Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving beyond its role as a digital assistant, but people are still central to logistics operations, according to new DHL research.
The DHL Logistics Trend Radar 8.0 report found that advances in AI, robotics, and automation mean that intelligent systems are becoming increasingly capable of planning, deciding and acting autonomously, meaning organisations must rethink skills, safety, governance and employee experience while building more resilient and sustainable supply chains, stressed the report.
“Supply chains are changing faster than ever as AI and workforce trends increasingly influence one another,” said Katja Busch, chief commercial officer at DHL and head of DHL customer solutions & innovation.
“The organisations that succeed will be those that understand these shifts early and are able to turn them into practical advantages for their business and their people. The Trend Radar helps them focus on the developments that will matter most.”
AI in logistics is evolving from being able to provide assistance to achieving autonomy, according to the report.
Agentic AI advances
Among the most significant findings is the emergence of Agentic AI, said DHL. Unlike earlier generations of AI that primarily respond to prompts or analyse information, Agentic AI can autonomously plan, decide, and act toward defined goals, enabling closer collaboration between intelligent technologies and human expertise.
Alongside this development is AI Analytics, which enables organisations to uncover patterns, anticipate disruptions, forecast outcomes, and recommend actions at unprecedented speed and scale.
Together, these developments are creating increasingly autonomous and adaptive supply chains, enabling tasks such as anticipating inventory shortages, rerouting shipments around disruptions, and dynamically adjusting transport capacity in real time.
The Trend Radar also introduces new trends reflecting AI’s influence in expanding beyond operational efficiency. AI Commerce is transforming how consumers and businesses discover and purchase products, Compute Economy highlights the strategic importance of computing infrastructure and data centre logistics, and Humanoids represent an emerging, longer-term trend that could redefine AI-enabled automation in physical environments.
Together, these trends signal further transformation across digital and physical supply chains, from AI-assisted purchasing journeys to AI-enabled automation in warehouses.
“Until now, AI has helped people perform tasks more efficiently. The next chapter is about action,” said Klaus Dohrmann, vice president of innovation and trend research, DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.
“We’re entering an era of autonomous and physical AI, where intelligent systems can actively perceive the world, navigate complex environments, and make decisions with minimal human intervention.”
People still key
The Trend Radar places a major focus on how work is changing as AI, automation, and robotics become increasingly integrated into logistics operations.
The report highlights technologies such as wearable sensors, remote operations, collaborative robotics, and AI-powered workplace assistants that help create safer, more productive, and more engaging work environments.
By reducing repetitive tasks and supporting day-to-day decision-making, these technologies allow employees to focus on higher-value activities such as problem-solving, customer service, and operational oversight.
Employee Belonging and the Augmented Workplace emerge as key trends as employees increasingly work alongside AI assistants, collaborative robots, and digital tools.
The impact of these technologies will reshape hundreds of roles spanning frontline operations, technical professions, and knowledge-based functions, creating demand for new skills and new ways of working.
For business leaders, the challenge is no longer simply introducing new technologies, but ensuring employees have the skills, confidence, and support to use them effectively.
Thomas Ogilvie, chief human resources officer and labour director at DHL Group, said: “Technology is transforming the way we work, but people remain the driving force behind every successful supply chain.
“We’re already seeing AI assistants, wearable devices, and collaborative robots helping employees work more safely, reduce repetitive work, and focus on higher-value tasks.
“The future of logistics will not be defined by human versus AI, but by how effectively organisations combine human expertise with increasingly capable technologies.”
As AI systems take on more autonomous responsibilities, organisations must ensure they are deployed responsibly, securely, and transparently.
The report highlights trends including AI Ethics and Cybersecurity 2.0, which help organisations balance innovation with governance, resilience, and security.
As intelligent systems become increasingly embedded in critical operations such as demand forecasting, inventory planning, and transport decision-making, robust safeguards and human oversight are becoming as important as the technologies themselves, concluded the report.
