The materialfluss team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a successful and healthy 2026.

Sereact and the Rohlik Group want to work together to drive forward the industrial scaling of AI-controlled robotics in the e-grocery sector. With the launch of an AI robotics program at several locations in Germany and Austria, the two companies want to show that the technology has left the proof-of-concept behind. The initiative is starting with 24 robots and has the potential to grow to a three-digit number in the coming phases.

The Bavarian deep-tech company The Green Bridge is developing a technology that embeds spatial data in time horizons and automatically recognizes dynamics. This enables logistics companies to improve delivery times, increase transport efficiency, save costs, identify risks, find optimal warehouse locations and build resilient supply chains.

Transitic, system integrator for networked intralogistics systems, is expanding by opening a subsidiary in Spain. A first order with the retail giant El Corte Inglés, the largest department store group in Europe, is already in the works.

Dustin Dombek joined the Kardex Mlog sales team in Germany in November.

How can the transformation towards even more automation in intralogistics succeed? This question was addressed by the speakers at the first "Linde Automation Summit" on November 12 and 13, 2025 in Aschaffenburg.

Georg Utz, specialist for reusable plastic transport packaging, has realized a comprehensive logistics project together with the book retailer Thalia. Utz supplied 360,000 custom-made containers and 432,000 lids in three different colors for Thalia's logistics locations in Marl and Hörselgau, which are specially designed to meet the requirements for direct delivery to the more than 500 bookstores in the Thalia network.

The shortage of skilled workers remains one of the biggest challenges for companies in Germany. According to the German Economic Institute (IW), there will be a shortage of around 768,000 qualified specialists and managers by 2028. Intelligent document processes with AI support offer a solution here - not by replacing skilled workers, but by taking the pressure off them.

The drugstore chain Rossmann is optimizing its order picking processes with an in-house development: together with the Ehrhardt Partner Group, the company has introduced the WIIEB control system. This system uses an algorithm to calculate the optimum distribution of items in roll boxes based on parameters such as the size, weight and content of the products. Employees receive picking instructions for picking via put-to-light displays and the voice-supported solution Lydia Voice.

Stahl CraneSystems, a Columbus McKinnon Corporation company and specialist for hoists and crane components, is launching the new SXD series, a compact wire rope hoist product range with 2-stage speed control for lifting capacities of up to 10,000 kilograms and lifting heights of up to 12 meters. The SXD (Dual Speed) pole-changing wire rope hoist is a further development of the SH wire rope hoist and is designed to impress with its simple and proven technology.

SPS 2025 exceeds the expected number of exhibitors and clearly focuses on Industrial AI. Visitors will gain in-depth insights into the latest developments in automation on several stages and tours.

Organic wholesaler Weiling has automated key parts of its warehouse logistics with an AutoStore system implemented by Swisslog. The compact container warehouse increases efficiency in the new logistics center in Coesfeld and has led to a higher picking performance and a doubling of turnover in the dry goods area.

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The Fiege Group began construction work on its new logistics center in Hessisch Lichtenau in October. The property, which is scheduled for completion in autumn 2026, will have almost 52,000 square meters of logistics space spread across five bays as well as additional office and social areas.

54,000 storage spaces for mountain sports clothing and equipment in seven aisles. With its high-bay warehouse, which went into operation in 2022, and downstream logistics, Bergzeit has been supplying its customers even faster and more sustainably ever since. The new shuttle warehouse is equipped with regenerative drive technology from SEW-Eurodrive.

Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can be flexibly integrated into existing warehouse structures, increase productivity and shorten throughput times - with a fast return on investment.

The application phase for the materialfluss products of the year is near the finish line. In 2026, we are once again looking for highlights from intralogistics and logistics in five categories. Applications are still open until November 7.

Around 250,000 articles in five countries for wholesale, B2B and B2C in the office supplies sector are represented in the system and make up PBS Holding AG's broad product range. The replenishment effort is therefore enormous. The Austrian company therefore receives support from Remira's AI-based inventory management software. Thanks to the software solution, replenishment in five countries is almost completely automated.

Vanderlande has been commissioned to support DHL Express Germany with an automation solution for the new site project in Cologne. The system will be equipped with the new Spox sorter type. The agreement was signed on October 21 at Parcel+Post Expo 2025 in Amsterdam and marks the first installation of this sorter in a DHL facility.

Leuze SmartID-Edge controls a network of identification systems and sensors for track-and-trace requirements in production and in the supply chain. Secure communication between 1D scanners or 2D camera systems takes place at edge level using OPC UA and full integration of the AutoID Companion Specification.

With over 220 experts, 120 exhibitors in the Expo Area and around 2,300 participants, the second edition of BVL Supply Chain CX has opened at the Estrel Berlin. Until Friday, the focus will be on exchange, inspiration and networking.