“Passion for Details” theme sets the tone for accompanying program

The must-attend intralogistics trade show opens its doors in Stuttgart at the end of March with many exciting changes, including an expanded program of high-content accompanying events where industry professionals can expand their knowledge and experience the future of logistics. “We’re very pleased that the LogiMAT 2026 lineup once again gives visitors a critical edge in streamlining their intralogistics,” explains Michael Ruchty, LogiMAT Exhibition Director at event organizer EUROEXPO Messe- und Kongress-GmbH in Munich. “The accompanying program of events is a key element of the LogiMAT brand. We are constantly adapting and expanding it to meet current industry needs, delivering high added value to seasoned professionals and first-time attendees alike.”

This year introduces the new “InstandX – Smart Maintenance Network” of experts (Hall 4 leading to Hall 6, Booth 4H01) to complement the ever-popular Tracking & Tracing Theatre dedicated to AIDC tech (Hall 2, Booth 2B07), the Cargo Securement Event Space (Hall 9, Booth 9B71), and the Mobile Robotics User Forum (Hall 6 gallery level, Booth 6H01). The Smart Maintenance Lounge brings together prestigious exhibitors offering a concise overview of trends and solutions, including autonomous inspection robots, remote maintenance tools, smart maintenance software, and digital twin simulations. Jens Reissenweber, a member of the executive leadership of the Forum Vision Maintenance Association FVI, brings together a panel of experts representing the perspectives of both users and providers in an Expert Forum highlighting how intralogistics and smart maintenance can support and complement each other (March 24, 3 PM in the Atrium Arena).

Expert Forums now in two spaces

LogiMAT 2026 is reaching record heights in its program of Expert Forums and Exhibitor Insights. Some 25 Expert Forums, nearly double the number offered at last year’s event, feature prestigious industry experts explaining current trends, sharing real-world knowledge, and guiding their peers in making sound investment decisions. To accommodate this rich program in an event of just three days, organizers have added a second forum space: The LogiMAT Arena in the East Entrance Atrium will once again host 15 forums, while the new LogiMAT ICS Arena (in the ICS directly adjacent to Hall 2, near the express entry point to Stuttgart Messe) will accommodate another 10. Meanwhile, LogiMAT exhibitors will share insider knowledge on the development, properties, and benefits of their latest innovations in 80 Exhibitor Insights taking place in two centrally located forum spaces in Halls 4 and 7.

Key themes of the 25 Expert Forums in the two arenas include software and AI (10 forums), robotics and AGVs/AMRs (3), sustainability (2), and packaging (2). Dr. Alice Kirchheim, Institute Director of Fraunhofer IML, joins panelists from the business and academic communities to discuss “How much human presence will actually be needed in the warehouses of tomorrow?” on the first day of LogiMAT (March 24, 11:00 AM in the Atrium Arena). Dr. Robert Schulz, Director of the Institute of Mechanical Handling and Logistics (IFT) at the University of Stuttgart, leads a discussion on the benefits of “Collaborative AGVs for greater efficiency in intralogistics” (March 25, 10:00 AM in the Atrium Arena). Dr. Günter Ullrich, Head of VDI Technical Committee for AGVs and Managing Partner of Forum-FTS, joins his guests for an in-depth discussion on the development of safety standards for everything from traditional AGVs to humanoid robots and drones (March 25, 2:00 PM in the Atrium Arena).

Five Expert Forums in each of the two spaces are dedicated to the theme of software and AI, which is also the focus of the third day in the Atrium Arena. The spectrum ranges from supply chain risk management with business intelligence solutions (March 26, 10:00 AM) to the evolution of the digital twin (March 26, 11:00 AM), new opportunities for automating business processes with generative AI (March 26, 1:00 PM), generative AI in logistics projects (March 26, 2:00 PM), and strategies for successfully combining AI and automation (March 26, 3:00 PM).

AI in intralogistics

The five Expert Forums in the LogiMAT ICS Arena on software and AI kick off right on the first day with “AI as a tool for SMEs,” which takes stock of where industry is and where it’s going three years into the AI boom (March 24, 11:10 AM). AI-based machine vision is the focus of an Expert Forum presented by Oliver Scheel, Business Development Manager at EMVA – European Machine Vision Association (March 24, 2:10 PM). Other themes include how AI-supported scanners raise the bar by checking shipments in real time and evaluating returns (March 24, 3:10 PM), how automation can revolutionize the flow of goods in manufacturing (March 25, 11:10 PM), and how sensor technology and AI can turn data into added value (March 25, 1:10 PM).

The two Expert Forums on packaging logistics are focused on proper implementation of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (March 24, 1:00 PM in the Atrium Arena) and other EU regulations for manufacturers of plastic storage containers (ICS Arena, March 25, 4:10 PM). In addition to these two Expert Forums, sustainability is also the key theme of “How a DC system takes (intra)logistics to the next level” (March 25, 10:10 AM in the ICS Arena) and the AIM-ident Expert Forum (March 25, 3:10 PM in the ICS Arena), in which AIM-D Managing Director Peter Altes and Ident Editor-in-Chief Thorsten Aha show how AIDC solutions can digitize processes, lower costs, and help achieve sustainability. The other Expert Forums address topics such as automation, ergonomics, state-of-the-art facility management, production optimization, after-sales services, and innovative startups. Also not to be missed: Matthias Pieringer, Editor-in-Chief of Logistik Heute at HUSS-Verlag, will join his guests at the LogiMAT Summit 2026 (March 25, 4:00 PM in the Atrium Arena) to analyze leading intralogistics trends and the opportunities and risks they present.

Signal for the future of intralogistics

Another highlight of the accompanying program is LogiMAT CareerDay in the ICS Foyer on March 26, engaging both young talent and professionals transitioning from another field by showcasing the diversity and attractiveness of the intralogistics industry. CareerDay offers entry-level professionals, students, and professionals from various fields and with different qualifications direct contact with potential employers in the logistics sector. It also provides helpful tips on starting a career or changing careers, as well as testimonials on career opportunities, in the accompanying program.

LogiMAT is also focusing on emerging startups and innovators who will change the logistics of tomorrow with the Young Innovators format and the final round of the “LCS Logistics ChangerS” startup competition, and with the Expert Forum of the same name (March 25, 3:00 PM in the Atrium Arena). No fewer than 18 German startups are exhibiting at LogiMAT Stuttgart with a joint booth (East Entrance, Booth EO91) as part of the “Support Program for Young Innovative Companies to Participate in Leading International Trade Shows in Germany” run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

The outdoor loading area between Halls 10 and 8 will also feature demonstrations of forklifts and warehouse technology, where visitors themselves can even test out new vehicles and equipment. “All in all, it’s an informative conference-level program unparalleled in its depth and breadth,” concludes Exhibition Director Michael Ruchty. “This underscores the importance of LogiMAT 2026 as the industry’s leading international information and communication platform.”