This is the logistics of the future.

That our economy will be characterized by sustainability and automation in the future is already undisputed. But what will this look like in concrete terms? What role will humans still play when AI systems take over the control of our factories? When automated cells perform our work and autonomous robots deliver goods right to our doorstep? A team of experts comprised of renowned factory planners, logistics engineers, architects, and futurologists has now investigated these questions and presented its findings in a multimedia vision.

Self-Sufficient Energy Clusters

This vision offers striking insights into an industrial park of the future. Value creation processes are highly interconnected, both materially and informally, between infrastructure, production, and logistics—like in a kind of industrial biosphere. Automated manufacturing and assembly clusters are powered by self-sufficient energy systems, connected by synchronized material flows, and organized by bionic data streams, much like an ant colony. Autonomous transport robots manage traffic across roads, railways, and airways in consolidated supply chains—with near 100% punctuality.

At least, that's the vision presented by the company LogistikPlan on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. LogisticsPlan CEO Stefan Gärtner explains that every single element of the predicted "big picture" has already been tested as a feasible solution. "The technologies have been developed and successfully transferred from the lab to practical application," says Gärtner. However, very few companies in Germany are currently using these solutions to any significant extent. "I estimate that will probably take another two to three decades. Innovations require not only capital, but also more courage." Ka.ira answers questions To validate whether the prediction will actually come true in the future, the Saxon logistics specialists organized an exclusive interview and recorded it as "video evidence." Thirteen-year-old Janos asks incisive questions about the present day. Science Agent Ka.ira, spokesperson for the Ka.ira Future Service, answers his questions – live from the year 2050.

LogisticsPlan is publishing the first excerpts from the complete video "The Future of Logistics" here. The conclusion of the discussion: Some fictional scenarios won't actually come true in the future, such as the myth of a factory without people or of punctual rail freight. But overall, Ka.ira confirms that we are on the right track: "You'll actually already know the solution by 2025! But you're still in your infancy."

Your opinion matters! What are your personal thoughts on the future of logistics, production, and infrastructure? Share your perspective with us – simply via the form field (-> see below). Our thank you for your (serious) feedback: a link to the free download of the complete video (chapters 1 to 3) and our permanent usage rights.