It has been roughly four decades since industrial robots - with mechanical arms that can be programmed to weld, paint and pick up and place objects with monotonous regularity - first began to transform assembly lines in Europe, Japan and the U.S. Yet walk the floor of any manufacturer, from metal shops to electronics factories, and you might be surprised by how many tasks are still performed by human hands - even some that could be done by machines.

Transplace, a provider of transportation-management services and logistics technology, has acquired M33 Integrated, a third-party logistics provider with an emphasis on the packaging, chemical and advanced materials sectors.

Even in an era in which people are accustomed to rapid technological advancement, robots arouse unusual curiosity and strong emotion.

APL Logistics has introduced ShipMax Alliance, a collaborative shipping service that optimizes high-frequency truck deliveries.

XPO Logistics Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire Con-way Inc., the Fortune 500 provider of less-than-truckload and full truckload transportation, contract logistics and truck brokerage.

Roadrunner Transportation Systems Inc., an asset-light provider of transportation and logistics services, has changed the name of its Transportation Management Solutions operating segment to Global Solutions.

MNX Global Logistics has opened a dedicated supply chain and logistics facility in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.