The new exhibition will focus on automated guided vehicles, autonomous mobile robots and logistics technology
Europe’s first exhibition dedicated solely to automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots is set to launch in Italy next month as investment in logistics automation gathers pace.
AGV Expo will take place at Piacenza Expo from 22 to 24 October 2026, bringing together manufacturers, technology suppliers, software developers, systems integrators and users of automated logistics systems.
Organised by Mediapoint & Exhibitions, the show has been created as manufacturers, warehouses and logistics operators increasingly turn to automation to tackle labour shortages, improve productivity and make supply chains more resilient.
The launch comes amid strong growth forecasts for the automated guided vehicle market.
Research Nester valued the global AGV market at more than $3.23 billion in 2025 and forecasts it could reach $8 billion by 2035.
Mordor Intelligence, meanwhile, expects the European market to rise from $1.87 billion in 2026 to more than $3.12 billion by 2031, representing annual growth of around 10.8%.
Fabio Potestà , director of Mediapoint & Exhibitions, said: “The automated logistics sector has reached a level of maturity where its own dedicated European platform is needed.”
He added: “AGVs and autonomous mobile robots are no longer niche technologies; they are becoming strategic investments for companies looking to improve efficiency, safety, and competitiveness.”
Labour pressures are among the factors driving adoption.
Research commissioned by Gi Group Holding found Europe faced a shortage of 1.1 million warehouse workers in 2024, with 75% of companies in the warehouse management sector reporting recruitment difficulties.
AGVs and autonomous mobile robots are increasingly being used for repetitive and physically demanding material-handling jobs, allowing staff to be redeployed to supervision and other higher-value tasks.
Technology improvements are also broadening what automated vehicles can do.
Advances in artificial intelligence, LiDAR navigation, machine vision, fleet management software and wireless connectivity are making systems more flexible and commercially viable.
Their use is also spreading beyond traditional factory floors.
Ports are increasingly using automated vehicles for container handling, while airports are adopting autonomous systems for baggage and parcel logistics, extending their role into wider supply chain operations.
AGV Expo will cover more than the vehicles themselves, with exhibitors showcasing navigation systems, fleet management software, warehouse management technology, industrial robotics, artificial intelligence, sensors, batteries and charging systems.
Live demonstrations are planned to show visitors how autonomous systems operate and integrate in real-world environments.
Confirmed exhibitors include Smartlogistix, Sigma Motion, Proxaut, NEURA Mobile Robots, Morello, LCS Group, Durlast Italia, EKT Europe and Gruppo TecnoFerrari.
A conference programme will run alongside the exhibition, covering intralogistics automation, warehouse systems, robotics, cybersecurity, regulation, return on investment and the practical challenges of introducing automation.
The event will also run alongside T3 Expo, the Truck, Tyre & Trailer exhibition.
Organisers said the co-location is intended to connect road transport with automated internal logistics, particularly in sectors such as food and drink, pharmaceuticals and industrial distribution.
Potestà said: “Our ambition is to create the European meeting place for organisations developing and adopting automated logistics technologies.”
“The future of logistics will depend on closer integration between vehicles, software, data, and people,” he added.
AGV Expo will run from 22 to 24 October 2026 at Piacenza Expo in Italy.