CeMAT SEA 2026 Knowledge Theatre

AI in logistics is full of confident promises and expensive misunderstandings. In this myth-busting session, we challenge beliefs such as “better algorithms guarantee better results,” “robots automatically cut costs,” and “China builds AI cheaply by accepting lower accuracy, a trade-off most APAC markets can’t afford’ Drawing on hands-on experience delivering AI and automation across APAC fulfilment operations, this talk shows why real success starts with operational value, not technology. Through concrete warehouse and planning use cases, it reveals two distinct impact paths: strengthening labour through automation and visual AI, and strengthening decisions through prediction and optimisation. Attendees will leave with practical guidance on what actually scales in APAC, what doesn’t, and how to avoid AI pilots that never deliver.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI success starts with value design, not technology selection: Attendees will learn why successful AI outcomes in APAC retail and logistics depend less on algorithms and more on aligning AI initiatives with business value, operational reality, and customer needs. The session will show how leaders can frame AI problems in outcome terms, navigate varying data-maturity levels across markets, and accelerate adoption across cross-functional teams.
2. How AI strengthens both labour and decision-making in logistics: Participants will gain a clear understanding of the two complementary value paths of AI in logistics: labour strengthening through robotics, visual AI, and automation for physical operations; and cognitive strengthening through AI-driven optimisation, prediction, and decision support. Real use cases will illustrate where each approach delivers the greatest impact.
3. Practical lessons for deploying AI in APAC logistics environments: The audience will learn how regional factors—such as labour models, data readiness, and market maturity—shape AI outcomes in APAC retail and logistics context, with comparisons to more advanced automation markets like China. The session highlights common pitfalls, realistic expectations, and how to sequence AI investments for sustainable impact.