On June 11, Drees & Sommer Prague Office welcomed representatives of development companies, service providers and infrastructure operators to a Smart Breakfast in Prague, discussing together one of the most pressing questions in today’s market: How can logistics remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment? The main focus was on automation, digitization and resilience.
Together with Jörn Lehmann, Head of Intralogistics at Drees & Sommer SE, and Markus Ising, Managing Director Czech Republic, we explored the trends shaping the future of logistics, and the solutions that will ensure its long-term resilience and efficiency.
Navigating a Complex Logistics Landscape
Today’s logistics environment is undergoing rapid and complex transformation, driven by automation, robotics, and new technologies that are reshaping logistics hubs as well as land development and terminal concepts. At the same time, transport and goods flows are becoming more dynamic, with growing demand for multimodal solutions and stronger hinterland connections driven by e-commerce, sustainability requirements, and sector-specific needs. Decarbonisation is accelerating the shift toward resource efficiency, circular economy principles, and electrified transport, while increasingly interconnected technical infrastructure requires the integration of energy systems across all transport modes. In parallel, security and resilience are becoming critical, as logistics assets must address risks ranging from cybersecurity threats to climate-related events and civil protection requirements.
Automation & Robotics as Key Drivers of Change
A clear message emerged across all discussions: it is no longer a question of if automation and digitalization will shape logistics, but how. A major forward-looking topic discussed in Prague was the shift toward physical AI via cognitive robotics, where systems can independently make decisions and interact with their environment through sensors and interconnected IT/OT infrastructures. Drees & Sommer’s cooperation with a major German company in this field, NEURA Robotics, was also highlighted. Within this context, dark warehouses were discussed as the next frontier. Fully automated facilities with little or no human intervention are emerging as a key innovation, enabling greater cost efficiency, speed, and resilience.
New Business Models in Logistics and Electrification Strategies for the Future
A broader shift in logistics business models was also a key topic of discussion during the session. One of the most significant developments is the transition toward Logistics as a Service, where companies are moving away from capital-intensive investments and instead adopting more flexible, service-based operating models. This shift enables greater scalability, reduces upfront costs, and allows businesses to respond more dynamically to market changes. In parallel, the industrialisation of intermodal terminals is gaining momentum, supported by innovative and scalable infrastructure solutions.
Another key focus area is the advancement of electrification strategies, which are essential for achieving low-emission logistics operations while maintaining cost efficiency. This includes not only the transition to electric fleets, but also the optimisation of overall asset performance through intelligent energy management. A crucial element in this transformation is the integration of charging infrastructure with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). By combining charging solutions with energy storage, logistics operators can better manage peak loads, increase energy resilience, and enhance the economic viability of electrified operations.
These developments clearly illustrate how logistics is evolving into a fully integrated, technology-driven ecosystem, moving beyond its traditional role as a purely physical asset class and becoming a strategic, innovation-led component of the value chain.