Toyota Material Handling Europe publishes the 2025 edition of the Trends in Logistics report with focus on A.I., automation and energy

“Although we only publish the report once a year, the process of researching developments that affect the industry is a continuous process within Toyota Material Handling Europe", explains Hans Larsson, Director, Innovation at TMHE. “We do this for two reasons. Firstly, 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 going to be determined by external factors and trends in our industry.” 

The external factors identified in this year's report, inevitably include the continuing geopolitical influences around the world - particularly in Europe, and now combined with increased uncertainty in terms of potential trading tariffs due to the new US administration. These political factors, combined with ongoing focus on emission and sustainability targets, create a challenging environment for the logistics industry. This is further aggravated by clear evidence that in Europe an ageing population is inevitably putting increased pressure on the labour market. 

This in turn is accelerating interest in automated solutions to overcome staffing pressures and to reduce damages whilst improving safety. The deployment of automated vehicles is also being simplified through SLAM-based navigation, and camera vision, supported by artificial intelligence. The opportunities presented by the fast growth curve in AI promise significant benefits in logistics operations supporting quality control, order verification and forecasting, to name but a few. 

Other key technologies identified in this year’s Trends in Logistics report are oriented around energy, with continued focus on electrification, as well as alternative low-carbon fuels and hydrogen. At the same time, it is pointed out that improved planning and efficient use of vehicles (both on the road, and in internal operations) is key to reducing emissions. 

Key management trends in logistics reflect the use of these new technologies, combined with responses to external factors affecting the industry. There is a trend towards having a strategy to deal with the engagement and retention of people, in the face of labour shortages, and increased use of control towers to give maximum supply chain visibility which, in turn aids simulation and modelling for the future. 

Download the 2025 Trends in Logistics Report >