Even Warehouse Automation Now Believes in Humanoids | Jan Andreas Daske - Swisslog

In this talk

1. 0:46

   Swisslog’s humanoid strategy

   Daske says Swisslog and KUKA are preparing to bring humanoids into factories using KUKA AMP, a platform intended to manage automation across different hardware. He sees potential where warehouse work meets human-operated areas, such as truck unloading and picking zones. Software that coordinates robots with existing systems will be essential.

2. 4:56

   Three layers for warehouse operations

   Daske describes AMP as the layer for controlling and executing robots, alongside software that manages inventory, items, and workflows. Swisslog delivers warehouse control and execution through SynQ or SAP EWM. The goal is to connect equipment to customer processes and coordinate material movement.

3. 7:17

   Brownfield constraints and safety

   Humanoids may fit older warehouses because they can operate in spaces designed for people, but integration requires software interfaces and compliance with European rules. Daske highlights certification, cybersecurity, and safe behavior around workers. In high-throughput areas, stopping for a person can reduce output, so safety choices affect the business case.

4. 11:09

   Integration as a competitive strength

   Daske positions Swisslog as a solution integrator that can combine its own and third-party equipment. He describes a shift toward a software-driven business while retaining hardware expertise. With AutoStore, Swisslog’s understanding of customer workflows and deeper control options can, he says, improve system performance by more than 20%.

5. 14:34

   AI orchestration and humanoid timeline

   Daske expects automation to become more modular, with AI agents coordinating specialized systems and tasks such as inventory management and reservations. Humanoids could link multiple steps, for example picking items, packing them, and moving shipments. Swisslog hopes to have prototypes within two years, while safety, training, battery life, and recovery from falls remain challenges.