From autonomous warehouse systems and intelligent manufacturing to self-driving trucks and humanoid robots, we’re witnessing a fundamental transformation in how goods are made, moved, stored, and delivered.
And some of the most interesting developments are happening in China.
Welcome to The Robot Shift, a new publication dedicated to robotics, humanoids, and Physical AI across global supply chains.
Why The Robot Shift?
The robotics industry is moving incredibly fast. New companies, new machines, increasingly sophisticated AI capabilities, and ambitious deployment announcements appear almost every week.
But separating genuine technological progress from marketing hype isn’t always easy.
We’ve all seen humanoid robots dancing, running, and performing impressive demonstrations. They’re fascinating to watch, but the questions that matter to supply chain executives are rather different.
Can these robots perform useful work? How reliable are they? What do they cost? Are customers actually deploying them? And how soon will they become commercially viable?
That’s where The Robot Shift comes in.
Our goal is to connect robotics innovation with real operational applications and business implications.
China intelligence. Global perspective.
China will be a major focus of our coverage.
With its extensive manufacturing ecosystem, rapidly expanding robotics industry, and growing investment in embodied intelligence and autonomous systems, China offers an extraordinary environment for understanding where robotics may be heading.
We’ll follow emerging manufacturers, established technology companies, new products, research breakthroughs, and real-world deployments.
But The Robot Shift isn’t exclusively about China.
We’ll also cover important developments from Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea, and other markets, exploring how innovation across different regions is reshaping global supply chains.
What can you expect?
The Robot Shift Digest — Twice a month
A curated selection of important robotics developments, technology launches, industry news, interesting companies, and videos worth watching. Concise, informative, and focused on what really matters.
Deep Dives — Regular analysis
A closer examination of technologies, manufacturers, operational applications, and market trends, from warehouse automation and autonomous transportation to humanoids and Physical AI.
Robots in Action
Videos of robots doing what they do best—or occasionally struggling to do what their manufacturers promised. We’ll provide context and practical observations rather than simply reposting promotional material.
China Field Notes
Insights from industry exhibitions, robotics companies, manufacturing facilities, and conversations with people working across China’s robotics ecosystem.
Audio Briefings
Occasional audio editions and AI-assisted discussions exploring important developments for those who prefer listening to reading.
Beyond the demonstrations
Our editorial approach is straightforward.
We want to understand not just what robots can do in a controlled demonstration, but what they’re actually doing in warehouses, factories, logistics facilities, transportation networks, and retail operations.
That means asking practical questions about performance, reliability, economics, deployment maturity, and operational value.
We’ll also distinguish between manufacturer claims, independently documented results, and emerging technologies that still have a long way to go.
Join the conversation
The Robot Shift is published by the Global Supply Chain Council (GSCC), building on our international network of supply chain, procurement, logistics, and technology professionals.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from robotics manufacturers, researchers, integrators, and companies deploying these technologies.
Have an interesting robot, deployment, technology breakthrough, or video worth sharing? We’d love to hear about it.
And for readers interested in experiencing these innovations firsthand, we’re also exploring opportunities for robotics and logistics innovation visits in China.
Subscribe to The Robot Shift and follow the technologies transforming the physical supply chain.
Welcome aboard.
Max HENRY
Founder & Executive Director
Global Supply Chain Council (GSCC)