The 23rd participants’ meeting of the warehouse logistics community was held at the Fraunhofer IML in Dortmund on September 12, 2024. The motto this time was ‘Innovations for a robust future: AI in logistics, IT and processes’.
We were there and together with other leading experts from the industry, we gained some fascinating insights into the latest developments and applications of artificial intelligence in the field of warehouse management and logistics. The main focus was on how AI technologies can help optimize processes and strengthen companies’ resilience against future challenges.
The varied program provided participants with numerous opportunities to promote knowledge exchange and look together towards the future. From the inspiring opening speech to innovative technologies and insightful panel discussions, we gained a comprehensive insight into some of the current and future challenges faced by the industry.
A highlight of the meeting was the tour of the picking lab, showcasing innovative technologies that companies can leverage to elevate their processes. The focus was on MotionMiners, which uses mobile sensors (wearables) and micro radio transmitters (beacons) to collect anonymized process data and optimize manual workflows, and exoskeletons to correct posture and improve ergonomics. Another focal point was the open source integration of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), aimed at enabling seamless integration between robotics and existing software systems to facilitate increased automation in the warehouse.
The presentations focused on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in logistics, with a particularly interesting talk on how AI can generate its own training data. In the field of computer vision, for instance, and specifically in automatic object recognition in the warehouse (e.g. Euro pallets), generative AI is used to create images of pallets across diverse environments and perspectives. This artificially generated data is then evaluated and used to enhance the recognition accuracy of AI models.
Following the presentations, we gathered for a World Café session which provided an opportunity for informal discussion with fellow attendees and an exchange of thoughts and ideas on current logistics trends. The topics of AI in intralogistics, robotics and AMRs, robust and future-proof processes, compact warehouses and block storage, and resilience in logistics were covered in several rounds, with specific questions stimulating the discussions. The event came to a successful conclusion with a preview of the Market Report 2024, which is based on a survey of leading WMS providers and offers valuable insights into future technologies and strategies that are expected to shape the industry.
The participants’ meeting clearly demonstrated the diversity and dynamism of the intralogistics sector. The technologies showcased, ranging from sensors and exoskeletons to AI applications, not only promise significant gains in terms of efficiency but also sustainable improvements in working conditions. At the same time, the event highlighted the importance of combining robust processes with a high level of adaptability to effectively tackle future challenges. The exchange of knowledge and experience through presentations, discussions and practical demonstrations proved invaluable for all participants.
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