What is intralogistics? What are the trends for 2026?

Article outline

• Main advantages

• Key areas

• What types exist?

• Why is it so important?

• How to implement step by step?

• Criteria for selecting a manufacturer and integrator

• Trends in 2026

• Legislation and standards

• Frequently asked questions

• Article summary

Main advantages

The implementation of advanced intralogistics systems brings measurable results in terms of overall equipment effectiveness and return on investment. Modern manufacturing and distribution companies require the automation of internal flows to transform fixed costs into variable ones and ensure predictable performance. A properly designed system directly affects cash flow by reducing capital tied up in inventory and accelerating inventory turnover.

Key benefits include:

• Maximizing efficiency and throughput: Automated systems such as conveyors or high-speed sorters (sorting belt conveyors) operate in continuous cycles without the need for breaks and multiply the hourly capacity of processed units.

• Eliminating error rates: The integration of automatic identification using reading gates and sensors reduces picking and dispatch errors to a level approaching zero and is critical for meeting contractual terms.

• Optimizing floor space: By utilizing vertical space through platforms and subsequently through vertical conveyors and pallet systems, the demands on the warehouse's built-up area can be reduced and storage density increased.

• Operational stability and safety: Automation ensures a consistent material flow independent of workforce availability and significantly reduces the risk of occupational injuries associated with handling heavy loads.

Key areas

Intralogistics is a modular ecosystem composed of several interconnected technical disciplines. Each area requires specific hardware equipment and software logic. To achieve synergy, individual components must be integrated into a single functional unit, and the physical movement of material must exactly mirror the data flow in the information system.

Technological pillars of intralogistics:

• Internal transport and continuous transport: The backbone of the system consists of conveyor systems ensuring both horizontal and vertical movement. These include belt conveyors for piece shipments as well as chain conveyors for heavy pallets.

• Storage and buffering: This area includes technologies for both static and dynamic storage, from stacker cranes, Smart Shuttles, etc., ensuring the transfer of handling units between zones.

• Sorting and consolidation: A critical part for e-commerce and distribution utilizing technologies such as pop-up sorters or vertical sorters for the rapid separation of flows according to final destinations.

• Control and IT integration: The brains of intralogistics are systems at the WCS and PLC levels communicating with the superior ERP and WMS systems. These systems coordinate the movement of every motor and sensor in real time.

What types exist?

The classification of intralogistics solutions depends on the degree of automation and human intervention. Choosing the right level depends on the return on investment analysis, the required throughput, and the nature of the handled material.

• Manual intralogistics: Processes rely on human labor and handling equipment operated by people, such as forklifts. Suitable for operations with low turnover or high variability in goods shapes.

• Semi-automatic intralogistics: This is a combination of human work and automation. Typical examples are zones with manual sorting or conveyor lines connecting manual workstations to eliminate unproductive employee walking.

• Fully automatic intralogistics: Systems with minimal human intervention controlled by advanced algorithms. These include fully automated distribution centers like Notino, Stoklasa, or Bachl, where robotics and conveyors ensure a comprehensive material flow in a continuous mode.

Why is it so important?

In the context of the global supply chain, intralogistics is becoming a critical deciding factor for competitiveness. The pressure to shorten delivery times and transition to JIT and JIS production requires absolute precision in internal processes. If intralogistics fails, production and dispatch stop, leading to direct financial losses and reputation damage. Connecting physical handling with MES production control systems enables full traceability and is an essential condition for quality certification in the automotive or food industries.

How to implement step by step?

Implementing an automated system is a complex engineering and procedural task. Success depends on precise preparation and adherence to project phasing.

Step 1: Analysis and planning
The first point is a detailed feasibility study and the development of a business case. It is necessary to audit and map current logistics flows in production or the warehouse and identify bottlenecks.

