We link logistics with IT.
The Center of Excellence Logistics and IT combines the leading research institutions in Dortmund as a scientific location to form an ecosystem for innovation with international appeal: We are making logistics the key scientific discipline of the industrial future.Topics
Transfer
Community

Our work is on the latest topics of our times.
Autonomous logistic systems
Establishment of the infrastructure and launch of the so-called PACE Lab.
Cognitive Ergonomics
Establishment and operation of a picking lab with special consideration of the aspects of safety, security and privacy.
Design of socio-technical systems
Establishment of an exoskeleton test center, development of an XR Lab for research into mixed reality applications.
Machine Learning
Preparation of different logistic use cases in combination with Machine Learning.
PACE Lab
Test environment with real-time data acquisition and analysis of autonomous logistics systems, e.g. drones or driverless transport systems.
Picking Lab
Testing of modern technologies for the design of workplaces in intralogistics.
Exoskeleton Test Center
Research into the potential and acceptance of intelligent support structures by humans.
XR Lab
Exploring the opportunities and challenges of mixed reality for virtual training.
Escape Room
Didactic center of a further education offer in blended learning format.

We do research for the benefit of people, the economy and society.
Heads
Excellent research and teaching by linking people with expertise.
Society
Applying and using research in new contexts.
Business
Innovation guide and companion for new technologies.
Licences
New ways to license software and data.
Spin-offs
Nucleus for technology and knowledge-intensive spin-offs.
Teaching
Fostering the next generation of scientists in logistics.

Cooperation and collaboration – our driving force.
Researchers BBQ
Discussions about research and results with a series of workshops.
Research infrastructure
Inter-organizational use of all service facilities.
PhD School
Summer School für Promovierende der Logistik.
Associations
Partnerships at strategic and operational level.
Series of publications
Whitepapers outline the future of logistics.
Conferences and congresses
Participation in national and international events.

News and events
TRANSFER.FESTIVAL 2023 mit neuem Headliner
Das TRANSFER.FESTIVAL startet am 22. Juni mit einem neuen Headliner durch: Wir kooperiert das Festival zum ersten Mal mit dem IFOY AWARD. Das heißt,...
Leistungszentrum veranstaltet Researchers’ BBQ 2023
Die Förderung von wissenschaftlichem Transfer und Austausch innerhalb der Innovationscommunity ist das Ziel des Researchers BBQ: Das Wetter hätte auch in...
Sustainable Network Design (SND) auf der transport logistic
Das Team unseres Transferprojektes "Sustainable Network Design (SND) war auf der Transport Logistik in München. Bei der Messe handelt es sich um die weltweite...
Forschungsprojekt VISITS veröffentlicht Vorgehensmodell für Interaktionsarbeit in Unternehmen und Netzwerken
Das Forschungsprojekt VISITS (Vernetzung und Interaktionsarbeit in Smarten Technischen Services) an der TU Dortmund hat ein Vorgehensmodell zur Gestaltung und...

Transfer to the economy
Inform, test, develop together
In the test centers and laboratories of the Center of Excellence companies can obtain first-hand information about new technologies and test them in a straightforward manner without having to maintain their own project teams or invest in their own infrastructures.






Exoskeleton LAB
Exploring technology and testing systems
In the Exoskeleton Lab, we conduct subject studies in a test course with typical logistical main and secondary activities (picking, loading and unloading, transport operations). Using subjective and objective methods, the suitability of the various exoskeletons for specific activities is investigated, among other things, and influencing factors for practical use and for integration into work organizational processes are derived. In addition, potential users can learn about the technology and test the existing systems.

pace Lab
Real-time data acquisition and live visualization
The agile development of autonomous systems on an industrial scale requires innovative ways. The real-time data acquisition lab PACE enables perfect digital replication of reality with sub-millimeter accuracy as well as live visualization of measurement data, allowing novel development of algorithms in an industrial context. In addition to agile development, the PACE Lab offers companies a reference system for testing sensor technology, localization systems, mobile robots and drones and human-technology interactions.

Picking Lab
Technology, transfer and training
In the Picking Lab, we investigate and evaluate various classical and modern picking methods, assistive technologies and warehouse management systems. In addition to the evaluation of human-technology interaction, work-organizational processes in order picking or the use of mechanical assistance systems, such as exoskeletons, can also be considered independently of the manufacturer. Research and industry benefit equally from the Picking Lab’s transfer platform.

XR Lab
XR-based assistance systems
Companies in (intra-)logistics face numerous challenges. High employee turnover in the low-wage sector as well as monotonous workflows reduce motivation. The international working environment leads to language barriers, especially during the learning phase. In addition, errors can lead to high costs. Mixed reality (XR) applications can help here: They increase the intrinsic motivation of employees, can overcome language barriers and make knowledge transfer in training more efficient.

Escape Room
Complex web of puzzles and riddles
Which innovative technologies are finding their way into companies and supply chains? How can they enrich our value creation and change business models? What are the potentials for our processes and collaboration in networks? In the Escape Room, these questions are interwoven in a complex web of puzzles and riddles that require the group’s communication skills and presuppose teamwork. In the Escape Room, we bring digital technologies and new concepts to life »hands on« under the guiding principle of managing digital transformation.

Success stories
“Emili”, look over here: Study provides better interaction with autonomous container
Communication between people and technology plays a decisive role in the success of the social networked industry. How people can communicate intuitively with automated transport vehicles was the subject of a recent study by the ”Human-Technology Interaction” research clan at the Center of Excellence Logistics and IT.
Research clan implements new chatbot
With the C3DLO, the Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Technology ISST has developed a chat bot that allows information to be retrieved in large volumes of data in natural language dialogues, even if the user does not know the filing structures. The Center of Excellence Logistics and IT was responsible for implementing the prototype.
First results from field study: Picking made easy
Smart technologies can be used in the picking areas at companies to help employees to pick different articles. The “Cognitive Ergonomy” research clan has carried out a field study and is still looking for companies for further investigations.

Contact
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Would you like to know more? We will be pleased to inform you about new projects and invite you to current events.
c/o Fraunhofer-Institut für Materialfluss und Logistik IML
Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Straße 2–4 | 44227 Dortmund
info@leistungszentrum-logistik-it.de