LogiMAT 2026 Preview Highlights Intralogistics Automation Tech

At LogiMAT 2026 in Stuttgart, automation leaders KUKA, Leuze, and Dunkermotoren will showcase new intralogistics technologies. Demonstrations will include autonomous mobile robots, track-and-trace sensor platforms, and smart drive systems with predictive maintenance capabilities. The exhibition highlights emerging automation strategies designed to improve interoperability, material tracking, and efficiency across modern logistics and warehouse environments.

KUKA will showcase a new forklift truck and the concerted movement of carefully orchestrated mobile robots on the interoperability floor at LogiMAT 2026. Image used courtesy of KUKA

KUKA Champions Interoperability

KUKA’s innovative robotic solutions will be exhibited in an interactive interoperability arena spanning 75 square meters to demonstrate autonomous mobile robot (AMR) fleet and stationary robotic system interactions. KUKA will share the interoperability arena with industry partners WIFERION, SYNAOS, and FPT Robotik. Offered as an all-in-one solution, the SYNAOS Intralogistics Platform serves as a mobile fleet unification hub, connecting otherwise disparate systems via a vendor-independent, open standard.

KUKA will also display the capacities of its new KMF 1500P-CB mobile forklift for the first time. The KMF is a 1500 kg payload machine with a lifting capacity of up to 3 meters. At the LogiMAT 2026 showcase, the KMF will lift an AMR on its fork.

The KMP 250P or KMP 600P mobile robots will transport pallets, while the adaptable, low-maintenance KR IONTEC stacks cartons on them. FPT Robotik is a KUKA system partner, which will supply its skills and expertise in automated systems to facilitate the setup of the dynamic demonstration at LogiMAT 2026. Mobile robots will cruise the KUKA space and the showcase driving area.

Maintaining visibility and accountability of goods throughout supply chains is integral to optimizing efficiency and ensuring timely order fulfillment in logistics and distribution centers. Image used courtesy of Leuze

Keeping Track with Leuze

Attendees can also visit trade show booth C60 in Hall 3 to observe the latest innovations from sensor solutions specialist Leuze. Among Leuze's innovation line-up is its identCHAIN track-and-trace management system. Ultimately, the idetCHAIN platform provides automation system engineers and facility managers with a centralized platform for networking sensors and identification systems and monitoring process tracking at the field level.

The integration of OPC UA provides Ethernet-based communication with end-to-end encryption, securing the flow of data between hardware and software components, enhancing interoperability. The integrated AutoID Companion Specification provides a standardized, vendor-agnostic framework for optimizing interoperability among sensors, RFID scanners, and readers from different vendors. Customers can use IdentCHAIN to monitor and trace objects, as well as process data, maintaining accountability and keeping abreast of inefficiencies impacting material selection, goods movement through warehouses and other intralogistics environments, and packaging.

Also making an entrance is Leuze’s scanGATE, an innovative system that scans incoming pallets (such as those in distribution centers) and captures both 1D and 2D codes to identify each product. Benefits of the solution include a processing speed of 0.5 meters per second, inherent scalability, and the capacity to integrate with existing IT systems and logistics operations.

Next Generation Intralogistics with Dunkermotoren

At LogiMAT, Dunkermotoren will demonstrate integrated drive systems that use sensor-free predictive maintenance and digital twins to streamline management topologies for heavy-duty mobile robotics. With Dunkermotoren, the focus is on sensorless data collection and decentralized intelligence. Instead of using external sensors, smart BLDC motors now use internal operational data to schedule maintenance for the drive and its mechanical attachments. By giving each unit a software-defined virtual reference, this method optimizes control systems and expedites lifecycle management.

Hardware-wise, incorporated traction systems, such as small hub gears in addition to high-torque brushless motors, are designed to account for AGVs' and AMRs' limited space. These systems enable compact chassis designs by supporting loads up to 4 tonnes while keeping a low-profile footprint. These technologies offer adaptable, software-based automation by delegating processing responsibilities to the drive's embedded electronics.