Logistics and Automation will offer a diverse overview of warehouse automation technologies
Logistics & Automation will showcase a diverse range of warehouse automation technologies. In this environment, a trusted partner with proven integration and service capabilities is the best ally to help you achieve your business objectives.
If you are considering attending Logistics & Automation Madrid 2026, you are probably looking for ideas to improve the performance and flexibility of your operations. When it comes to intralogistics automation, the landscape of equipment, software and suppliers is more complex than ever. In this environment, having an experienced partner to guide you along the way can help you avoid costly mistakes while delivering both performance and flexibility.
Today, the challenge is no longer access to technology. Most organisations can choose from a wide range of equipment, software platforms and suppliers. The real challenge lies in navigating this complexity and determining which combination of technologies, systems and operational processes will deliver the greatest long-term value.
The foundations of successful automation
Firstly, if you are new to automation, there is no need to take an all-or-nothing approach. Many companies successfully begin their automation journey by addressing a specific challenge, whether that is capacity, labour shortages or low productivity. In the many projects of this kind we have been involved in over the past year, operations have not only achieved dramatic improvements in speed and efficiency, but have done so using relatively straightforward control or warehouse management systems.
Taking things a step further, automation can have a greater impact by transforming complete processes that were previously manual, such as storage and order picking. This may include automated pallet or tote storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) connected to ergonomic goods-to-person picking stations or, depending on the application, compact cube-based solutions, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) or other technologies. These different automation options can address more complex challenges without requiring the entire facility to be fully automated.
As organisations progress towards more comprehensive solutions, the management of material flows, orders and inventory becomes increasingly complex. At the same time, the need for a warehouse management system (WMS) grows, enabling integration with the layers responsible for supervising the execution and control of both automated and manual processes (WES/WCS).
In other words, successful automation is rarely about implementing a single technology. Rather, it is about making equipment, software and services work together in harmony. Different warehouses have different requirements, which is why the most effective solution will often combine technologies and suppliers.
As a true integration partner, Toyota Automated Logistics works alongside its customers to select, connect and optimise the most appropriate technologies, whether the goal is to achieve a specific operational improvement or to deliver a transformative solution with genuine strategic impact.
If you are considering attending Logistics & Automation Madrid 2026, you are probably looking for ideas to improve the performance and flexibility of your operations. When it comes to intralogistics automation, the landscape of equipment, software and suppliers is more complex than ever. In this environment, having an experienced partner to guide you along the way can help you avoid costly mistakes while delivering both performance and flexibility.
Today, the challenge is no longer access to technology. Most organisations can choose from a wide range of equipment, software platforms and suppliers. The real challenge lies in navigating this complexity and determining which combination of technologies, systems and operational processes will deliver the greatest long-term value.
The foundations of successful automation
Firstly, if you are new to automation, there is no need to take an all-or-nothing approach. Many companies successfully begin their automation journey by addressing a specific challenge, whether that is capacity, labour shortages or low productivity. In the many projects of this kind we have been involved in over the past year, operations have not only achieved dramatic improvements in speed and efficiency, but have done so using relatively straightforward control or warehouse management systems.
Taking things a step further, automation can have a greater impact by transforming complete processes that were previously manual, such as storage and order picking. This may include automated pallet or tote storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) connected to ergonomic goods-to-person picking stations or, depending on the application, compact cube-based solutions, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) or other technologies. These different automation options can address more complex challenges without requiring the entire facility to be fully automated.
As organisations progress towards more comprehensive solutions, the management of material flows, orders and inventory becomes increasingly complex. At the same time, the need for a warehouse management system (WMS) grows, enabling integration with the layers responsible for supervising the execution and control of both automated and manual processes (WES/WCS).
In other words, successful automation is rarely about implementing a single technology. Rather, it is about making equipment, software and services work together in harmony. Different warehouses have different requirements, which is why the most effective solution will often combine technologies and suppliers.
As a true integration partner, Toyota Automated Logistics works alongside its customers to select, connect and optimise the most appropriate technologies, whether the goal is to achieve a specific operational improvement or to deliver a transformative solution with genuine strategic impact.
Getting the action plan right
According to the latest Interact Analysis study (1), much of the success lies in choosing the right partner. Regardless of the level of automation, buyers’ primary consideration is supplier reliability and reputation (68%), followed by price and payment terms (62.6%) and, finally, after-sales service (59.3%). The first step, therefore, is to identify the right partner and develop a clear action plan tailored to your operational objectives, ensuring that the most appropriate technology, software and operational design are all taken into account.
The assessment begins with an analysis of operations, material flows, staffing requirements and bottlenecks. It is also important to consider current pain points, such as absenteeism, which reached 7.7% in 2026 according to the 15th Adecco Report on Workplace Absenteeism. UNO has warned that absenteeism “is jeopardising viability… in highly operational sectors such as logistics” (2).
