By taking over repetitive physical tasks and crunching complex data, AI and automation allow humans in warehouses to focus on higher-level management and strategy. AI analyses historical sales, seasonal trends, and even external economic data to optimise stock levels and prevent overstocking. It continuously recalculates the best places to store items based on real-time demand.
This article was first published in the June 15th 2026 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ), the state-owned enterprise responsible for selling wine and spirits in Canada’s largest province, is partnering with KNAPP to automate its supply chain. A new distribution centre will enable SAQ to supply a range of up to 20,000 products for next-day delivery to stores, restaurants and bars, as well as via its online shop. With a capacity for only 4,500 SKUs, the organisation’s previous warehouse was reaching its limits.
Breathe Technologies is the UK systems integrator behind BreatheIQ, a standalone software suite that optimises both manual and automated processes. BreatheIQ (formerly Orquestr8) is a software platform that enables the rapid development of microservice-based solutions, connecting to any modern WMS via API. It sits between the WMS and the warehouse as an intelligent layer — coordinating people, processes and automation in real time, and driving profitability through decisions that reduce waste.
At SPS Italia, the leading event for smart, digital, and sustainable industry, Bonfiglioli presented its full mechatronics ecosystem, integrating gearmotors, inverters, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and advanced automation software tools. The spotlight was on the Axia drive family, followed by dedicated solutions for shuttles, AGVs and AMRs, the Bonfiglioli Automation Manager portfolio, and a range of mechatronic systems for roller conveyors, palletisers, flowpack systems, compact warehouse elevators and material handling applications. AxiaVert is tailored for high-performance and complex systems, featuring a modular design, comprehensive functional safety options and advanced motion control capabilities, while AxiaAgile offers a compact and cost-efficient alternative for general-purpose uses.
Against a backdrop of rapid transformation in intralogistics systems, LAPP is strengthening its offering with a new generation of connectivity solutions designed for automated environments. The new O?LFLEX® ROBOT range has been specially designed for dynamic 3D movements in automated environments. These flexible PVC cables are characterised by excellent flex and torsion performance and are intended for demanding applications in robotics and automation.
AI and automation are revolutionising the warehouse and logistics industry by combating labour shortages, accelerating order fulfilment, and slashing operational costs.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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