LogiMat is an annual trade show for intralogistics and warehouse automation held in Stuttgart. According to the organizer, EUROEXPO Trade Fair and Convention Center, is the world’s largest trade show of its kind. This year’s event took place March 24–26 and attracted thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors who mingled and networked in ten enormous exhibition halls over three action-packed days. We interviewed some of the visitors about their experiences at this year’s fair.
“I went to the trade show with high expectations, and to my delight, they were exceeded. LogiMAT started out as an event focused on Germany, but it has grown into one of Europe’s most important logistics trade shows. For me, it’s the networking highlight of the year,” says Christoph Ohly, Partner at the Nordic logistics consulting firm Langebæk A/S.
For his part, Christoph conveyed a clear message to the companies he met at the trade show: ”It’s easier than ever to automate a logistics operation.”.
– Advances in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and compact ”cube warehouses” have significantly lowered the barrier to entry. Previously, a company needed very stable processes and predictable growth before it would even consider automation, which meant that fast-growing startups or e-commerce companies with uncertain demand often held back. With today’s more flexible solutions, you can start small and scale up as needed, notes Christoph.
Optimistic mood
The trade show was characterized by lavish booths—often featuring demonstrations of the companies’ latest technology—and by focused and engaging discussions. As was the case last year, the focus was on robotics and automation: warehouse robots, automated warehouse and picking systems, and, not least, software featuring AI.
– I heard a lot of discussion about robotics and artificial intelligence, and how companies are using these technologies to increase their efficiency and resilience. Of course, broader challenges such as geopolitical uncertainty and rising costs were also raised, but these concerns did not dampen the generally optimistic mood; rather, they contributed to the sense that innovation is urgent and imperative,” says Ohly.
Christoph Ohly, Partner at Langebæk A/S.
Strategic Focus
A sense of optimism was something many people felt at this year’s event, as was a desire to invest in technology that creates the conditions for change and enables people to work smarter, more efficiently, and in a way that is sustainable over the long term.
– The discussions are becoming more strategic. It’s less about whether to invest, and more about how to invest wisely and sustainably. Topics such as digital transformation plans, scalability for automation, and data-driven decision-making were at the center of nearly every conversation I had,” says Carlos Tejeda, Senior Sales Manager for the Nordics at SAP integrator IGZ.
LogiMAT 2026 demonstrates that the industry is undergoing significant change, with collaboration, integration, resilience, and strategic thinking as key themes.
– Sustainable efficiency in logistics is no longer achieved through isolated technologies, but through the intelligent orchestration of end-to-end processes. “During the trade show, we demonstrated how integrated SAP-based solutions can create transparency, scalability, and resilience throughout the supply chain. For us, the focus is on warehouse automation, SAP EWM integration, and the seamless connection between IT and operational technology,” explains Carlos Tejeda.
Pictured left: Carlos Tejeda at LogiMat 2026.
Cyber Threats and IT Security
The automation company KNAPP, which is one of the world’s five or six largest companies in intralogistics and warehouse automation, chose to focus specifically on showcasing its software this year.
– In addition to our WMS and WCS, which are marketed under the KiSoft brand, we presented several other solutions, including those for collecting master data and controlling AGVs and AMRs. “We’re seeing growing interest in a cohesive software suite and the associated need for IT and cybersecurity,” says Tobias Henriksson, Marketing and Sales Manager at KNAPP Nordics.
Tobias has attended LogiMat every year since 2023, and he considers the German logistics trade show to be the most important industry event for KNAPP Nordics. .
– For us, this is by far the most important trade show, since decision-makers from Nordic companies come here with their project teams, often with the clear intention of evaluating certain specific solutions.
In summary, Tobias is very pleased with this year’s LogiMat, and he has some good advice for anyone who hasn’t visited the trade show before but is thinking about doing so:
– Make a plan before your visit—this place is huge. The fair consists of a total of ten massive exhibition halls, so to avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the activities and impressions, you’ll need a plan for what you want to see and who you want to talk to.
Tobias Henriksson at LogiMat 2026.
”A trade show that actually exceeded expectations”
Anders Bohlin, Sales Director at Element Logic Scandinavia, felt that this year’s LogiMat was proof that the market is looking for more than just a single technology.
– In my conversations with both new and existing customers, the same point was confirmed: that real business value is created when you view a warehouse solution as a whole rather than as individual technology choices. At the trade show in general, there was a strong focus on automation and robotics, but also on AI, data-driven control, and intelligent optimization of material flows.
