Manufacturing logistics and procurement – August 2025
AI in packaging
EPAM Systems has published its AI report, ‘From hype to impact: how enterprises can unlock real business impact with value AI’. The report examines the current state of AI adoption, challenges and opportunities for business looking to generate tangible business value from AI investments.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF have developed cognitive robot capabilities that can handle complex tasks in manufacturing that were previously impossible to automate. In addition, they are also unveiling PARU and computer-aided safety (CAS), the first safety technologies and planning tools for close human-machine collaboration that can also ensure safety in AI-generated robot movements.
According to ING (in Dutch), good inventory management is crucial for wholesale companies, especially in times of increasing competition and ongoing uncertainty in the world. The use of AI technology gives wholesale companies a new role in the chain. By using AI intelligently for demand forecasting, inventory management and pricing strategy, their position shifts from that of a logistical link to an indispensable strategic partner. However, fulfilling this role requires more cooperation and data sharing with other partners within the chain than is currently the case.
Industry 4.0 technologies
A study (1.07 MB) by Wageningen University entitled ‘Industry 4.0 technologies in quality and safety control systems in food manufacturing: A systematic techno-managerial analysis on benefits and barriers’ has been published in Trends in Food Science & Technology.
McKinsey’s annual tech trends report highlights the latest technology breakthroughs, talent trends, use cases, and their potential impact on companies across sectors. Highlights in this year’s report are the rise of autonomous systems, new human–machine collaboration models, scaling challenges and responsible innovation imperatives. You can download the report after filling in your details.
Gwynt conducted an independent market survey (in Dutch, 5.79 MB) commissioned by HB RTS with the following question: How can return flows and packaging increase value in the food chain? To get more value out of return flows and packaging, someone needs to take charge. In addition, a chain partner is needed who invests in better packaging and more effective data exchange.
Researchers at the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed an evaluation scheme that can be used to compare industrial robots and, in the future, other systems such as mobile and humanoid robots or robotic hands.
Static electricity in printing and packaging production processes
A study (1.32 MB) by Marmara University entitled; ‘Static electricity in printing and packaging production processes: causes, effects, and solutions‘ has been published in The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. The study explores the science behind static electricity generation, highlighting how materials, environmental conditions, and production variables can amplify its effects. It examines the range of problems caused by static accumulation during printing, converting, bindery, and finishing operations, with a focus on both conventional and digital production environments.
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