The next step is the technical analysis, looking at order profiles and performance, as well as the number of SKUs and their characteristics. This helps answer key questions around how much of the operation can be automated, which solutions are best suited to its requirements, and what proportion of SKUs can be handled by automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), conveyors and sorters.
The next stage focuses on project implementation. This involves providing guidance on how to phase the installation of a new system while minimising disruption to existing operations, whether at a greenfield or existing site. Toyota Automated Logistics works alongside its customers’ operations teams to develop a phased implementation plan aligned with their objectives, budgets and long-term growth strategy.
Preparing for long-term success
The partnership does not end when the system goes live. System performance needs to be optimised, while users should be supported as they gradually increase throughput and build confidence in the new operation.
Once the system is fully operational, we revisit the objectives established at the start of the project and measure performance against key success metrics. This includes assessing productivity improvements, reductions in errors, system availability and progress towards achieving the expected return on investment. These insights help ensure that the solution delivers tangible business value while identifying opportunities for further optimisation.
As the operation matures, the focus shifts from optimisation to growth. Every automation solution is designed with future scalability in mind, but there ultimately comes a point when incremental process improvements alone are no longer enough to meet growing demand. When this happens, businesses can confidently expand their operations by adding capacity, functionality or new technologies without having to start from scratch. A well-planned automation strategy provides the flexibility to evolve alongside the business, ensuring that the operation continues to support long-term growth.
There is no single step that guarantees success. Successful automation requires a strategic and considered approach. The experts at Toyota Automated Logistics can help lay the foundations for a successful automation strategy by identifying opportunities, prioritising investments and developing a roadmap tailored to your operation.
Sources:
(1) Interact Analysis: https://interactanalysis.com/voice-of-market/#voiceofmarketbrochure
(2) UNO: https://unologistica.org/sala-de-prensa/nota-de-prensa/uno-alerta-de-que-el-absentismo-en-niveles-record-esta-erosionando-el-mercado-laboral-espanol/
According to the latest Interact Analysis study (1), much of the success lies in choosing the right partner. Regardless of the level of automation, buyers’ primary consideration is supplier reliability and reputation (68%), followed by price and payment terms (62.6%) and, finally, after-sales service (59.3%). The first step, therefore, is to identify the right partner and develop a clear action plan tailored to your operational objectives, ensuring that the most appropriate technology, software and operational design are all taken into account.
The assessment begins with an analysis of operations, material flows, staffing requirements and bottlenecks. It is also important to consider current pain points, such as absenteeism, which reached 7.7% in 2026 according to the 15th Adecco Report on Workplace Absenteeism. UNO has warned that absenteeism “is jeopardising viability… in highly operational sectors such as logistics” (2).
The next step is the technical analysis, looking at order profiles and performance, as well as the number of SKUs and their characteristics. This helps answer key questions around how much of the operation can be automated, which solutions are best suited to its requirements, and what proportion of SKUs can be handled by automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), conveyors and sorters.
The next stage focuses on project implementation. This involves providing guidance on how to phase the installation of a new system while minimising disruption to existing operations, whether at a greenfield or existing site. Toyota Automated Logistics works alongside its customers’ operations teams to develop a phased implementation plan aligned with their objectives, budgets and long-term growth strategy.
Preparing for long-term success
The partnership does not end when the system goes live. System performance needs to be optimised, while users should be supported as they gradually increase throughput and build confidence in the new operation.
Once the system is fully operational, we revisit the objectives established at the start of the project and measure performance against key success metrics. This includes assessing productivity improvements, reductions in errors, system availability and progress towards achieving the expected return on investment. These insights help ensure that the solution delivers tangible business value while identifying opportunities for further optimisation.
As the operation matures, the focus shifts from optimisation to growth. Every automation solution is designed with future scalability in mind, but there ultimately comes a point when incremental process improvements alone are no longer enough to meet growing demand. When this happens, businesses can confidently expand their operations by adding capacity, functionality or new technologies without having to start from scratch. A well-planned automation strategy provides the flexibility to evolve alongside the business, ensuring that the operation continues to support long-term growth.
There is no single step that guarantees success. Successful automation requires a strategic and considered approach. The experts at Toyota Automated Logistics can help lay the foundations for a successful automation strategy by identifying opportunities, prioritising investments and developing a roadmap tailored to your operation.
Sources:
(1) Interact Analysis: https://interactanalysis.com/voice-of-market/#voiceofmarketbrochure
(2) UNO: https://unologistica.org/sala-de-prensa/nota-de-prensa/uno-alerta-de-que-el-absentismo-en-niveles-record-esta-erosionando-el-mercado-laboral-espanol/
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