Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML)

The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML is an applied research institute of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft that works in all fields of internal and external logistics, including air cargo and airport logistics. Based in Dortmund, Germany, and closely linked to TU Dortmund University, the institute describes itself as the top address for integrated logistics research, with interdisciplinary teams assembled according to project and customer requirements.

Research areas

• Material flow systems: development and optimisation of material handling, warehousing and picking, with research halls and a picking laboratory
• Corporate logistics: supply chain development and strategy, procurement and finance in supply chain management, information logistics and decision support systems
• Packaging and retail logistics and AutoID technologies
• Traffic, mobility and environment, including a Project Center and a Center for Logistics and Mobility
• Maritime logistics through the Center for Maritime Logistics and Services
• Logistics and IT, artificial intelligence, open source for logistics, humanoid robotics, supply chain resilience and logistics for defence

Leadership

Prof. Alice Kirchheim has been director since 2024 and is responsible for material flow systems, alongside her chair of material handling and warehousing at TU Dortmund University. Prof. Michael Henke has been director and head of corporate logistics since 2013, focusing on the integrated view of internal and cross-company processes with IT, technology, management and finance. Prof. Uwe Clausen completes the institute management.

Services

As consultants, researchers and planners, Fraunhofer IML advises companies of all industries and sizes on material flow, logistics and supply chain questions, works out new solutions with customers and helps optimise processes. The institute publishes a magazine and an annual report and researches decarbonisation and the circular economy in logistics.

Events

Fraunhofer IML is listed as a speaker and exhibitor at the TIACA Air Cargo Forum 2026 and as an exhibitor at Air Cargo Europe 2027 and FTE Global 2027.

Contact

Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) is listed under Aviation Logistics and is based in Germany.
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