German Innovation Award for IGZ
Autonomous AI control station for logistics centers wins award
The autonomous AI control center "Smart Logistics Cockpit" from IGZ was awarded the German Innovation Award 2026 in Gold. The solution automates central control station activities in logistics centers and is designed to significantly increase efficiency, transparency and process stability.
Increasing process density, more complex systems and a shortage of skilled workers pose challenges for the logistics sector. At the same time, booming online trade, high delivery volumes and the desire for shorter delivery times are driving a continuing trend towards highly automated logistics centers with round-the-clock operations.
With the "Smart Logistics Cockpit", IGZ has developed an autonomous AI control station that automatically controls central processes such as order dispatching, resource planning and the allocation of gate and staging zones. Sensors continuously record the actual status in the warehouse and compare it with defined target processes. The AI continuously adapts work processes to changing conditions and seasonal fluctuations.
According to the company, the system currently has an autonomy level of 3 out of 5, with employees only intervening in special processes or strategic issues and communicating with the system using natural language. According to IGZ, this can save up to 70 percent of personnel costs in the control center.
Johann Zrenner, Managing Director of IGZ, explains: "With the autonomous AI control center, we are elevating logistics from reactive control center work to intelligent, autonomous control. We are combining data, processes, AI and people into one system. In future, employees will be able to focus on strategic requirements, while the AI control station ensures maximum plant efficiency, even in multi-shift operation. The German Innovation Award in Gold once again confirms our approach and the enormous potential of AI to simplify processes and increase the throughput of logistics centers with lower personnel and hardware investments."
The German Innovation Award is presented annually by the German Design Council and honors innovative products and solutions with high user benefits and economic relevance.
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