transport logistic: AI and sustainability

In future, many companies will not only have to act more economically, ecologically and socially, they will also have to fulfill reporting obligations. The logistics industry is increasingly relying on AI systems that optimize planning and forecasts, calculate efficient routes or control warehouse stocks. AI is a powerful lever for sustainability and therefore a key topic at transport logistic.

Logistics affects everyone

In view of the ambitious climate targets, supply chain players must network along the entire logistics chain and collect, analyze and exchange information more efficiently. This affects everyone who transports or handles goods. The topic of AI in connection with sustainability is therefore not only concentrated on the exhibitors with an IT focus in Hall B1. It runs through all twelve halls. 150,000 square meters of exhibition space will become a huge platform where infrastructure providers, transport companies, equipment suppliers and service providers can network with shippers from all over the world. The forums will focus on how the environment, the economy and people can benefit from AI. The Campus Plaza will dedicate an entire day to both topics. International representatives from business and science will meet at the world's leading trade fair to discuss the potential of AI and sustainability as exhibitors, speakers or visitors.

AI on the advance

More and more logistics companies are investing in new technologies for greater sustainability. The more complex the interrelationships, the more AI can help. The conference program shows innovations and effects across all sectors, modes of transport and disciplines of logistics. Fraunhofer (IML) is focusing on AI in transport logistics for small and medium-sized companies. The German Transport Forum (DVF) discusses AI in connection with platforms under the title "Next Generation Logistics" and highlights its use in complex logistics chains under the aspect of "Reshaping Combined Transport". Similarly complex are the AI approaches for more sustainability on the last mile, which the Federal Association for Parcel and Express Logistics (BPEX) will highlight. Sustainability and AI are on the minds of transport providers, e.g. at the air cargo Europe conference, as well as industry logistics experts, e.g. in the Lebensmittelzeitung panel.

Additional effort for reporting obligations

ESG requirements such as the European CSR and CSDD directives and the EU taxonomy are placing increasing demands on the industry. Low thresholds and trickle-down effects in the market are also increasing the pressure on medium-sized forwarding companies, which have to disclose sustainability measures and absorb the additional work involved in reporting obligations and CO2 monitoring. Frank Huster, Managing Director of DSLV Bundesverband Spedition und Logistik e. V., explains: "The logistics industry will not let up in its sustainability efforts. However, the current level of bureaucracy ties up too many resources and reduces productivity in companies. However, value creation is a crucial prerequisite for being able to act sustainably." Against this backdrop, the DSLV will be discussing the special challenges facing medium-sized forwarding companies in a forum at transport logistic. The Bundesvereinigung Logistik e. V. (BVL) will also be discussing the topic "Bureaucracy or opportunity? Deciphering the added value of CSR and Co.".

Logistics once again a pioneer

Artificial intelligence is conquering everyday logistics. According to Trendradar, exhibitor DHL sees the key trends in this area primarily in generative AI, AI ethics, audio AI, computer vision and advanced analytics. "Logistics companies are often among the pioneers. After new drive technologies, sustainable fuels and renewable energies, the industry is currently focusing on artificial intelligence as a top topic," says Dr. Robert Schönberger as Global Industry Lead transport logistic exhibitions and continues: "A leading international trade fair like transport logistic is the platform where all players can discover new fields of application together."