Our topics

Shaping the future of logistics

intelligent, connected, sustainable

Logistics is facing profound change: digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence are driving innovation, while sustainability and resilience are becoming increasingly important. At Fraunhofer IML, we combine technological research with sustainable goals and are actively shaping the digital and green transformation of the industry.

Our areas of focus cover key challenges in logistics – from open source and smart robotics to increasing efficiency through AI. We develop practical solutions for companies and set new standards in applied research.

Whether it's intelligently networked supply chains, sustainable processes, or the next generation of autonomous systems – together with industry and science, we are laying the foundation for sustainable logistics.

 

More efficiency through new technologies

Sustainability in logistics

We combine technology development and sustainable goals in research projects and corporate collaborations to shape the digital and green transformation. Our contribution to the “twin transition“ promotes a future-proof, sustainable economy.

 

Efficiency through intelligence

AI in logistics

Algorithms optimize route planning and capacity utilization, simulations become learning environments for vehicle swarms, predictive maintenance minimizes machine downtime, and smart finance enables new business models: Artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a technological paradigm shift in logistics—the potential for AI processes and methods in the industry is virtually inexhaustible.

 

Smart robots are transforming logistics

Automation redefined

In the future, intelligent robots will be able to take on more and more tasks in logistics that are currently still performed by humans—either completely or partially, wherever it makes sense to do so. The current economic and social challenges, in particular the resilience of supply chains and the labor shortage, are a key motivation for this research work.

 

New perspectives for digitization

Digitalization in logistics

The rapid pace of development in the field of digitalization is constantly opening up new opportunities for companies to further develop their own structures and networks. New digital technologies are creating the basis for a profound optimization of logistics processes.

 

Open source for "100% logistics”

Digitalization made by Open Source

More than three million organizations use it, more than 65 million people work with it, and there are more than 200 million storage locations for open source software (OSS) worldwide. These figures show that open source is an integral part of the digital economy worldwide and also in Germany, and today it is also a component of almost every software and thus of all innovation processes.

 

Secure processes and strong strategies for sustainable success

Resilience as a factor for business success

In a world full of uncertainties, the ability to remain flexible and adaptable is crucial. Through a combination of risk assessment, organizational development, and technological tools, resilience can become an integral part of any business. A well-planned process not only helps to overcome crises, but also to emerge from them stronger than before.

Contact

Christian Prasse

Contact Press / Media

Dipl.-Logist. Christian Prasse

Head of Strategic Development

Phone +49 231 9743-269

Benedikt Mättig

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Benedikt Mättig

Member of the Scientific Board

Phone +49 231 9743-270