Projects

The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML is considered the leading authority in holistic logistics research and works in all fields of internal and external logistics.

 

In line with the Fraunhofer concept, it develops solutions that can be used immediately by companies, while also conducting preliminary research with a time horizon of two to five years, or longer in individual cases. Founded in 1981, the institute currently employs around 450 scientific staff as well as administrative and workshop staff, supported by numerous student and scientific assistants.

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  • Der Transportroboter evoBOT übergibt an einem Flughafen ein Paket an den Transportroboter Odyn.
    © Vinzenz Neugebauer - Fraunhofer IML

    The Digital Testbed Air Cargo (DTAC) develops and tests digital applications for air cargo logistics at several German airport locations. The focus is on standardized data exchange, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, digital documents and simulation for air cargo logistics. In this way, the project creates robust building blocks for a secure air cargo supply chain and the development of digital air cargo solutions.

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  • Auf dem Bild ist eine Tablett zu sehen auf dem eine händisch erstellte Skizze mit dem Warehouse-Designer umgewandelt wird.
    © Fraunhofer IML

    With the WarehouseDesigner warehouse design software, you can transform warehouse layout sketches into compliant digital layouts in seconds. AI-based computer vision recognizes functional areas, capacities, and labels—for faster concept phases, reliable variant comparisons, and transparent, data-driven warehouse planning.

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  • Symbolbild für AULIS, ein Forschungsprojekt für ein herstellerunabhägiges Flottenmanagement am Fraunhofer IML
    © Fraunhofer IML

    Aulis ist ein agentenbasiertes, modulares Betriebssystem für die Intralogistik, das den innerbetrieblichen Transport von Gütern mit Fahrerlosen Transportfahrzeugen (FTF) und autonomen mobilen Robotern (AMR) effizient organisiert. Durch die konsequente Verwendung offener De-facto Standards wie der VDA 5050 und M2X bleibt Aulis herstellerunabhängig und flexibel. Dies ermöglicht eine einfache und nahtlose Integration in bestehende IT-Landschaften – ganz im Sinne eines echten Plug'n'Play-Ansatzes.

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  • Ludwigsfeldes Bürgermeister Andreas Igel, Jürgen Roß, VBB-Bereichsleiter Planung und Fahrgastinformation und Wolfgang Inninger, Abteilungsleiter Projektzentrum Verkehr, Mobilität und Umwelt am Fraunhofer IML stehen vor einer der neuen Mobilitätsstationen.
    © Stadt Ludwigsfelde

    mobilhoch2@Lu investigates how mobility stations strengthen public transit in Ludwigsfelde. The project is creating a station-based bike and e-scooter sharing system with integrated digital information and booking. The focus is on commutes around Birkengrund Station, the first and last mile in public transit, and the scientific evaluation as a basis for insights into the transportation transition in rural areas and outside inner-city areas.

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  • Baustelle eines Neubaus mit Baukrahn, Beispiel für zirkuläres Bauen
    © diesirae - stock.adobe.com

    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.

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  • Das Bild zum Projekt Hafenstrategie zeigt ein Containerschiff, sowie gestapelte Container im Binnenhafen Stuttgart.
    © Fraunhofer IML

    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.

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  • Abstrakte Darstellung eines Sensornetzwerks mittels leuchtender Punkte und Linien vor einem unscharfen Industrie-Hintergrund, hindeutend auf harmonisches Radar.
    © NingPhattraphorn

    SHIELD is researching harmonic radar at 61/122 GHz as an interference-resistant real-time localization system for intralogistics. Seven partners are developing compact tags and sensor networks that locate autonomous guided vehicles and small load carriers with millimeter precision—even in metal-rich, dynamic warehouse environments. The technology combines accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in a single sensor system.

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  • Digitale Produkt-Compliance am Fraunhofer IML: Eine Hand steuert ein futuristisches Interface mit KI-gestützter Datenanalyse, Prüfalgorithmen und Sicherheitskennzeichnungen zur effizienten Überwachung von Produkten und Lieferketten.
    © greenbutterfly - stock.adobe.com

    GreenComplAI is revolutionizing product compliance through AI-supported data validation and blockchain technology. The platform offers companies sustainable supply chain transparency, automated plausibility checks, and tamper-proof evidence. This makes compliance with EU regulations more efficient and easier.

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