The Raymond Corp. Seeks Proposals for Supply Chain University Research Program

The Toyota Research Company-supported research program adds concept paper review to support professors and researchers before they submit final proposals.

The Raymond Corporation


The Raymond Corporation's University Research Program has added concept paper review to support professors and researchers prior to submitting final grant proposals.
The University Research Program is in its fifth phase of accepting proposals for grants to discover innovative solutions for the material handling industry.

GREENE, N.Y.— The University Research Program this week said it will accept proposals between April 12, 2021, and Nov. 5, 2021. The Raymond Corporation is sponsoring the University Research Program, which is intended to encourage and support professors and student researchers to apply their engineering and technical research to discover innovative solutions for the material handling industry.

The sponsored research program is in its fifth cycle of accepting applications for grant funding that can reach up to $500,000. Applicants from North American universities will be evaluated on several criteria, including their possible impact on the future of the material handling industry, timeline and feasibility of budget. Applicants with selected proposals will be announced at MODEX 2022, which will be held from March 28 to 31, 2022, in Atlanta.

“We believe new technology and innovative approaches from academia’s brightest and most innovative minds can inspire the supply chain of the future,” stated Michael Field, president and CEO of The Raymond Corp. “Raymond’s investment in the University Research Program is just one way we’re showing our commitment to the next generation of material handling leaders.”

Winning proposals from previous years included projects surrounding automation, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), energy infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0. Proposal themes for the 2021-2022 research submissions in the following areas are encouraged. However, given the broad nature of material handling, alternative themes are welcome, said the program sponsor.

  • The Future of Logistics
    • Material Handling in an Uncertain Future
    • Material Handling in a “Smart City”
    • Warehouse Design
    • Urban and Suburban Package Delivery
  • Improving Material Handling

    • Automation and Material Handling
    • Advanced Sensors for Material Handling
    • Advanced Vision Systems and Material Handling
  • Truck and Operation Evolution

    • Industrial Design of Vehicles
    • Operator Ergonomics
    • Neurotechnology Applications in Material Handling

This year, the University Research Program has added a new optional concept paper step in the process. This step is a way that professors and student researchers can connect with the University Research Program reviewers for initial input of their submission. Professors and researchers are encouraged (but not required) to submit a one page concept paper explaining their proposal. Concept papers must be submitted between April 12, 2021, through Aug. 27, 2021, in order to be reviewed.

About The Raymond Corporation

The Raymond Corp., a Toyota Industries Company, is a global provider of best-in-class material handling products and intelligent intralogistics solutions. Built on principles of innovation and continuous improvement for over 95 years, Raymond’s integrated automation, telematics, virtual reality, and advanced energy solutions provide ways to optimize operations and bring warehouse and distribution operations to a new level of performance.

Raymond said its electric forklift trucks are engineered to achieve increased productivity and efficiency and are designed to provide ecological and economic benefits. Raymond delivers systems to material handling and logistics markets in North America and globally.

The University Research Program of The Raymond Corporation

Email Sign Up

Get news, papers, media and research delivered
Stay up-to-date with news and resources you need to do your job. Research industry trends, compare companies and get market intelligence every week with Robotics 24/7. Subscribe to our robotics user email newsletter and we'll keep you informed and up-to-date.

The Raymond Corporation

The Raymond Corporation's University Research Program has added concept paper review to support professors and researchers prior to submitting final grant proposals.


Robot Technologies