Step 2: Selection of suppliers and technologies
Based on the specifications, a list of suppliers is compiled, and a tender process takes place. This includes a technical evaluation of bids, where not only the price but also the quality of components is assessed. Emphasis is placed on standardized and modular technologies that will ensure the future scalability of the system.

Step 3: Infrastructure preparation
Before physical installation, the preparation of premises and utility networks, including power supply and data cabling, is required. It is necessary to consider whether this will be a gradual implementation during operation or a complete shutdown.

Step 4: Implementation and testing
The physical assembly of systems and steel structures is subject to project management with risk management. This is followed by input and output tests and pilot tests. In this phase, processes such as sequencing and sorting, as well as the interplay between the PLC and WMS, are optimized.

Step 5: Monitoring and optimization
After going live, the phase of monitoring key performance indicators, such as actual throughput and error rates, begins. Predictive maintenance is introduced. The process continues with improvements and the application of lean manufacturing principles.

Criteria for selecting a manufacturer

Choosing a technology partner is a strategic decision. A high-quality intralogistics supplier is characterized by several key attributes:

• In-house development and production: Preference is given to companies with their own design department and production, guaranteeing the availability of spare parts and the possibility of customization.

• Proven references: A history of successful implementations in a similar segment; see the references and case studies section.

• Complexity of delivery: The ability to deliver turnkey solutions, from design through production and electrical installation to software commissioning.

• Service support: The availability of service technicians and guaranteed response times to minimize downtime.

Trends in 2026

In 2026, intralogistics is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by data and artificial intelligence. It is no longer just about isolated machines, but about a fully managed environment where hardware communicates in real time with enterprise control systems.

Intelligent control and AI

As stated in DHL's global analysis in their Logistics Trends Radar 2026, the future belongs to systems that can autonomously respond to changes in demand. Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over the role of a dispatcher – optimizing the routes of transport vehicles in real time, predicting bottlenecks on conveyor lines, and dynamically changing order priorities. This shift from reactive to predictive management is crucial for handling seasonal peaks in e-commerce.

Enhanced human-machine collaboration (Cobots)

According to the technology outlook by McKinsey & Company (Tech Trends Outlook), the role of human workers is changing not just to operators, but to "colleagues" of autonomous systems. In 2026, we will see a massive influx of collaborative robots and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) that safely share the workspace with humans without the need for protective cages. Emphasis is placed on ergonomics and the elimination of heavy manual labor.

Sustainability and energy efficiency

In the context of ESG reporting, intralogistics focuses on reducing its carbon footprint. Modern drives (e.g., 24V technology) feature energy recuperation and the intelligent sleep mode of conveyor sections that are not currently in use. Analyses suggest that the energy intensity of a warehouse will be one of the main criteria when selecting technologies.

Consolidation of distribution networks

An interesting trend is described by Daifuku in their Automation Trends 2026 study. A market polarization is occurring – on the one hand, giant consolidated distribution centers with a high degree of automation are emerging for flow stability, while on the other hand, small "micro-fulfillment" centers are growing near urban agglomerations to ensure rapid last-mile delivery.

Legislation and standards

When designing and operating intralogistics units, it is essential to comply with valid European and national legislation defining safety and technical standards. Designers and operators must particularly reflect the regulations below, with links to their official wording.

• Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC: The basic EU regulation defining the essential health and safety requirements for machinery placed on the market. The full text is available on the official EU law portal, EUR-Lex.

• ČSN EN 619 and ČSN EN 620 Standards: Specific standards for continuous handling equipment and systems. These standards address safety distances, protective elements, and design requirements. Previews and the option to purchase them are provided by the Czech Agency for Standardization (ČAS).

• ISO 12100 Standard: The international standard for safety of machinery – general principles for design – risk assessment and risk reduction. Official information is available on the ISO.org website.

Compliance with these standards is not only a legal obligation but also a condition for obtaining the CE marking and putting the line into operation. We recommend that operators regularly monitor the ÚNMZ bulletins and consult safety issues with the Labor Inspectorate (SUIP).