High-tech solutions, top-class speakers, international networking: TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS 2026 in Dortmund came to a close with numerous highlights. Around 800 attendees traveled to the sixth edition of the curated event, which was held as a one-time special in the historic Westfalenhalle concert arena to mark the venue’s 100th anniversary. Among the visitors were numerous decision-makers who came to learn about innovations for their transformation projects.

Exhibitors from Europe, the U.S., and China - including the finalists for the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) AWARD - brought around 100 innovations to the Ruhr metropolis. On the two days of the event, April 15 and 16, guests were able not only to view but also to test for themselves the wide range of solutions for internal logistics and transport—from forklifts and automated warehouse equipment to mobile robots and automated truck unloading aids. “Although the economic situation in Germany remains tense and travel restrictions are in place for some companies in the automotive industry, for example, numerous decision-makers from all sectors still came to Dortmund to test new innovations. This is because most of the new products help companies significantly reduce costs and further drive automation and digitalization,” said Thilo Jörgl, Manager of TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS.

The eight guided, themed highlight tours were once again very well received, with exhibitors presenting their innovations in three-minute presentations to visitors from industry, retail, and contract logistics. Numerous delegations from industry associations and logistics initiatives, ranging from Hamburg to Augsburg, also traveled to Dortmund. Also Dortmund’s Mayor Ute Mais attended the event’s opening. They then visited selected booths.

The visit to an Arvato facility in Dortmund as part of the event was fully booked. At the logistics center for fashion retailers, visitor groups were shown automation solutions from AutoStore and robotics specialist Nomagic.

Special Event: IFOY AWARD Audit

In the Westfalenhalle test arena, guests also had the opportunity to test the finalists of the global IFOY AWARD competition. This time, 17 devices and solutions from eight countries made it to the finals. Crown, idealworks, Jungheinrich, KNAPP, Libiao Robotics, Locus Robotics, Mobotic, Nomagic, PureLoX SOLUTIONS, SSI Schäfer, STILL, The Mobile Robot Company, and Wiltsche Fördersysteme presented their latest innovations. In the spin-off award “IFOY Start-up of the Year,” AI2Connect, Koiotech, Pyck, and Romb Technologies are competing for the title.

The equipment and solutions underwent the three-stage IFOY Audit in the test hall. It consisted of a functional and driving test - including the IFOY test protocol with its 80 criteria - the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, and an evaluation by the 24 jurors - trade journalists from around the world. Following the conclusion of the IFOY Audit, representatives of the manufacturers accepted the “Best in Intralogistics” certificates for their nominees from Jan Drömer, Chairman of the Board of the VDMA Conveyor Technology and Intralogistics Association.

The winners of this year’s IFOY AWARD will remain under lock and key until the awards ceremony. Traditionally, the jury’s decision is announced by the presenters during the IFOY AWARD Night. It will take place on June 25, 2026, at the headquarters of IFOY partner AEB in Stuttgart.

Guest Event: German Material Flow Congress

The 33rd German Material Flow Congress, which had been held in the Munich area for more than three decades and was hosted for the first time as part of TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS in 2026, was also well attended. More than 40 speakers presented during the congress. The event is organized by the VDI Society for Production and Logistics. Participants were particularly interested in best-practice examples from companies such as BMW, Claas, Roche, Thomann, Würth, and Rhenus Logistics, as well as in future trends discussed by scientists from across Germany.

The sessions focused on topics such as planning, automation at airports, AI in logistics, and humanoid robots. Solution providers, their users, and renowned researchers engaged in lively discussions, making the test event a highlight of the industry’s calendar. “By integrating it into TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS, this long-standing congress has significantly raised its profile. Participants were not only able to benefit from high-quality presentations but also to try out state-of-the-art intralogistics solutions at the TEST CAMP. In this curated format, research meets practice,” said Congress Director Prof. Dr. Johannes Fottner from the Technical University of Munich.

The next TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS will take place again at Messe Dortmund in 2027. The date will be announced soon.