Dematic unveils FD Shuttle at CeMAT Australia in Melbourne

Dematic showcased warehouse automation systems and software at CeMAT Australia 2026 in Melbourne, including the Australian debut of the Dematic Multishuttle FD Shuttle System.

At the three-day logistics industry event, it presented a broad range of warehouse technologies for retail, grocery, manufacturing, third-party logistics and distribution customers. Visitors also saw Automated Guided Vehicles, AutoStore, 4-Way Pallet Shuttle systems, connected workforce tools with voice and vision picking demonstrations, lifecycle services and Colby storage products made in Australia.

The FD Shuttle demonstration drew interest from businesses seeking dense storage systems that can be expanded over time. Dematic presented its products as part of a broader approach to connecting staff, processes and automation within warehouse operations.

Event focus

As a major sponsor of the exhibition, Dematic also hosted discussions with prospective customers and industry attendees about current operational pressures. Those discussions centred on storage limits, productivity demands and the challenge of making better use of existing buildings rather than expanding sites.

David Rubie, ANZ Sales Director, Integrated Systems and Mobile Automation at Dematic, spoke at the event's knowledge theatre on automating manual warehouses. His presentation examined the use of pallet shuttles, Automated Guided Vehicles and the FD Shuttle system in existing facilities.

"CeMAT provides a valuable opportunity to speak directly with businesses about the challenges they're facing in their operations," said David Rubie, ANZ Sales Director, Integrated Systems and Mobile Automation at Dematic.

"This year there was strong interest in solutions that can help organisations improve productivity, increase storage density and make better use of existing facilities," he said.

"For many organisations, the focus is on finding practical ways to get more out of their existing operations."

"The technologies available today provide greater flexibility than ever before, allowing businesses to automate at a pace that aligns with their needs and growth plans."

AI and workforce tools

Alongside its warehouse systems, Dematic highlighted the use of artificial intelligence and connected workforce products in frontline operations. A separate presentation explored how digital tools can give warehouse staff more direct access to operational information.

The session, titled AI is Here: Optimising Frontline Workers, featured Lee Koutsos, ANZ Director of Connected Workforce Solutions and Storage Equipment at Dematic, alongside Daniel Park, Sales Engineering Manager ANZ at Zebra Technologies. They discussed practical uses of AI in warehouse settings, with a focus on worker productivity, efficiency and operational control.

Dematic presented this part of its exhibition as an extension of the broader shift toward integrated warehouse operations, in which hardware, software and worker tools are increasingly managed as a connected system. That approach reflects pressure on operators to lift output without large-scale changes to their physical footprint.

Longer market push

Philip Makowski, Marketing Director APAC at Dematic, said the event combined live demonstrations with customer engagement and industry discussion, reflecting a market focused on both immediate operational gains and longer-term flexibility.

"The conversations throughout the event reflected a strong focus on improving productivity, making better use of existing facilities and building more resilient operations. It's clear that organisations are looking for solutions that can deliver value today while providing flexibility for the future," said Makowski.

He also linked the company's sponsorship to its regional history.

"Dematic has supported CeMAT since its inaugural year, so it was particularly meaningful to return as the major sponsor in 2026 as we celebrate 60 years of supporting customers across Australia and New Zealand," he said.

Dematic employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and operates consulting, research, engineering, manufacturing and service centres in more than 26 countries. It is headquartered in Atlanta and is part of KION.