Safety, a key trend in logistics
Safety in logistics is evolving from reactive protection to proactive, connected systems. Increasing automation, stricter regulation and higher expectations from employees are accelerating this shift.
From passive protection to predictive, connected safety
Modern warehouse safety is becoming data‑driven and predictive. By combining sensors, connectivity and real-time analytics, organisations can prevent incidents before they occur while safely supporting higher throughput and automation levels.
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- Collision avoidance systems (CAS): Technologies such as LiDAR, radar, camera vision and sensor-based geofencing reduce risks between forklifts, AMRs, infrastructure and pedestrians, especially in mixed traffic zones.
- Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS): Continuous visibility of people, vehicles and assets enables proactive safety interventions and data-driven improvement of layouts and workflows.
- Smart Personal Protection Equipment (PPE): Connected vests, wearables, helmets and safety footwear enhance individual worker protection with real-time alerts and automatic incident detection.
- Human–machine separation: Warehouses increasingly redesign processes and layouts to limit human exposure to automated systems, improving predictability and safety.
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.
Safety is on Toyota’s radar
Safety is a core focus within Toyota Material Handling Europe’s innovation agenda. As logistics operations become more complex, we focus on solutions and technologies that help prevent incidents rather than react to them. A few solutions highlighted:
- Through connected fleet data in our I_Site fleet management tool, we gain insight into driving behaviour, impacts and compliance, enabling a more proactive approach to workplace safety.
- Automation and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) play an important role by taking over repetitive and high‑risk tasks, creating safer interaction between people, vehicles and goods.
- Proper forklift operator training ensures forklifts are used safely and efficiently, significantly reducing the risk of accidents, injuries and equipment damage.
Logiconomi Connections for Safety
Through the Logiconomi Connections programme we identified innovative solution providers for typical safety challenges to support the industry.
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- AX‑System - AI‑based traffic control that actively prevents hazardous situations in warehouses.
- CombiQ – Smart sensors that detect rack impacts and support data‑driven safety improvements.
- Falcony – A digital platform for safety reporting, inspections and corrective action tracking.
- Intenseye – Computer‑vision AI that detects unsafe behaviour and near‑misses via existing cameras.
- Sentics – Computer‑vision safety technology that tracks people and vehicles to prevent collisions.
- SuitX – Industrial exoskeletons that reduce physical strain and help prevent worker injuries.
- Viscando – 3D and AI analytics that improve warehouse safety by monitoring movements and space usage.
- Signos -SiChock - IoT‑based vehicle restraint solution that secures trucks at loading docks to improve safety.