Manufacturing logistics and procurement – August 2026
How robots become coworkers
More and more robots are assisting workers in factories. However, human-robot collaboration is still far from seamless. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have now developed a solution that enables a factory worker wearing an exoskeleton to work closely and, above all, safely, with a robotic arm. This reduces the physical strain on workers and improves the production processes.
2026 Intralogistics Robotics Survey: robotics moves into the mainstream
Companies that want to make better use of their available space, get more out of their labour resources and improve throughput are looking to robotics for help. What was once a novelty or limited to very large organisations has become more accessible as companies gain experience and vendors bring more options to market. MMH’s 2026 Intralogistics Robotics Survey supports this and paints a picture of a warehouse and DC environment that is embracing robotics both for the first time and expanding existing initiatives. The survey also signals a healthy market, with strong interest and a high share of companies investing or planning to invest.
Humanoid Application Center opens its doors
On 2 July 2026, the Humanoid Application Center (HAC) officially opened its doors at the Mechatronics Innovation Campus Schiedam (MICS), the Netherlands. With the arrival of the HAC, a next step is taken in the development and application of robotics within the manufacturing industry. While new technologies often remain within research environments, the HAC focuses specifically on moving towards practical application. In realistic settings, companies can test, refine and directly translate technologies into their own operations.
Manual for packaging archival materials
Packing archival material may sound simple: you put it in a box and you are done. But it is not quite that straightforward. That is why staff at the National Archives (in Dutch), among others, have developed the Manual Safely Packed (4.36 MB). This comprehensive, illustrated reference work is intended for anyone who packs archival material, whether on a regular or occasional basis. The book is published by the Metamorfoze programme, which is dedicated to the preservation of paper collections. A Dutch-language version is also available.
Gartner 2026 Global Supply Chain Top 25
Gartner has announced the results for their 2026 Global Supply Chain Top 25, which recognises leading supply chain organisations and identifies underlying trends. Schneider Electric retained its top position in the rankings for the fourth consecutive year, NVIDIA placed second and Walmart climbed ten spots to the third place. You can download the report after filling in your details.
New opportunities with AI in transport and logistics
The transport and logistics sector is grappling with staff shortages, stagnant productivity growth and, more recently, sharply higher fuel prices. More efficient processes offer the sector the opportunity to tackle these challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) can play a key role in this. An update by RaboResearch (in Dutch) provides insights into the extent to which Dutch companies in transport and logistics are using AI, and where there are opportunities to deploy (Gen)AI to boost productivity.
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