Manifest 2026, running from February 9-11 at The Venetian in Las Vegas, packs a year's worth of logistics innovation into just three days. With so much happening, especially on the warehouse technology front, it's essential to know what's genuinely worth your attention. Not every flashy demo points to a practical roadmap, and not all roadmaps survive the test of peak season.
Here are three big warehouse tech trends you'll want to watch closely, plus tips on making your time at Manifest productive:
Warehouse Automation Becomes More Practical
In the past, automation was either strictly regimented (perfect for predictable scenarios) or extremely customized (ideal if you had unlimited time and funds). Now, there's a meaningful shift toward automation that fits real-life variability without becoming overly complicated.
What to look for:
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Robots that tackle diverse products and realistic packaging challenges. Expect to see smart systems using advanced sensors and AI to manage complex situations.
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Coordinated mobile robots and robot fleets. Vendors are emphasizing systems that work seamlessly together, intelligently reroute around bottlenecks, and stay productive during disruptions.
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Remote assistance capabilities. When automation encounters something unexpected, systems with remote support can ensure the line keeps moving smoothly.
Ask vendors a practical question: Not just "can your system handle the task?" but "what happens when it hits an obstacle?" Great automation systems clearly outline how they handle exceptions, which is where your return on investment truly lives.
AI Shifts from "Wow Factor" to Workflow Efficiency
Artificial intelligence isn't new to warehouses. What's changing is how it integrates directly into everyday operations. Instead of dazzling buzzwords, effective AI is now quietly optimizing inventory management, labor distribution, pick accuracy, and overall workflow efficiency.
Keep an eye out for:
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Enhanced product handling through combined vision systems and AI, improving pick accuracy and product recognition.
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Expanded robotic operations integrated deeply with AI, making smarter decisions about navigation, handling, and packing.
Challenge AI demonstrations by asking:
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What measurable improvements does this bring (faster picks, fewer errors, quicker inventory counts)?
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What happens when expected data isn't available or arrives late?
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How do they prioritize Resilience and Outage Resistance?
As warehouses become more digitally connected, reliance on stable internet and cloud services increases. But outages, ranging from internet issues to carrier interruptions, can severely disrupt operations. Warehouses are increasingly adopting solutions that allow essential activities to continue even during connectivity problems.
Key indicators to watch at Manifest:
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Systems that maintain critical tasks offline, ensuring receiving, picking, packing, shipping confirmations, labeling, and basic inventory management continue smoothly.
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Hybrid approaches clearly separating cloud-based control from local execution. Cloud services provide analytics and scalability, while local execution ensures operations continue through disruptions.
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Solutions offering graceful degradation, clearly defining which operations remain active, what is queued, and how data is reconciled afterward.
In 2026, resilience is no longer an afterthought. It needs to be a primary feature when evaluating any logistics technology.
Book a Meeting with SnapFulfil at Manifest
Manifest will be busy, and schedules fill quickly. If you're planning to discuss warehouse management systems, automation readiness, integration strategies, or resilience, lock in your meeting with SnapFulfil today. We’re at Booth 178. Get proactive about your operational strategy and resilience at Manifest 2026. Oh, and don’t forget to hydrate well!
