Interlake Mecalux Prepares Cold Chain Innovations for Manifest 2026

Manifest is one of the largest global events dedicated to supply chain innovation, uniting logistics executives, technology developers and industry stakeholders from more than 60 countries at The Venetian Resort from February 9–11, 2026. The conference and expo showcase end-to-end supply chain technologies including automation, robotics, software, analytics and cold chain solutions, with hundreds of exhibitors and sessions exploring the future of logistics systems.

Integrated Automation Portfolio for High-Volume Warehouses
At Manifest, Interlake Mecalux will present a portfolio of automated material handling solutions aimed at improving throughput and storage density across diverse industries. Its approach combines robotic systems such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for internal transport with high-capacity automated shuttle technologies. These systems are engineered to streamline internal flows while minimizing manual labor and reducing cycle times in facilities with significant pallet and case movement. The 3D Automated Pallet Shuttle and Shuttle System are examples of technologies that deliver high throughput by increasing usable storage capacity and accelerating retrieval and put-away cycles, supporting intensive operational demands more effectively than traditional rack-and-stack or manual picking methods.

Contemporary Warehouse Software and AI Features
Beyond physical automation, Interlake Mecalux emphasizes software as a core differentiator in optimizing warehouse operations. Its Easy WMS warehouse management system provides centralized control and real-time coordination of logistics processes, inventory movements and resource allocation. A distinguishing element in this suite is the integration of generative AI tools within Easy WMS, enabling users to interact with the system through natural language inputs. This capability is positioned as a way to accelerate decision-making and simplify complex configuration tasks relative to legacy systems that require detailed technical setup or manual query construction.

The company will also share developments from its collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Transportation & Logistics. The partnership, formalized through the Intelligent Logistics Systems Lab, focuses on machine learning and AI research targeted at solving persistent logistical challenges and advancing predictive and autonomous functions within warehouse ecosystems – an effort that aims to keep Mecalux’s offerings competitive in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Cold Chain Warehousing Solutions
A dedicated presence in the Manifest Cold Chain Pavilion will spotlight Mecalux’s solutions configured for refrigerated and frozen environments, an area where operational constraints differ significantly from ambient warehousing. Automated storage and retrieval systems such as pallet and mini-load stacker cranes, as well as automated shuttle solutions, are engineered to operate reliably at low temperatures, improve space utilization, reduce energy consumption and maintain hygiene standards. By automating retrieval and storage tasks that would be physically demanding or slower if performed manually in cold environments, these technologies can boost throughput while addressing health and safety considerations that are critical in food, pharmaceutical and third-party logistics (3PL) operations.

Positioning Against Competitive Approaches
Interlake Mecalux’s strategy at Manifest emphasizes integrated automation paired with intelligent software, differentiating from competitors that focus solely on either hardware (e.g., robotics or conveyors) or standalone software. Its combined portfolio is intended to support unified intralogistics workflows that reduce system fragmentation, facilitate real-time visibility and improve return on investment by aligning physical and digital layers of warehouse operations. The addition of AI capabilities and research partnerships signals a commitment to future-proofing warehousing solutions as digital transformation and predictive analytics become standard expectations in the sector.

www.mecalux.com