# 176: Discussing Logistics, Automated Forklifts, and Craft Beer with Nick Malewicki, Big Joe Forklifts

- Show: [Manufacturing Happy Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour)
- Published: 2024-03-12
- Length: 46m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-03-12-176-discussing-logistics-automated-forklifts-and-craft-beer-with-nick-malewicki
- Listen: http://manufacturinghappyhour.com

## Summary

Nick Malewicki, General Manager of the Autonomous Vehicle Division at Big Joe Forklifts, discusses the evolution of warehouse logistics, emphasizing the shift from internal combustion to lithium-electric equipment and the integration of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). He explains the operational differences between AMRs and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), highlighting how AMRs offer flexibility in dynamic environments while AGVs suit fixed-path, high-load tasks. Malewicki also shares insights from his 20-year career, noting that successful automation adoption requires an all-inclusive pricing model to avoid hidden costs and extended ROI timelines, and stresses that ergonomic design is critical to preventing workplace injuries.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-03-12-176-discussing-logistics-automated-forklifts-and-craft-beer-with-nick-malewicki#t=0) Introduction and Beer Chat
- [7:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-03-12-176-discussing-logistics-automated-forklifts-and-craft-beer-with-nick-malewicki#t=431) The Future of Forklifts and Wisconsin Logistics
- [11:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-03-12-176-discussing-logistics-automated-forklifts-and-craft-beer-with-nick-malewicki#t=682) Nick Malewicki's Career Journey and Problem Solving
- [24:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-03-12-176-discussing-logistics-automated-forklifts-and-craft-beer-with-nick-malewicki#t=1474) Building Big Joe's Autonomous Division
- [31:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-03-12-176-discussing-logistics-automated-forklifts-and-craft-beer-with-nick-malewicki#t=1917) AMRs vs. AGVs: Navigation and Flexibility
- [36:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-03-12-176-discussing-logistics-automated-forklifts-and-craft-beer-with-nick-malewicki#t=2181) Ergonomics, Safety, and the 'Joey' Product
- [40:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-03-12-176-discussing-logistics-automated-forklifts-and-craft-beer-with-nick-malewicki#t=2440) Pricing Strategy and Closing Thoughts

## Topics

- [Logistics & fulfilment](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/logistics-and-fulfillment)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Big Joe Forklifts (company)
- Eagle Park Brewing (company)
- UPS (company)
- EP Equipment (company)
- Gray Solutions (company)
- E-Plan (tool)
- Joey (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Inside the state of warehouse automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-12-08-inside-the-state-of-warehouse-automation) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [How ODW Logistics is Innovating with Automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-10-31-how-odw-logistics-is-innovating-with-automation) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Black I Robotics launches mobile heavy lift robot arm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-03-25-black-i-robotics-launches-mobile-heavy-lift-robot-arm) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Navigating the world of manufacturing logistics with FlexQube](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-12-26-navigating-the-world-of-manufacturing-logistics-with-flexqube) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Victor Splittgerber discusses European AMR market and recaps Logimat Show](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-06-23-victor-splittgerber-discusses-european-amr-market-and-recaps-logimat-show) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

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