Logistics trends that are driving innovation and transforming the industry
Researching developments that influence the industry is an ongoing, continuous process within Toyota Material Handling Europe. We want to be able to provide customers with the best advice possible when it comes to running and planning their operations, but we also need it for our own business planning - because we recognise that innovation is the key to success, and that innovation is determined by external factors and trends in our industry.
How we monitor trends
We discuss and collaborate with many partners to keep ourselves up to date with the latest trends in logistics, including the research we undertake under the umbrella of our Logiconomi programme.
Customers
An ongoing discussion programme with major and industry-leading customers helps us to understand the critical issues they face in their logistics operations.
Experts
We work with leading centres of knowledge, such as Gartner, to understand market trends and technical developments, as well as new legislation.
Mayor players
We collaborate with industry leaders such as Microsoft and Nvidia to learn about and take advantage of the latest technologies that can improve logistics operations.
Innovators
We are always searching for new ideas – often developed by new start-ups like the partners in our Logiconomi Connections – that can provide solutions to specific challenges.
"Innovation in logistics does not start with technology.
It starts with understanding the forces that shape
how our customers operate
today and tomorrow.”
Mattias Allring, Director Strategic Innovation at Toyota Material Handling Europe
Knowing the trends supports well-informed decision-making
What's on our radar
To monitor, understand and anticipate, Toyota Material Handling Europe has created the “Trend Radar”. Here, we analyse trends in business, logistics and technology from different perspectives and timeframes. This enables us and our customers to make well-informed decisions.
Our trend radar in more detailTop 8 logistics trends in 2026: Are they on your radar?
Each year we undertake a survey with customers (the Logiconomi Influencer Programme) to understand the topics that are most important to them when planning their logistics operations. Here are the top results from the 2026 survey, that confirm what we have on our Trend radar.
Automation
Automation has been identified as the most important topic in the 2026 survey. This includes automation for storage and retrieval, and robotic order picking, loading/unloading vehicles, internal transportation and autonomous systems.
Safety
Safety remains a key issue for logistics operations. New technologies are gaining interest including collision avoidance systems, personal safety solutions and the use of real-time location systems (RTLS).
Artificial Intelligence
The benefit of working with artificial intelligence is attracting a lot of attention for multiple applications such as efficient equipment maintenance and forecasting. The future of “agentic AI” based on autonomous decision-making is another key topic.
Digitalisation
The transformation to digitalised operations is an ongoing topic. Key issues are end-to-end supply chain visibility and the challenges associated with digital transformation. Another highlighted issue is the need for effective cybersecurity.
Stock management
Key topics under the heading of stock management are practical challenges such as improved use of storage space, alongside the use of real-time location systems for location planning and tracking. Improved solutions for inventory checking are also highlighted.
Energy
Energy continues to be an important subject in logistics operations, covering issues such as energy supply infrastructure and management, and how to benefit from dynamic energy pricing.
Sustainability
There are many aspects of sustainability highlighted in the survey – including ESG regulation and improving overall metrics – but also extending to reverse logistics and recyclable packaging. The impact of a circular economy is also identified.
Labour
The challenge of recruitment remains important but has lessened in the last year. Focus remains on skills development and staff retention.
Interested in more logistics trends?
‘Trends in Logistics’ is an annual report published by Toyota Material Handling Europe which provides an overview of developments in the world of logistics - with a focus on Europe. The main objective is to create a deeper understanding of upcoming changes, to help companies make informed decisions regarding investment opportunities and counteract threats.