Prologis Research estimates that approximately 30% of modern logistics space globally incorporated some form of automation in 2025, up from 20–25% five years earlier. Looking ahead, the analysis suggests that up to 50% of modern warehouses could adopt automation by 2035.
This trend is also visible in Poland’s logistics real estate market. A recent example is a facility which is being developed for Arvato at Prologis Park Poznań III.
For logistics real estate, the findings point to a growing premium for buildings that can support automation. Prologis data shows that facilities used by customers deploying automation are associated with a double-digit higher likelihood of lease renewal.
The research also indicates that while automation reinforces demand for modern logistics facilities, it creates only limited obsolescence risk based on automation adoption alone.
“We see that our customers, especially global companies, are increasingly interested in automated storage and retrieval systems such as miniload and AutoStore, which enhance operational efficiency. To accommodate these solutions, warehouses must meet specific technical requirements, such as increased floor load capacity. These requirements are driving the growing popularity of built-to-suit developments,” said Marzena Tkaczuk, Capital Deployment Director at Prologis.
An example is the built-to-suit facility at Prologis Park Poznań III. The 46,000 sqm building will serve as a distribution center for Arvato and is designed to support advanced automation solutions, including the AutoStore system, enabling highly efficient storage and picking of small items—particularly important for retail operations. The precise movement of mobile robots in narrow aisles is supported by flooring that meets stringent flatness standards.
The full report, Applied Automation in the Warehouse Boosts Value Across Stakeholders, is available here.
