SIL 2025: The logistics of the future unleashes its potential with Artificial Intelligence as the protagonist

 

 

Barcelona has become the epicenter of logistics innovation with the celebration of SIL 2025, organized by the Barcelona Free Zone Consortium (CZFB). The event, which runs until June 20 at Fira de Barcelona , ​​has unveiled the latest trends and technological solutions that are shaping the future of global logistics.

 

The 650 participating companies presented a total of 163 global innovations, all with a strong artificial intelligence component applied to various phases of the supply chain . Among the most noteworthy innovations were intelligent co-pilots for transport companies , fleets of autonomous vehicles , last-mile delivery drones , and the use of virtual reality for staff training . Environmental awareness was also a constant theme, with the exhibition of alternative fuels and solutions for measuring and reducing the carbon footprint in freight transport.

 

One of the most visited spaces has been the Digital Supply Chain , an exhibition area that recreates a digital supply chain in real time. This innovative concept, featuring 15 companies from the Barcelona Free Trade Zone ecosystem , allows attendees to understand the intricacies and technological challenges of Logistics 4.0, covering everything from planning and procurement to production, delivery, and reverse logistics.

 

Pere Navarro , Special State Delegate to the CZFB and President of SIL, emphasized the importance of these innovations: “ These innovations not only improve the optimization of logistics processes and the sustainability of their operations, but also establish new standards, strengthened by the business exhibitions, the knowledge-sharing congress, and the professional connections that take place every day of SIL. Three ingredients that allow us to move towards the future of Logistics 4.0. ”

 

Renowned companies have chosen SIL as a platform for their product launches. Consolis Tecnyconta , for example, highlighted its Green Spine Line® sustainable product line for the decarbonization of the construction industry. Exotec by Dexter presented the latest generation of its Skypod robots for picking systems, while Serra showcased an AI-powered machine vision solution for industrial safety and quality control.

 

The event has also provided a crucial space for entrepreneurship, with more than 100 startups showcasing their disruptive solutions in the Startup Meeting Area , focused on the logistics of the future.

 

Goodman Boosts the Reindustrialization of Barcelona with the City Hub

 

In a highly significant side event, Australian logistics real estate company Goodman presented the Barcelona City Hub project at SIL 2025. This ambitious plan, which was attended by the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Salvador Illa , the State Delegate to the CZFB (Barcelona Free Trade Zone Consortium), Pere Navarro , Ignacio García Cuenca, Country Manager of Goodman Spain , and Rafael Ruiz, President of Ebro EV Motors , envisions a €123 million investment to transform the former Nissan factory into a strategic multi-sector center.

 

The Barcelona City Hub is expected to generate around 3.000 new jobs , marking a new phase in the reindustrialization of Barcelona's Free Trade Zone, especially following the start of vehicle production by Ebro EV Motors and Chery last November. This project aims to position the Free Trade Zone as a benchmark for advanced industrial infrastructure in Europe, combining innovation, sustainability, and economic regeneration.

 

President Illa emphasized: “ Thanks to the joint commitment of all stakeholders, this project places our region at the forefront of industrial revitalization. Goodman has been a key partner in delivering a shared vision of progress, making Barcelona City Hub an example of commitment to employment and local development .”

 

Pere Navarro , for his part, expressed his pride in the management of the process, noting that “ the Consortium faced the challenge of reconciling the public interest in reindustrialization with the principles of legality and financial sustainability. After years of uncertainty, we can now say that the project has been resolved with great success .”

 

Ignacio García Cuenca described the Barcelona City Hub as “ a unique and historic opportunity for Catalonia and for Spain. This project not only preserves Catalan industry, but also marks a turning point in the modernization of essential infrastructure for our country's digital and logistics economy .”

 

Knowledge and Talent at the Center of the Debate

 

SIL Knowledge was another key component of the event, offering over 70 hours of content from more than 350 international speakers . Logistics and Supply Chain Directors from companies such as Amazon, SEAT, and Nestlé Purina shared their insights on geopolitical strategies impacting logistics , logistics sustainability , Industry 4.0 , and the crucial need to attract and retain talent in the sector.

 

At SIL, the new Connected Mobility Sandbox/Living Lab, developed by the CZFB (Barcelona Free Trade Zone Consortium), was also unveiled. This real-world testing environment aims to accelerate innovation and the deployment of V2X technologies, connected infrastructure, and value-added mobility services, as explained by Raül González , an expert in innovation and connected mobility: “ The CZFB's Mobility Sandbox/Living Lab is a pioneering laboratory for connected and intelligent driving, created in 2022. What makes it unique is that it operates in a real industrial environment, with a high density of heavy vehicles and complex mobility challenges. This allows us to test innovative solutions that improve road safety, increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and attract investment, with the ultimate goal of protecting lives and reducing property damage and disruptions. ”

 

Promoting Equality and International Cooperation

 

The BWAW by SIL program has focused on gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated sector. With the aim of advancing towards parity, topics such as diversity in Industry 4.0 technologies, gender-inclusive leadership, and strategies for attracting female talent have been explored. Blanca Sorigué , CEO of the CZFB and SIL, stated: “As part of our commitment to the 2030 Agenda, the CZFB decided that SIL should address SDG 5 on gender equality in logistics. These actions are crucial for highlighting female talent in a predominantly male field. The program raises awareness of the role and importance of women in this sector, helping us understand our starting point and, above all, what public and private sectors can do to advance towards gender equality in a sector as vital to economic activity as logistics.”

 

Finally, SIL was the setting for the presentation of the annual report " Contribution of logistics to the economy" by the Logistics Cluster of Catalonia and for the international congress of the General Council of Colleges of Customs Agents and Customs Representatives.

 

Antonio Llobet , president of the latter, highlighted the importance of “ international customs collaboration in the digital age ,” emphasizing that “ only through cooperation between administrations, companies, and international organizations can we move towards more agile procedures, more efficient regulation, and smarter control. The objective is clear: to transform customs into a true platform for growth in times of prosperity and resilience in times of uncertainty. ” Llobet added: “ In a global context marked by digital transformation, sustainability, and the growing social demand for security, customs must reinforce its role as strategic actors. We are committed to a green, transparent, and connected customs system, capable of effectively protecting consumer rights and guaranteeing legal certainty in every transaction. ”

 

The final day of SIL 2025 will focus on creating job opportunities with the Job Market Place and the presentation of the SIL 2025 Best Innovation Awards.