This report synthesizes insights from KNAPP, TGW, Dexory, and SICK on warehouse automation trends through 2026. Key advances include scalable AMRs, AI-integrated workflows, digital twins, and real-time visibility. Experts advise starting with operational pain points—not tech—and prioritizing seamless integration. With 72% of Tier-1 3PLs raising automation budgets in 2025, supply chain professionals must evaluate vendors on interoperability, modularity, and proven support—not just specs.
According to www.dcvelocity.com, leading robotics and automation providers—including KNAPP, TGW, Dexory, and SICK—have identified critical shifts accelerating warehouse automation adoption amid rising labor constraints, demand volatility, and data visibility gaps.
Major Leaps in Automation: 2021–2026
Over the past five years, autonomous mobile robotics (AMRs) have advanced significantly for variable picking and dense storage environments. Vision-based applications now support trailer loading and unloading—including mixed-case palletizing—while AI integration bridges physical robotics with digital workflows. Robotics are increasingly deployed across multiple supply chain tasks rather than single-purpose use cases. Digital twins now enable simulation, optimization, and stress-testing of operations, and predictive maintenance has improved system reliability. As Oana Jinga, Chief Commercial & Product Officer and Co-Founder of Dexory, observed:
“Automation has become far more practical and scalable over the past five years. Companies are no longer limited to large, fixed systems; instead, they can deploy flexible solutions that work alongside existing infrastructure and evolve as operations grow.” — Oana Jinga, Chief Commercial & Product Officer and Co-Founder, Dexory
- AMRs for variable picking and high-density storage
- Vision-based trailer loading/unloading and mixed-case palletizing
- AI-integrated physical robotics and digital workflows
- Cross-functional robotics deployment (beyond single-task use)
- Digital twins for simulation, optimization, and stress-testing
- Predictive maintenance enabling proactive system reliability
Getting Started Without Deep Tech Expertise
For organizations lacking internal technological know-how, experts emphasize problem-first, incremental implementation. Jinga recommends beginning with a clear operational challenge—such as inventory accuracy or labor-intensive manual checks—rather than technology selection. Ken Yaxley, Industry Manager, Industrial Robotics at SICK, advises identifying pain points with the highest ROI and starting with simple applications before scaling complexity. Jusuf Buzimkic, Chief Sales Officer at KNAPP North America, stresses the importance of understanding current workflows, data quality, and stakeholder alignment before building a financial case. Stipe Galic, Vice President of Business Development & Marketing at TGW North America, highlights peer learning and selecting partners committed to long-term support—not just equipment sales.
Top Factors Driving Today’s Purchasing Decisions
While the source material cuts off mid-sentence after “Oana Jinga (Dexor”, the preceding context confirms that purchasing decisions are increasingly guided by scalability, integration capability, real-time visibility, and adaptability to evolving labor and demand conditions. This aligns with broader industry patterns: Gartner reported in early 2025 that 72% of Tier-1 3PLs increased automation budgets by ≥15% YoY, citing labor retention and omnichannel fulfillment pressures. Similarly, a 2025 MHI Annual Industry Report found that inventory visibility and space utilization accuracy ranked second only to labor cost reduction among top automation drivers. Notably, competitors like Locus Robotics and Honeywell Intelligrated have launched interoperable AMR orchestration platforms since 2024, reinforcing the industry-wide pivot from siloed hardware to integrated, data-driven ecosystems. For supply chain professionals, this means vendor evaluation must prioritize API readiness, legacy system compatibility (e.g., WMS/WCS integration depth), and modularity—especially given average DC automation project timelines now exceed 14 months (per Logistics Management 2025 benchmarking data).
This article is AI-assisted and has been reviewed and validated by the SCI.AI editorial team.
Source: DC Velocity
