Finalists announced for 2026 IFOY Award

Three solutions nominated in the Intralogistics Software category

Software has always played a crucial role in logistics, and now “AI inside” is driving disruptive innovation. The finalists from idealworks, KNAPP and PureLoX SOLUTIONS demonstrate this clearly.

With AnyFleet, German company idealworks has brought  to the final a cloud-based automation platform for intralogistics that goes far beyond traditional fleet management systems. A core innovation is its manufacturer-independent, open platform architecture, which – thanks to VDA 5050 compatibility – enables seamless integration of heterogeneous fleets from different manufacturers and autonomy levels. AMRs, AGVs and manual vehicles are coordinated centrally, along with peripheral devices such as sensors, roller doors and traffic lights, as well as WMS and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Real-time analytics, simulations and digital twins provide complete operational transparency.

With its KiSoft Delivery Solution, Austrian intralogistics specialist KNAPP addresses one of the most significant and persistent challenges in logistics: last-mile delivery and end-to-end supply chain optimisation. The AI-supported KiSoft software connects warehouses, transport and delivery within a single system for the first time, enabling dynamic planning that adapts in real time to orders, traffic conditions and available resources. Integrated analytics, a driver app and seamless WMS and ERP connectivity ensure precise delivery windows, efficient routes and on-time warehouse dispatch.

PureLoX SOLUTIONS overcomes the limitations of traditional monolithic warehouse management systems with plx.wmx. This cloud-native WMS from Germany – designed specifically for dynamic sectors such as third-party logistics, e-commerce and retail – manages all logistics processes, from goods receipt and storage to picking, shipping and returns. It also supports flexible workflows such as value-added services and multi-pick strategies. Its patented GO-ONE Engine enables simple adaptation and scaling of processes, locations or tenants, while API-first integration ensures seamless connectivity with existing systems. A single-version strategy ensures all customer instances remain continuously up to date.

Four start-ups reach the final

Software and AI also dominate the start-up category. The jury has nominated four candidates with disruptive approaches for the spin-off award “IFOY Start-up of the Year”: AI2Connect, Koiotech, Pyck and Romb Technologies.

The Dortmund-based start-up AI2Connect positions itself as a factory for specialised AI agents in logistics. AI2RampOptimizer is one such agent. It addresses ramp optimisation using a self-learning multi-agent system based on predictive learning, reinforcement learning and rule-based logic. The results include 30% shorter waiting times, 60% fewer detention charges and 15% lower carbon dioxide emissions. The plug-and-play system becomes operational in under three weeks without IT integration, delivering a return on investment in less than three months. The factory approach also enables scaling to yard management, route optimisation and other logistics applications.

Schwäbisch Hall start-up Pyck aims to replace traditional warehouse management systems with an open-source toolkit for warehousing software. Instead of rigid standard solutions, it offers a modular system that models warehouse processes using AI and automatically generates software. Unlike conventional WMS platforms, Pyck does not impose predefined processes: logistics experts design the workflows, data models and user interfaces, resulting in greater flexibility, faster adaptation and easier integration of emerging technologies like AI and robotics.

Romb Technologies from Croatia focuses on Semantic Visual Intelligence for intralogistics. Its technology translates raw image data into meaningful context, giving machines a visual understanding of their environment comparable to human perception. Unlike conventional vision systems, it recognises not only fixed objects, but entire object classes such as people, pallets, loads, vehicles and drivable surfaces. This enables applications ranging from adaptive load handling and obstacle avoidance to facility-wide analysis. Target users include AGV and AMR manufacturers, system integrators and end users seeking real-time transparency, as well as AI-driven analytics using existing camera infrastructure. 

Also nominated is Göttingen start-up Koiotech’s AI-based DeepCargo freight measurement system, a plug-and-play solution combining 3D sensors, barcode scanners and proprietary software. It automatically measures freight of any size and shape at a stationary drive-through gate – at forklift speeds of up to 17km/h – detects missing or incorrect master data and assigns barcodes precisely. The result is maximum data quality without process interruption, up to 50% fewer measurement errors, revenue increases of 3 to 5% and a 95% reduction in personnel requirements.

IFOY Award finalists at the Test Camp Intralogistics

The IFOY Award is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious innovation awards in intralogistics worldwide. The nominated products and solutions undergo comprehensive IFOY Tests and a scientific Innovation Check to evaluate quality, functionality, innovation, customer value and market relevance against current market standards. A total of eight testers and 24 jurors from 18 nations will attend the IFOY Audit at the Westfalenhalle Dortmund. South Africa is represented by Charleen Clarke, editorial director of FOCUS.

Industry professionals and interested visitors can experience the finalists first-hand on 15 and 16 April at the Test Camp Intralogistics. Up to 100 innovations will be available for testing, and around 1,200 participants are expected.