Innovation Day 2025: focus on digitalisation, AI and innovative trends

How do digital trends develop into innovative solutions with added value?
Answers to this and many other questions will be provided at Nagel-Group’s Innovation Day on 27 May 2025 at the Digital Hub Logistics & Commerce in Hamburg. The event will offer the food logistics company’s customers exclusive insights into current technological developments and show how digitalisation and artificial intelligence are shaping the logistics of the future. Not only will there be fascinating presentations, but the accompanying trade expo is also a prime opportunity to exchange ideas directly with Nagel-Group experts and partners.

Always keeping on top of developments – the Nagel Trendradar

The topics discussed at the Innovation Day are just a small selection from a much broader spectrum of trends and developments that Nagel-Group systematically monitors and evaluates as part of its Trendradar. The Trendradar is a strategic analysis tool that has been updated each year by Nagel-Group since 2022. It aims to identify relevant technology trends at an early stage, systematically structure them along global megatrends and classify them in terms of their significance for food logistics.

Well-grounded background information and practical application examples are provided for each trend identified. The Trendradar thus provides a comprehensive overview of the key developments – from the global macro perspective to specific applications in day-to-day business.

Focus on automation and AI

The Trendradar shows a clear development: automation and AI will play an essential role in the logistics of tomorrow. Technologies such as advanced image processing and humanoid robots that can mimic human movements open up new possibilities for organising work processes more efficiently. The focus here is on targeted support for people – especially for standardised, repetitive activities.

Another new trend is the use of computer vision – an AI technology that makes computers able to interpret visual information from images or videos and make decisions based on this. Computers can use machine learning algorithms to identify objects, track movements and recognise patterns – similar to how human vision works. Computer vision is used in logistics to automate processes, increase efficiency and reduce errors.

Technologies in practical use

“Nagel-Group integrates a number of AI models into its processes to solve complex problems and open up new opportunities,” says Florian Seffert, Head of Technology & Innovation at Nagel-Group. One such example is the Turnover Development Estimator, which uses machine learning to automatically forecast future sales and simplify the budget planning process to enable proactive management.

Nagel-Group also uses Motion Mining® technology from MotionMiners GmbH to optimise processes. Movement and process data is recorded by wearables and sensors and evaluated using AI to identify and specifically exploit the potential offered by efficiency and ergonomics.

Nagel-Group has also developed an innovative system for seamless temperature monitoring with the technology company Enerthing. The system consists of autonomous IoT sensors that record actual temperatures in the storage area and automatically raise an alert in the event of any deviations. The aim is to seamlessly document temperature curves, identify fluctuations at an early stage and exploit potential energy savings.

“Digital technologies are not an end in themselves; they have to create real added value. That is why we are focussing on solutions that improve efficiency, promote sustainability and reduce our employees’ workload,” explains Michael Lütjann, Chief Information Officer at Nagel-Group.

Many of these developments and specific application examples will also be presented at Innovation Day 2025 – from real life experience and in dialogue with Nagel-Group experts.

Sustainability is still a relevant driver

Sustainability, along with technological innovations, remains a core topic – one that has been firmly embedded at Nagel-Group for years and is more relevant today than ever. The logistics industry is challenged to reduce its CO₂ emissions while remaining competitive. The Trendradar therefore spotlights the importance of sustainable solutions, such as using renewable energies and sustainable fuels.

The Nagel-Group Innovation Day 2025 impressively demonstrates how digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and sustainability are transforming the logistics industry – and the opportunities this presents for companies and customers. With the Trendradar as a strategic tool and the interactive exchange of ideas during the event, Nagel-Group is creating a sound basis for not only observing future developments, but actively helping to shape them.

One thing is clear: the logistics of the future is being created today – through forward thinking, strong partnerships and the courage to innovate.

Click here for the Nagel-Group Trend Radar.