Where to next for warehouse trucks?

May 20, 2025

The who’s who of the intralogistics world recently converged on Dortmund, Germany, for the testing of the finalists in the 2025 International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Award. CHARLEEN CLARKE writes that a fascinating conference took place alongside the testing, where experts answered the question: “What does the future hold for warehouse trucks?”

The IFOY Award testing takes place alongside Test Camp Intralogistics in Dortmund. This year, experts from across the globe converged to share insights into the rapidly evolving world of warehouse trucks. With panellists representing EP Equipment, HUBTEX, Jungheinrich, and TU Munich, the discussion tackled everything from battery breakthroughs to hybrid operating models and the emerging importance of ergonomics. A clear picture emerged: warehouse trucks are no longer just material handlers; they’re becoming intelligent, versatile components in a highly connected logistics ecosystem.

Smarter, safer, and more connected

AI, connectivity, and automation are reshaping how warehouse trucks operate, but not in a one-size-fits-all manner. “We can automate every machine in the warehouse, but we cannot automate every action,” said Arjan Van Zanten of EP Equipment. That distinction is becoming more important as logistics managers weigh investments in tech against the need for flexibility.

“The next major step will be the seamless integration of manual and automated vehicles on a unified platform,” noted Michael Röbig of HUBTEX, while Niklas Wilkowski from Jungheinrich pointed to connectivity as a game-changer, especially in mixed-fleet environments: “The future isn’t just about full automation – it’s about building hybrid systems that fit into existing workflows and gradually evolve with customer needs.”

Professor Johannes Fottner of TU Munich added a philosophical perspective: “The real success lies in combining systems. We must use technology to support people, not replace them.”

Beyond the forklift: Designing for new roles

With the rise of e-commerce and 24/7 supply chains, warehouse trucks are evolving to handle more than just pallets. Specialised trucks, robotic systems, and software integration are now central to the value proposition. “Trucks will talk to each other, share maps, control traffic, and even diagnose their own faults,” said Van Zanten. At EP Equipment’s own factory, 100% of goods-in operations are now handled by autonomous mobile robots.

HUBTEX is also innovating with both fully- and semi-automated vehicles. “We’re working on outdoor navigation and collision prevention tech,” Röbig said. “Safety, efficiency, and reliability are all driving product design.”

For Wilkowski, the key is scalability. “Many warehouses are not yet ready for full automation. Our approach is to help customers clean up legacy processes, digitise them, and then identify which steps truly benefit from automation,” he explained.

Batteries and the power shift

The move toward lithium-ion battery systems was unanimously seen as irreversible. “We no longer advertise lead-acid trucks. Everything we build now is lithium-powered,” elaborated Van Zanten.

The benefits – quick charging, lighter weight, and flexible design – are proving to be critical, but Röbig singled out affordability as the true breakthrough: “Chinese manufacturers are already offering lithium-ion at prices lower than lead-acid. That’s changing the game for smaller fleets.” He also downplayed hydrogen’s short-term role as “interesting tech, but too costly and not yet scalable”.

Wilkowski added that smart energy storage will be essential: “Peak shaving, intermediate charging, and integration with local solar grids will define the next stage of warehouse energy efficiency.”

Human-centric design still matters

Even as automation accelerates, ergonomic design remains central. “Operators are still essential in many roles, and poor ergonomics can be costly in both injury and retention,” said Wilkowski. Röbig agreed: “We’re constantly refining our cabins, joysticks, and control layouts to reduce fatigue and make operation intuitive.”

Fottner, as ever, offered a deeper take: “The paradox is that automated systems are held to higher safety standards than humans. That needs to change. Human drivers should have to meet the same level of predictability and safety, or be supported by more assistive tech.”

The real future? It depends…

From smart sensors to safety scanners, hybrid workflows to AI-powered navigation, the warehouse truck is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation. But if there was a consistent theme from the panel, it was that there’s no single path forward.

As Professor Fottner summed up: “If there’s one thing I teach my students, it’s this: there is no universal answer in logistics. Everything depends on the application.”

Perhaps that’s the most important takeaway of all. The warehouse truck of the future isn’t just about technology – it’s about adaptability.