Feature

From vision to touch: How physical intelligence is transforming logistics automation

The logistics industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. As e-commerce continues its relentless expansion, warehouses are under pressure to process an ever-growing variety of products – each with its own shape, size, and fragility. Traditional automation, built around vision systems and suction grippers, is reaching its limits.

07/01/2026 16:16:34

These systems excel at handling uniform items, but struggle when faced with the unpredictable mix of parcels that define today’s distribution centres.

For engineering designers, the core challenge is: how can automation adapt to the physical diversity of real-world products, ensuring both efficiency and care? The answer lies in moving beyond sight alone, by giving machines the sense of touch.

Read the full article in DPA's January 2026 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.