Doug Schuchart knows a good company when he sees it. Schuchart joined automated equipment manufacturer Beckhoff USA in 2007 as a regional sales engineer and has been there ever since. Today, he serves as the company’s global intralogistics industry manager, where he leads business development efforts worldwide and works with leading material handling equipment manufacturers and others on distribution/fulfillment center and parcel and post applications. Prior to joining Beckhoff, Schuchart worked in various management, sales, and engineering roles for Delta Systems & Automation and Device Bus Integration.
In addition to his work at Beckhoff, Schuchart is active in MHI’s industry groups, including the Solutions Community and Conveyor & Sortation Systems (CSS) groups.
Q: How would you describe the current state of the automation industry?
A: The global automation industry is accelerating rapidly, with new projects fueled by persistent labor shortages and the increasing desire to leverage AI [artificial intelligence] to optimize operations. Many industries are struggling to find and retain workers, especially for roles that are physically demanding, repetitive, or unsafe. Automation is becoming essential to fill these gaps and maintain productivity.
In warehouse logistics, rising consumer expectations for next-day and even same-day delivery are driving a surge in automation requirements. To meet these demands for faster fulfillment and remain competitive, companies are turning to highly automated solutions to scale operations efficiently.
Q: Given that Beckhoff is a German-based company, are the current trade policies affecting your business?
A: Businesses thrive on stability, and the recent uncertainty surrounding trade policies has clearly dampened what was expected to be strong growth in 2025. While we are seeing some progress this year, I believe the recent momentum toward resolving trade issues—highlighted by the new framework trade agreement between the EU and the U.S., along with other key deals—will pave the way for a surge in growth. As these agreements take hold, I anticipate a significantly stronger second half of 2025, not just in the U.S. but across global markets as confidence returns and uncertainty fades.
Q: You have worked with some of our industry’s largest and most influential automation companies. How has your experience as Beckhoff’s global intralogistics industry manager helped you in introducing new automation products to the market?
A: I have a very clear perspective on intralogistics after visiting numerous distribution and fulfillment centers, engaging directly with the companies that move the industry, and witnessing firsthand how automation solves real-world challenges. As companies continue to navigate new and evolving obstacles, this hands-on experience allows me and my team to identify and develop innovative products and technologies that meet those needs head-on. It’s very fulfilling to see these projects come to fruition and see the positive impacts for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end-users in the industry.
Q: You have been very involved in MHI’s industry groups, including the Conveyor and Sortation Systems and Solutions Community groups. Why is this important to you?
A: Being involved with MHI and its working groups is just as much about listening as it is about contributing to the conversation. By actively participating in these industry groups and engaging with both OEMs and end-users, I gain valuable insights into the industry’s direction, growth projections, and the challenges companies are facing. This perspective not only allows me to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue and help influence the industry’s future but also enables me to keep the Beckhoff team well-informed on key trends and emerging priorities.
Q: What do you see as the next wave of industry automation and controls?
A: AI is already embedded in industrial automation, but its role is set to become even more critical as companies look to stay competitive in an increasingly demanding market.
Another major shift on the horizon is the move away from traditional control cabinets that house industrial hardware. This transformation toward fully machine-mounted control components will significantly change not only how machines are designed but also how people interact with the equipment. The benefits of a technology like Beckhoff’s MX-System [the company’s cabinet-free automation platform] for end-users are numerous, including reduced commissioning time, simplified maintenance, and lower requirements for specialized personnel to keep systems up and running, ultimately driving higher uptime and greater efficiency.
