One of the clearest shifts at this year’s IntraLogisteX was in the role of software, artificial intelligence and execution platforms.
Much of the event pointed away from wholesale systems replacement and towards modular improvement on top of existing infrastructure. This reflects a broader industry move towards enhancing, rather than replacing, existing warehouse environments.
That same logic came through strongly in the conference programme. Lucas Systems argued for extending existing warehouse environments through a more dynamic execution layer rather than replacing core platforms outright, while other sessions focused on how artificial intelligence and software can improve existing operations through better prioritisation, slotting, batching and labour planning.
That broader direction was reinforced on the show floor. EPG used the show to launch EPG AURA, its new AI-native supply chain execution environment, presenting it as the next stage of its move from software vendor to architect of AI-powered supply chains. The platform is designed to support generative and agentic AI processes across logistics operations, identifying interdependencies, evaluating actions and preparing operational decisions within governance parameters.
Logistics Reply, meanwhile, built its presence around GaliLEA, its AI copilot capability, using a large LED wall to showcase its microservices ecosystem and offering visitors a free WMS selection RFP template. Together, those examples showed how software vendors are increasingly using IntraLogisteX to position themselves not just as system suppliers, but as orchestration and decision-support partners.
The AI conversation itself also felt more grounded. Netstock’s benchmark presentation pointed to a market under simultaneous pressure and acceleration, with AI adoption rising even as cash remains tight and long lead times continue to affect planning.
Optioryx then translated that broader trend into task-level economics, focusing on walking-distance reduction, better slotting, improved cartonisation and faster onboarding.
This was not AI as spectacle. It was AI as selective optimisation, applied to labour productivity, packing performance and transport efficiency.
IntraLogisteX 2026 takes place on 17-18 March 2027 at the NEC Birmingham. For exhibitor information and visitor registration, visit the official event website at www.intralogistex.co.uk
