Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IMLModular IoT devices form the technological core of Temp2Net. The project investigates how a digital shipping label with blockchain enables seamless quality assurance for vaccines in passively cooled thermoboxes. Research question: How do we integrate live sensor data and tamper-proof event logs so that temperature-sensitive shipments become transparent, auditable, and scalable—from the distribution center to delivery?
Temp2Net – Modular IoT Devices
Modular IoT devices in thermal logistics
The demand for vaccines in passively cooled boxes is rising. At the same time, there is a lack of reliable, tamper-proof evidence throughout many pharmaceutical processes. Researchers at the Fraunhofer institute for Material Flow and Logistics are developing Temp2Net, an IoT label that records temperatures, accelerations, and geodata in real time and integrates this data into the process.
Modular IoT devices provide the technical foundation for making the entire supply chain traceable in thermalogistics. Key question: How do we link sensors, events, and responsibilities so closely that the transport process remains transparent and audit-proof?
Project goal: Temp2Net
Temp2Net has a clear goal: to make critical cold chains measurably stable and audit-proof. The project is developing a digital shipping label with integrated sensors that continuously measures temperature curves, vibrations, and positions and triggers status-based events. Every handoff and every status change is assigned a clear responsibility, confirmed in real time, and permanently documented.
The team is designing the architecture to be modular. This allows the scope of functions to adapt to the specific use case—from minimalist tracking to advanced process management. The two-core architecture enhances reliability and data security, while ultra-low-power technology extends battery life. The solution supports paperless workflows and reduces media breaks.
Funding is provided by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV). The technical framework is the Silicon Economy. Temp2Net addresses temperature-sensitive transport in the healthcare sector and strengthens compliance throughout the entire route. The goal is reduced quality loss, fewer complaints, and robust auditability from start to delivery.
Project profile
| Project Title | Temp2Net |
|---|---|
| Funding | Subproject of the Silicon Economy |
| Funding Agency | Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) |
| Project Management | Fraunhofer IML |
"We integrate sensor technology, event logic, and blockchain so closely that deviations become immediately apparent and accountability remains clear—through every step of the process."
Dr. Sebastian Wibbeling, Head of Health Care Logistics
The solution: Modular IoT devices as digital shipping labels
The Temp2Net device combines a high-resolution e-paper display, robust sensors, and secure communication with blockchain-based event logging. The label is attached to the outside of the box, displays shipping information clearly, and controls process steps via configurable buttons. The system signs events, synchronizes them via cellular or Wi-Fi, and maintains a local buffer for dead zones. The recipient acknowledges receipt in seconds, and the chain remains fully traceable.
Features
- Intuitive operation
- High-resolution e-paper display for excellent readability
- 8 freely configurable control buttons for a needs-based display
- Dual-core architecture for high reliability and security
- Ultra-low-power technology for long battery life
- Communication: LTE Cat. M1 / Cat. NB2 / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / IoT
- Modular, configurable feature set depending on the application
- Support for paperless logistics processes for greater sustainability
- Tamper-proof documentation via blockchain
- Real-time status updates on temperature, acceleration, and geodata
Use Case: End-to-End transparency in a pharmacy distribution center
The process demonstrates how Temp2Net combines data sovereignty with audit trail security. The label accompanies every box from picking to handover and clearly defines responsibilities throughout the entire process.
- Picking: Activation of the Temp2Net label, assignment to the box, start of measurement
- Handover to the transport service provider: Change of responsibility, digital signature, timestamp
- In transit: Continuous sensor data (temperature history, acceleration values, geodata); data buffering in case of dead zones
- Arrival: Real-time confirmation by the recipient, status change, documentation without media discontinuity
- Deviations: Immediate identification of limit violations, targeted intervention
- Audit: Tamper-proof history of all process and event information
- Result: Transparency, reduced quality risk, and clear accountability for temperature-sensitive shipments
Temp2Net: Further information
