Implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the logistics industry is a challenge that still faces barriers, such as a lack of understanding of how the technology works. However, there are also significant opportunities, as its use will continue to grow exponentially in this sector in Mexico, according to experts.
AI is a tool that must be understood, because whoever manages to do so will generate a value that will translate into saving time and resources , and will also allow logistics processes to be more efficient , explained Marcos Salazar , logistics manager for Latin America at Honeywell .
At the 15th Leschaco Logistics and Transportation Seminar , Salazar noted that it is necessary to ground Artificial Intelligence in the specific needs of each client, since only in this way will this technology be able to deliver the expected results.
He said that logistics remains a human activity and integrating AI means an evolutionary process .
In the session Digitalization and application of AI as a competitive advantage in the midst of a logistics revolution , Luis Larrea , senior manager of Field Operations Engineering at Samsara Mexico , stressed that AI is an enabling technology and adopting it is a continuous process, which is why he considered that it is necessary for companies in the sector to start using it as soon as possible.
The specialist emphasized that AI helps streamline logistics operations, although he indicated that there is still resistance to adopting it, especially on the part of operators, a situation they have addressed through convincing.
“We’ve convinced them by showing them the benefits of using AI, such as reduced commute times, and by showing them real-life examples. That’s where they’re convinced, because what we’re looking for is to protect them,” Larrea said.
He said there are also barriers from organizations and operational staff themselves regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence, such as the myth that this technology has come to eliminate jobs .
In this regard, Larrea highlighted the positive aspects of AI, as it can help employees become more productive and creative. He estimated that this tool will grow exponentially in the future, as technology is becoming increasingly crucial in businesses, but without neglecting the work done by humans .
According to the 2024 edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index study , by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) , Mexico is one of the eight AI-adopting countries with an index of 46.85 points, placing it in seventh place among 19 nations that have incorporated this technology.
For his part, Alexander Schöps , head of global LLP & 4PL at Grupo Leschaco, explained that behind the implementation of AI in a company there is a digitalization effort, so companies must question how far they have advanced in this process.
“If the data we provide to AI isn’t of a certain quality, this technology will provide answers that need to be analyzed,” said Schöps, who asserted that Mexico offers significant opportunities in terms of Artificial Intelligence, “since Mexicans can adapt very quickly to new things.”
“In Mexico, in the logistics sector, many processes are still manual, so there’s a significant opportunity to implement this technology in this sector,” he added.
Between 2018 and 2024, the number of companies using AI in Mexico increased by 965% , reaching 362 companies , according to the QS World Future Skills Index 2025 report . This increase was due to the early adoption of artificial intelligence strategies.
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