For Anders and his colleagues from Element Logic Scandinavia, the main purpose of the trade show was to meet new and existing customers from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
– We had an incredible number of exciting and rewarding conversations, where our focus was on discussing the importance of taking a holistic approach to automated warehouse solutions. How technology, software, and an understanding of processes work together to create real business value over time,” he says, summarizing his experience:
– This trade show actually exceeded our expectations. We had some really great days filled with valuable meetings and insights that will help us move forward.
Anders Bohlin, second from the right in the photo, along with colleagues from Element Logic Scandinavia, at LogiMat 2026.
From a hardware focus to software-driven automation
Swisslog, of course, also participated in what is essentially the industry’s flagship trade show. The goal of its participation—in addition to meeting customers, prospects, and colleagues—was to strengthen its position as a ”Master Solution Integrator.”.
– With this name, we are emphasizing that Swisslog is a provider of scalable, software-driven end-to-end solutions in a market where customers are increasingly demanding flexible systems that can be expanded without downtime and are prepared for future changes. “Against this backdrop, we will deliver warehouse solutions that perform well today and evolve in step with our customers’ needs,” explains Erik Finstad, Business Development Manager at Swisslog Nordic.
This year's trade show clearly demonstrated how the market is shifting from a focus on hardware to software-driven automation—a shift that Erik believes suits Swisslog particularly well.
– Software solutions have become a differentiator that is playing an increasingly decisive role in the market. With our SynQ software platform, customers get stable performance and the opportunity for continuous development, which gives us a competitive advantage.
Erik believes that the most prominent theme at this year’s LogiMat was the importance of software for warehouse automation, as well as the strong focus on AI and intelligent warehouse management. Many of the exhibitors emphasized the importance of orchestration, data accuracy, and predictability.
“Another strong trend reflected at the trade show is the demand for modular and scalable systems, hybrid solutions that combine people, robots, and software, and various solutions that reduce the need for manual labor and ensure cost stability,” Erik concludes.
Many conversations took place at Swisslog’s well-attended booth at LogiMat 2026.
””Scalability and Flexibility"
SSI SCHÄFER presented a selection of solutions that reflected the breadth of the company's range of technologies.
“We’re proud of our broad portfolio of solutions, but what matters most is being able to combine technology in a way that meets our customers’ needs and provides them with maximum benefit now and in the future,” says Jenny Heinze, Head of Sales for the Nordics at SSI SCHÄFER, adding:
– After three intense days at LogiMAT, one thing is clear: our industry is evolving rapidly. Automation is no longer what sets us apart. The real value lies in how well we manage to integrate processes, technology, and people into a cohesive and robust system. It’s inspiring to see how many companies are now moving away from isolated solutions toward a more integrated, holistic approach. We’re taking away many valuable conversations and a clear interest in flexible, scalable solutions.
Our colleague Malin Schäfer, who is CEO of SSI Schäfer in the Nordic region (excluding Denmark), agrees and emphasizes how important it is to offer solutions that provide client companies with precisely that flexibility and scalability.
– We’re seeing a clear shift in which the demand for flexibility and scalability is increasing as the world around us becomes more uncertain and volatile. Our strength lies in our ability to combine various in-house technologies and put together solutions that truly meet each customer’s needs—both now and over time.
From left: Malin Schäfer and Jenny Heinze, from SSI Schäfer Nordics.
”The interaction is fantastic”
Jan-Willem Klinkenberg of TGW Logistics is a seasoned LogiMat attendee, and he considers the trade show to be the most important in Europe.
“LogiMAT is a great trade show for us. It’s the largest in Europe, and our contacts and customers come from all over Europe; we’ve even met contacts from the U.S. and China,” he says.
AI, robotics, humanoids, flexibility, scalability, and orchestration using intelligent software are the obvious themes that Jan Willem sees at this year’s trade show, ”once again.” What is new, however, is the wide variety of exhibiting companies.
– Some people and companies have been around for decades, while others are new. Regardless, the interaction is fantastic. Personal connections and the exchange of knowledge are still important in this capital-intensive industry.
For its part, TGW showcased practical, integrated intralogistics solutions, including goods-to-person systems, robotics, and software that are strategically integrated into business processes and designed for scalability and flexibility.
Jan-Willem Klinkenberg, Director of Business Development for Northern Europe at TGW.
