How did you get into intralogistics?
About online retail. As editor-in-chief of an e-commerce magazine, I have been exploring for years how to ensure that online orders reach customers as quickly, efficiently, and accurately as possible. That’s when it becomes clear, if it hasn’t already: Modern retail simply cannot function without smart intralogistics—from order picking to the last mile in the warehouse. Our fascination with automation, robotics, and smart warehouse processes has developed organically from this.

Why do you want to serve as an IFOY judge?
Because I am convinced that intralogistics and retail need to be considered in an even more integrated way. Some companies are already doing this, but not enough of them. As a judge, I can bring my perspective from the e-commerce sector to the table—specifically, the question of what a solution offers companies not only from a technical standpoint, but also from an economic and strategic one. I’m also drawn to the direct, hands-on exposure to the innovations that will shape online retail in the coming years. We also publish a special issue on logistics every year.

What do you expect from an IFOY applicant?
Real added value—for the user, not just for the spec sheet. An innovation must solve a real-world problem, whether it involves efficiency, sustainability, or a shortage of skilled workers. And it should work in practice, not just be convincing in theory.

How might an IFOY nominee surprise you?
Ideally, with a solution that seems simple at first glance but elegantly solves an industry-wide problem—along the lines of, “Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner?” Or with a use case from an industry where I would never have expected to see intralogistics innovations.

Complete the sentence: To me, innovation means…
…not necessarily the most spectacular technology, but the most noticeable improvement in the daily lives of the people who use it.

Which criteria are particularly important to you when making your assessment?
In addition to the level of technological innovation, the focus is always on the specific benefits for the customer: Does the product solve a real problem? How easy is it to integrate into existing processes? And: Is the solution scalable and future-proof—especially in the context of AI, human-centered design, and sustainability?

What are the major trends in intralogistics?
Without a doubt, this is the topic we’ve also made the cornerstone of our current special issue on logistics: Autonomous Flow and Synchronized Commerce. So, how AI, robotics, and smart surfaces will merge into a highly efficient unit by 2026. In addition, sustainability and energy efficiency are essential criteria, while demographic change serves as a driver for automation and ergonomics.

Is the intralogistics industry innovative enough?
It has made tremendous strides in recent years—driven in particular by the e-commerce boom and the shortage of skilled workers. However, there is often a wide gap between the pace of innovation and market penetration. Many excellent solutions are still reaching small and medium-sized businesses too slowly. I still see plenty of room for improvement there.

Where will intralogistics be in ten years?
I’m sure I’m not the only one who would love to have a crystal ball. But it would be great if, in just five years, logistics were significantly more autonomous, software-driven, and more closely integrated with retail. I expect that AI will no longer just optimize individual processes, but will autonomously manage entire warehouse and supply chain networks in real time. Hopefully, humankind will not disappear. In the foreseeable future, his role will shift significantly toward control, exception management, and ergonomics support.

What are you most looking forward to at the IFOY AWARD?
The IFOY Audit itself—the moment when theory becomes practice and I can experience and test the nominated solutions firsthand. There’s hardly anything more exciting than not just reading about innovations, but experiencing them firsthand. And, of course, the opportunity to exchange ideas with so many experienced international colleagues.

What distinguishes your perspective as an e-commerce expert from that of a traditional intralogistics trade journalist?
I tend to look at technology more from the perspective of the customer and the business model—not just from the perspective of the machine or the process. What matters to me is: How does an intralogistics innovation ultimately affect delivery times, the customer experience, and the profitability of the retail business? I am happy to bring this perspective to the jury as a complementary perspective.

In your opinion, what role does artificial intelligence play in the future of intralogistics?
AI is already setting the pace in logistics. In the future, it will no longer just optimize individual steps, but will intelligently integrate inventory management, route planning, and robotics. Any provider that fails to keep up here risks losing revenue in the medium term.

What can the retail and intralogistics industries learn from each other?
The retail sector can learn from intralogistics just how important robust, scalable back-end processes are—especially when volumes skyrocket. Conversely, intralogistics can learn from the retail sector to adopt a radically customer-centric approach: Ultimately, what matters is not the sophisticated technology in the warehouse, but the experience that reaches the end customer and strengthens trust in and loyalty to the company’s brand.