Warehouses of the future: people, automation, and AI – report from the Smart Warehouse 2025 Conference

Quo vadis, logistics?

The growing dynamism of the logistics market in Poland is the result of several factors: the expansion of e-commerce, economic uncertainty, a shortage of skilled workers, and continuous technological advancement. These conclusions come from a report prepared by ManpowerGroup in cooperation with the Łukasiewicz Poznań Institute of Technology, presented during a conference.

As part of the search for ways to increase competitiveness, participants took part in two program tracks – presentations and discussion panels held simultaneously on two stages. Six key thematic areas were addressed: the new #people\_and\_operation and #ecommerce\_marketplace topics, as well as the already well-known tracks: #fulfillment\_3PL, #AI\_IoT\_digitalization, #robotics\_futuretechnology, and #warehouse\_automation.

Among the program’s highlights was an inspiring presentation by Jarosław Dąbrowski (Reflex), who spoke about the history and future of the logistics industry. The opening panel of the conference focused on the potential of business scaling through cross-border and marketplace solutions.

Each day of the conference concluded with F\*c kup case study sessions – exceptionally honest discussions about mistakes, failures, and how to turn them into success. A valuable reminder that in logistics (and beyond), learning from failures is essential.

Workshops for participants – hands-on experience and knowledge combined

The conference was accompanied by workshops conducted by event partners. AutoStore led sessions on warehouse space optimization and logistics processes; Logisystem presented innovative technologies used in automated warehouses (bin, carton, and pallet systems); Vanderlande focused on analyzing the profitability of automating distribution centers.

There was also space for direct business conversations – participants eagerly used the networking zone in Pavilion 7.

Start-up Zone – debuts, innovations, and the IDEA Startup Challenge 2025

A new feature of this year’s edition of Smart Warehouse and the MODERNLOG trade fair was the Start-up Zone – a special space for young companies entering the logistics sector. Over the course of two days, startups presented their ideas to potential investors and took the stage during the Partner Showcase, competing in the IDEA Startup Challenge 2025.

Participants had only a few minutes to present their business model, the uniqueness of their technology, and market potential. The level of the presentations was very high – clearly confirming the growing maturity of the domestic startup ecosystem.

The jury evaluating the presentations included experienced investors and industry experts:

• Sławomir Wójcik (CIECH Ventures)
• Krzysztof Łuczak (Blix Group)
• Zuzanna Kot (INVESTIN)
• Patryk Bednarz (BEDNARZ Ventures)
• Radek Wierzbicki (Lazarski University Business Center / Unsung Heroes Foundation)
• Kuba Dudek (S20 / SpeedUp Group)

The jury was chaired by Michał Lasocki (EEC Ventures Fund).

The winners of the competition were:

1. DEPOTRACER – 1st place
2. NICEGUYS – 2nd place
3. COSMOEYE – 3rd place

The winners were recognized for their innovation, vision, and the real impact of their projects on the future of logistics.

Voices from conference partners

As the platinum sponsor of Poland’s largest logistics conference – Smart Warehouse powered by Reflex – we want to express our highest appreciation to the event organizers. The scale of the conference was impressive, attracting top experts from across the industry. The discussion panels were well-prepared and covered highly relevant topics. The entire event had an exceptional atmosphere. As the main partner, we felt truly honored (special thanks to Ilona and Artur), and our participation was a tremendously valuable experience* – said Aleksandra Szwaja, Marketing Manager at Reflex, Hardis Group.

Participating in Modernlog and the Smart Warehouse conference gave us a chance to immerse ourselves in the real challenges faced by trading and logistics companies. On one hand, sales want to grow and experiment with promotions, freebies, and multipacks. On the other hand, logistics strives for stability, timeliness, and error reduction. This clash is not just anecdotal – it’s a real risk for companies that grow faster than their processes and tools. We return from Modernlog with a clear message: it’s time to integrate e-commerce and logistics not only at the system level but, above all, strategically* – Wojciech Nowak, Managing Partner at Sente.

The Smart Warehouse 2025 conference was a great opportunity to explore interesting case studies and discuss the current state and future of logistics automation. I particularly valued the chance to exchange experiences with industry practitioners, made possible by the event in Poznań. The diversity of perspectives during the panels and informal conversations was truly inspiring. This experience lets us look to the future of our sector with even greater optimism* – Anna Wiśniewska, Managing Director at Element Logic.

The Smart Warehouse 2025 conference offered two intense days full of inspiring conversations, meetings, and knowledge exchange. We especially appreciated taking part in the panel discussion on warehouse automation – the chance to compare viewpoints of technology providers, consultants, and end users was extremely valuable. Thank you to everyone who joined us. See you next year – we’ll definitely be back!* – Tomasz Boruta, CEO of Gebhardt Polska.

The Smart Warehouse conference in Poznań was an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with leaders in intralogistics. As a gold partner, we proudly showcased our warehouse automation solutions tailored to the challenges of the modern supply chain. We’re pleased with the new relationships formed and numerous meetings with our current Polish clients, who were eager to visit us and share their case studies. Thank you for letting us support your growth and be part of your success* – Dorota Richards, Business Development Manager, AutoStore.

Nearly 1,300 participants attended this year’s conference.

Poland’s largest event in the Logistics 4.0 sector will return in May 2026!

Two days of in-depth knowledge, relevant topics, current challenges, seasoned experts from well-known brands, and engaging discussions – this is what the next edition of the Smart Warehouse conference promises. It will take place in May next year.

Industry practitioners from renowned brands and institutions will share their knowledge, experience, and the latest trends in Logistics 4.0.

We invite you to join the 7th edition of the Smart Warehouse Conference**
May 26–27, 2026 at the Poznań International Fairgrounds.

The conference is organized as part of MODERNLOG – the Trade Fair for Logistics, Warehousing, and Transport, the most important logistics-related exhibition event in Poland for the production and warehousing sector.

Follow us at [www.smartwarehouse.modernlog.pl](http://www.smartwarehouse.modernlog.pl) and on LinkedIn: MODERNLOG – Trade Fair for Logistics, Warehousing, and Transport.