This week, Molokini attended IMHX 2025 in Birmingham, the UK’s leading event for logistics, supply chain, and materials handling professionals. As a marketing agency specialising in the materials handling and logistics sector, Molokini has been attending IMHX since 2007 (with Nik having been to the first ones back in 2001 and 2004).
While we have seen the industry evolve dramatically over these years, IMHX continues to be a platform for discovering a broad range of solutions that are shaping warehouse and supply chain operations. This year’s show reflected fewer traditional forklift OEMs than we’ve seen in the past. However, there was a clear surge in the automation, robotics, and smart technologies on show.
From high-tech drone-powered inventory systems to automated storage and retrieval solutions, the future of smart warehousing was on full display. Yet alongside the tech, there was a strong reminder of the human element of the materials handling industry.
There is a lot of promise around how transformative the latest technology innovations can be and there is certainly a place for them. However, materials handling is inherently dangerous and can put people at risk every day where operations are not managed correctly.
One session from RTITB tapped into this, exploring how training remains critical, even in a world increasingly driven by AI and automation. We heard how technology can enhance safety and efficiency and deliver a myriad of other benefits. But doesn’t replace correctly trained operators, and managers. It is these humans that, ultimately, can help protect people and save lives.
This message was also brought to life brilliantly in another highlight of the event – a mock trial based on a realistic accident scenario where a warehouse employee is seriously injured. In the make-believe court, a warehouse manager was questioned extensively around safety protocols, showing how accountability is determined when things go wrong. The result was a guilty verdict from the jury, which in this instance was us – the audience!
As always IMHX offered plenty to see and learn. And if history is anything to go by, Molokini will be back next time, keeping a close eye on industry trends so we can support our clients as they navigate the future of materials handling.
Interested in upcoming events in the sector? See Molokini’s list of Logistics and Materials Handling Events.
