AI is already established in the logistics industry but its use still poses many risks, according to Rob Fisher, CEO of the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), speaking at this week’s IMHX logistics show in Birmingham, UK.

The advent of AI and Industry 4.0-ready technology promises to overhaul many aspects of modern life. Nowhere will these changes be more profound than in the material handling sector. It promises to empower smarter automation, new safety-driven innovations, and efficient digital strategies that could transform logistics and, by extension, the entire global supply chain.

Fisher is well-placed to comment on this rapidly-approaching future as the UKMHA (ukmha.org.uk) represents nearly 300 members from across the forklifting and material handling sectors, and co-owns the IMHX event.

He argued that AI had already established itself within the industry, saying: “Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend; it’s already reshaping the logistics and supply chain landscapes. From optimising fulfilment centres and warehouse design to enhancing predictive maintenance and reducing workplace risks, AI is becoming deeply embedded across operations.”

However, AI also poses many risks. In the material handling industry, falling foul of these risks can cause major disruptions for the entire global supply chain.

“A widespread misconception held by the public and, unfortunately, some policymakers is that logistics operates in the background and can be taken for granted,” he said. “The pandemic briefly shone a light on just how vital our sector is, but that awareness has faded. Logistics underpins every element of the UK economy, from ecommerce to retail and manufacturing. The industry is filled with agile, problem-solving professionals who ensure that goods move efficiently and reliably. Without logistics, the economy quite simply grinds to a halt.”

In a world that is in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical state, Fisher added that AI was a tool that could support logistics businesses, but, like any tool, it depended on the skills of its operator.

“When used responsibly, AI can eliminate repetitive manual tasks and enable employees to focus on higher-value activities, boosting both efficiency and job satisfaction,” he said. “That said, human oversight remains critical; AI needs to be properly managed, and its outputs regularly validated to ensure accuracy and integrity.”

Using AI is a skill, and it is a skill gap that almost every industry is working to close. Upskilling industry professionals in this way is one of UKMHA’s key roles.

“We offer a comprehensive suite of technical training courses to help upskill both new entrants and experienced professionals,” he said. “Our goal is to future-proof the workforce by developing high-calibre talent trained in the latest technologies. For example, forklift truck service engineers are absolutely vital to the material handling industry. They keep equipment performing at optimal levels, minimise downtime, and ensure logistics operations remain efficient and reliable. However, the sector continues to face significant challenges in recruiting skilled engineers and technicians. At UKMHA, we are actively working to address this gap. We’ve launched a dedicated apprenticeship programme in partnership with SMB Group at the Stephenson Campus in Leicestershire.”

Fisher has also spearheaded wider initiatives aimed at raising standards across the sector.

“We lead by example through our annual safety initiative: National Forklift Safety Day,” he said. “We challenge both employers and operatives to make safety a shared, daily priority. Health and safety must be embedded into the culture of every warehouse operation. Much about the industry is changing, but this fact never will.”

IMHX is the flagship event for the material handling and intralogistics sector in the UK. Its scale and focus on innovation make it a critical platform for showcasing the technologies and ideas shaping the future of logistics.

“The event brings together the entire ecosystem – suppliers, manufacturers, logistics providers and decision-makers – creating unmatched opportunities for collaboration, learning and strategic growth,” Fisher said.

IMHX (www.imhx.net) runs from September 9 to 11 at the NEC in Birmingham, UK.