The Logistica and ICT & Logistiek trade shows were characterised by trade and technological ingenuity from 5 to 7 November. Thousands of visitors were informed in the Jaarbeurs about automation of their logistics processes and systems. Much attention was paid to Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots(AMRs) and other robotics.
Logistica and ICT & Logistiek managed to attract 13,121 and 5,079 visitors respectively to Utrecht this year. They were inspired by 340 exhibitors, knowledge sessions in 14 theatres, the presentation of the Logistica Award, tours and the practical demonstrations at the Logistica Scala's.
The theme of this edition was Smart Warehousing, matching developments in the market. "Systems will be interconnected, people and robots will work together, data exchange will increase efficiency. In short, smart warehousing," said Martijn de Weerd, brand manager Logistics at Jaarbeurs. "We gave this development a stage at numerous exhibitors, in the knowledge sessions and at the demo plazas."
Synergy Logistica and ICT & Logistiek
The growing synergy between Logistica and ICT & Logistiek stood out this year; 73 per cent of visitors came to both fairs. De Weerd: "Ict and logistics are no longer separate branches of sport. The complexity of processes is increasing and with it the complexity of solutions. Hardware and software are constantly interconnected."
There was plenty of trading on the exhibition floor thanks to the large number of managers and directors who had travelled to Utrecht. The majority of visitors are final or co-decision makers on investment issues. "Exhibitors noticed this from conversations they had. Many follow-up appointments could be made."
Knowledge sessions, tours and demos
The knowledge sessions covered a wide range of topics, from supply chain management to automation and safe working. Much attention was paid to robotics - specifically AGVs and AMRs - and human-robot interaction. Seminars related to this theme were, without exception, well-attended.
The demos and tours also attracted a lot of interest. At a special IFOY location, Still, Jungheinrich, UniCarriers and ProGlove demonstrated their award-winning innovations. The three Logistica Scalas, where exhibitors showcased their solutions in a hands-on environment, were visited by around 70 per cent of attendees. Thanks to the tours that were organised for the first time at the scalas this year, they got to experience all the steps in the process. "That made it more concrete for visitors. The solutions came out even better that way," concludes the brand manager.
