While automation and robotics are advancing rapidly across the global logistics industry, only around 3–5% of companies in Latvia currently use robotic solutions. At the same time, 9% of Latvian businesses expect to introduce robots within the next five years. By comparison, the figure already stands at 19% in Lithuania, 16% in Sweden, 15% in Finland, and 8% in Estonia.
Robots are most commonly used to perform repetitive, physically demanding, or highly precise tasks, while the role of people is becoming increasingly important in process management, quality assurance, and customer experience.
Automation is no longer a vision of the future – it is already transforming logistics operations and the way businesses work. Across the Baltics, interest in automation and robotics is growing rapidly. Globally, however, automation has already become a key competitive advantage.
At Posti's logistics centres in Finland, automated technologies are part of everyday operations. These include AutoStore automated warehouse systems, AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) transport platforms, automated conveyor lines connecting warehouses and sorting centres, mobile shelving systems, and other robotic solutions designed to improve efficiency and optimise workflows.
One of the latest innovations is Reima, Posti's AI-powered parcel sorting robot, recently nominated for the Parcel and Postal Technology International Awards. Using artificial intelligence and 3D camera technology, Reima can process around 150 parcels of different sizes per hour, automating physically demanding tasks while reducing the risk of manual errors.
At SmartPosti, automated sorting lines are already used across our operations in Latvia and the Baltics. Looking ahead, we also expect to introduce autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) into our sorting processes, making everyday work easier and safer for our employees.
According to the Moving the World, Caring for Tomorrow study, automation is not about replacing people. Instead, the future of logistics depends on closer collaboration between people and technology. In fact, 31% of surveyed businesses identified employee skills development and digital competencies as one of the most important strategic priorities for the future of logistics.
Automation also plays an increasingly important role in improving workplace safety. Around the world, companies are introducing technologies such as industrial exoskeletons to reduce physical strain during manual work. While these solutions are still uncommon in Latvia, 23% of surveyed companies believe exoskeleton technology will become relevant to their operations within the next few years. The study concludes that over the next five to ten years, automation will become one of the key drivers of logistics development across the Baltics, particularly in warehousing, sorting, and last-mile delivery. Although robots are not yet part of everyday logistics operations in the region, businesses are actively preparing for the next stage of technological development. In the future, competitive advantage will depend not on whether a company uses robots, but on how effectively it combines human expertise with the opportunities offered by technology.
About the study The report “Moving the World, Caring for Tomorrow” combines insights from two comprehensive research sources, providing both a long-term industry outlook and the perspectives of businesses across the Nordic and Baltic region:
An analysis by VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland), commissioned by Posti, on the future trends in logistics. VTT is Finland’s leading research organisation focused on technological development.
A survey of 2,375 business decisionmakers in Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The survey was conducted by Posti and research company Norstat, and the respondents represented different industries regardless of which logistics services they use.
By combining expert research with insights from businesses across the region, the report provides a comprehensive view of both global logistics trends and the practical realities facing Nordic and Baltic companies. Read the full report here: https://www.smartposti.lv/trendreport