bergen Logistics and CloudX Systems. With a background that began in high-end dry cleaning and led to leadership roles in fashion logistics, Charles shares how his journey shaped Bergen’s approach to global 3PL services and warehouse technology. Now operating under the Elanders Group umbrella, Bergen Logistics has grown from a regional fashion-focused provider to a worldwide network of 19 fulfillment centers—all powered by a single WMS: CloudX.Charles walks us through the benefits of owning their tech stack, how they’re helping brands navigate supply chain disruption, and why bonded warehousing and FTZs are becoming critical for fashion brands facing skyrocketing tariffs.Learn more about our sponsors here: Ocado Intelligent Automation, MPC & IFS Softeon Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show