Projects

E²-Cycle develops multi-stage value-retention networks for the circular management of complex composite products. Rather than immediately shredding these products, the consortium led by Fraunhofer IML is developing efficient take-back systems to preserve their value at the highest feasible level. Reverse logistics is a prerequisite for a circular economy. The project aims to increase the energy and resource efficiency of the overall system by reducing the need to produce semi-finished products and electrical and electronic components.

6GEM and 6GEM+ are research hubs developing 6G communication systems for the connected digital industry, mobility and emergency response. While 6GEM lays the groundwork for open, secure and efficient 6G mobile communication systems, 6GEM+ translates these approaches into industrial applications. The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) validates 6G mobile communications, 5G Advanced, Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), cloud-edge computing and the Industrial Metaverse in realistic intralogistics test environments using robot swarms, motion capture and cloud-edge infrastructure.

As an outdoor AGV, O³dyn represents a new class of autonomous transport robots in logistics. The system combines high performance, dynamics, and flexibility in a hybrid vehicle for indoor and outdoor use. It transports pallet loads omnidirectionally at speeds of up to 36 km/h and leaves the protected environment of warehouses to operate autonomously on company premises. Simulation-based artificial intelligence forms a digital continuum that supports the vehicle’s development, testing, and safety.

Circle4Value develops platform-based system knowledge for circular value creation. The accompanying project combines research findings from EUREKA consortia with methods for LCA, digital product passports, business models, matching, and technology transfer. The goal is to establish a robust foundation for global innovation networks in the circular economy.

“SmartForestFire” is developing an artificial intelligence AI-supported wildfire early warning system for automated wildfire detection. Cameras and AI models detect smoke at an early stage. Sensor technology provides additional measurements for situation assessment, while mioty® wireless technology supports data transmission and positioning. Since June 2026, the Fraunhofer Institutes for Integrated Circuits IIS and for Material Flow and Logistics IML have been testing the solution in the munitions-contaminated Tennenloher Forest. This accelerates emergency response and reduces false alarms.

The Baden-Württemberg port strategy strengthens the role of inland ports on the Rhine, Neckar, and Main rivers in climate-neutral freight transport and responds to declining transport volumes on waterways in the 2040 federal transport forecast. The topic page outlines the approach, work packages, freight flow analyses, and transformation paths for politics, the port industry, and logistics companies, and brings together in-depth information on the project.

StöSi is investigating how a modular toolkit can strengthen continuity management in ports. The IHATEC project analyzes processes, disruption scenarios, and baseline data in inland ports. It defines a reference dataset, tests visualizations and training concepts, and evaluates the project’s transferability at Westhafen Berlin.

RE.build is a pioneering project for circular construction in the Recklinghausen district. The initiative combines the new construction of the Kreishanderwerkschaft (district craftsmen association) as a real-world laboratory, a physical building materials warehouse, a digital platform and educational and governance components. The goal is to create a transferable system that closes local material loops and strengthens the circular economy in the construction sector.

Wagonload freight is under significant economic pressure. The Rail Capacity Broker strengthens this segment by providing transparency into rail freight capacity, identifying traffic flows suited to wagonload freight, and connecting suppliers with customers. A transportation algorithm maps out virtual wagonload transport networks, shows available capacity, increases the utilization of existing trains, and reduces costs.

The @ILO digital twin maps every package, every asset, and every process in the transit terminal in real time. Data Matrix codes on the loading units and hundreds of optical scanning units mounted on the warehouse ceiling replace manual scans and daily inventory checks. The system also locates misplaced packages much more quickly. Dachser and the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) developed the technology in the Dachser Enterprise Lab.