ProMat C-Suite Interview 2025: Andrea Pongolini, E80 Group, Inc

Andrea Pongolini, EVP of Sales, E80 Group, Inc

1. What key signals did you take away from your conversations and observations at ProMat 2025?

ProMat 2025 confirmed what we’re already seeing across North America: manufacturers and distributors are prioritizing long-term value over short-term gains. There’s clear demand for automation that is not only reliable, but also integrated, scalable and responsive to rapid market changes.

Our conversations with customers and partners reinforced the shift toward strategic collaboration. Companies aren’t just looking for equipment-they’re looking for technology partners who can support their vision, reduce complexity, and deliver sustainable, data-driven systems. That’s exactly our approach at E80 Group. With our consultants and advanced simulation technology, we can model changes in layout, workflows and system configurations before any implementation begins.

2. Why shouldn’t companies view automation as a short-term investment?

When automation is treated as a quick fix-or simply a way to move products from point A to B-it rarely delivers lasting results. The risk is ending up with disconnected systems that don’t scale, adapt, or offer the data visibility needed to drive smart decisions.

At E80 Group, we take a different approach. Our solutions are built on full integration-hardware, software, and data working as one cohesive ecosystem. That starts with in-depth simulation and planning, and continues with reliable, future-ready installations capable of automating the entire intralogistics flow, from automatic truck unloading to fully automated trailer loading of finished goods.

3. What technologies will shape the next generation of smart factories and distribution centers?

If we look at the automotive sector, advanced technologies are already enabling self-driving vehicles. While these innovations are not yet fully applicable in our industry-due to regulatory and environmental limitations-I believe this will change. Soon, we’ll be able to apply these technologies to develop faster, more flexible and even safer automated vehicles for intralogistics.

We’re already taking important steps forward with the technology available today. We’ve been working to increase the safety of our laser-guided vehicles (LGVs) by integrating intelligent vision systems and developing SmartDect, a proprietary equipment that uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to detect and locate people in real time within the LGV’s operational area. This enhances operational safety, especially in environments where humans and LGVs can interact.