The network “Kompetenz Mensch” (competence human) unites different perspectives on the analysis and design of human-centered logistics. It brings together experts from university and non-university research institutions as well as municipal partners, thus providing support with its expertise in various areas.
Skills shortages, demographic change, individualization, automation, digitalization: these megatrends, among others, are fundamentally changing the logistics industry. The focus of research is increasingly shifting to individuals. In 2021, the Fraunhofer IML in Dortmund initiated the regional network “Kompetenz Mensch”, which brings together experts from universities (e.g. TU Dortmund, University of Duisburg-Essen), non-university research institutions (e.g. BAuA Dortmund) and local partners (e.g. Economic Development Agency Dortmund). The network actively promotes research topics and needs, seamlessly blends fundamental and applied research, and initiates research and development projects focused on analyzing and designing human-centered work in logistics.
Knowledge exchange, dialogue, and networking for a safe, healthy, and humane logistics working environment: Numerous collaborations with business partners and other regional and national networks that focus on the future of work demonstrate that research findings can help improving business processes.
The network members have diverse backgrounds and bring a variety of perspectives and research interests into the collaboration:
Research focus: Human-technology interaction, cognitive ergonomics, support systems, risk assessment of mental and physical stress, ergonomic workplace design in logistics, humans and AI, humans and robots
Research focus: Ergonomics, Human Factors, Human-machine interaction, risk assessment, stress, and work design
Research focus: Analysis of working conditions in mobile working and New Work, innovative cognitive work support systems, usability and cognitive ergonomics in human-system interaction
Research focus: Digitalization of work, Industry 4.0, digital transformation, structural change in work, particularly simple work in industry and logistics
Research focus: Work analysis and work design, work stress, aging and work, artificial intelligence and leadership, training requirements of Industry 4.0
Research focus: promotion of employment
Research focus: Designing inclusive socio-technical work systems, new forms of work and collaboration for inclusive work environments, developing methods for participatory and inclusive technology design
Do you need expertise in human-technology interaction and human-centered workplace design? We are happy to assist you as a research partner!
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML