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Paper-based processes are still widespread in logistics – and this also applies to air cargo. To address this problem, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML are developing digital solutions: With the introduction of the data standard "ONE Record" by IATA, shipment information is transmitted in fully digital processes and can thus be transferred in real time.

Starting in January 2026, three Fraunhofer Clusters of Excellence will launch a joint project to support companies in implementing the EU requirements for digital product passports (DPPs), which will become mandatory in 2027. The project will focus on both technical and organizational areas of action for DPP data management.

In front of an audience of numerous high-ranking representatives from politics, industry, administration and the media, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML demonstrated the initial results of the “Digital Testbed Air Cargo” (DTAC) research project at Munich Airport on May 13 - a groundbreaking presentation of solutions that will make optimal use of the potential of digital technologies and actively shape the future of air cargo.

An end to paper-based freight documents, more digitalization in freight transport and logistics services and a uniform legal framework at EU level so that authorities can accept relevant freight transport information in electronic form: These are the three main objectives of the European Union's eFTI Regulation, which was adopted in 2020. “This will enable companies to share transport information not only with each other, but also with stakeholders in public authorities,” Jens Leveling gets to the heart of it. He is responsible for the eFTI project in the Silicon Economy's Electronic Transport Information community. “The eFTI regulation really is a major step forward for the digital transformation of freight transport in Europe. Its implementation will bring significant benefits to all parties involved.”

Not only climate change, but also the current worldwide crises and conflicts underline the necessity of concepts and solutions for the economical and efficient use of energy. Logistics has been a driver of innovations and models in the field of sustainability for many years. Currently, Lucas Schreiber, scientific employee at Fraunhofer IML, is working on a “Planning concept for an energy-efficient supply chain design” for his dissertation. This could solve many problems for industry.

Change at the top of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML: As of April 1, Prof. Alice Kirchheim is taking over the Material Flow Systems department at Fraunhofer IML, along with the Chair of Material Handling and Warehousing at TU Dortmund University

This white paper takes a closer look at two racking systems for high-density storage: the Pallet Flow System (pallet flow racking) and the semi-automatic Pallet Shuttle System (shuttle racking).

The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) has launched the "Forestguard" pilot project to support deforestation-free supply chains as part of the Export Initiative for Environmental Protection (EXI). The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML in Dortmund is working with the REWE Group and Schirmer Kaffee GmbH, among others, to develop an open source solution, initially for tracking the coffee supply chain. The solution combines blockchain technology with other technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and geographical information systems.

Food, car parts and building materials are continuously crossing Germany and the rest of Europe by truck. Each journey involves administration and there are also papers to be signed at various points. At least, that is how it has been until now. The Silicon Economy digital consignment note is bringing these paper-based processes into the digital age and, thanks to its open-source approach, is creating the first uniform solution for the whole of Europe.

With its reduced-infrastructure and automated logistics, the smart factory is no longer just a vision. It has long been a reality in the automotive industry and among its suppliers. Now, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML are demonstrating how simulation-based artificial intelligence can take the smart factory to the next level. With the highly dynamic autonomous transport robot “O³dyn,” which debuted at LogiMAT in Stuttgart, the future of material flow has arrived.