How can artificial intelligence make logistics smarter, more sustainable, more resilient and above all easier? To pursue questions like these, more than 350 participants are currently gathering at the “Future Logistics Congress,” which will take place for the 43rd time on September 9–10, 2025 at Dortmund's Westfalenhallen. Speakers from science and industry discuss promising approaches and provide insights into solutions for a forward-looking logistics. The congress is organized by the Dortmund Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML.
Harnessing the potential of generative AI
Under the motto “Reclaiming simplicity with AI-based logistics,” the congress on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, was opened by the institute directors of Fraunhofer IML. Prof. Dr. Alice Kirchheim, director of Fraunhofer
IML, after the introduction gave insights into research approaches that enable simplifying logistics in many areas through AI.
“The time has come for all of us to jointly harness the potentials of generative AI,” urged Kirchheim.
Following this, Franz Mathi (KNAPP AG), Dr. Kerstin Höfle (Körber Supply Chain) and Jakub Piotrowski (Duvenbeck Group) delivered brief talks in which they presented their perspectives on AI. Among other topics, there was discussion of dynamic and adaptable systems as well as the question of how companies can most efficiently harness AI's potential. Subsequently, the speakers discussed in a panel about the question: “Is nothing possible without AI anymore?”
Logistics for Space
In the following thematic block “Through AI to
the Galaxy – how much logistics does the Space Economy need?” Victor Maier (The Exploration Company), Dr. Kristina Wagner (OHB) and Prof. Johann-Dietrich Wörner (Acatech), moderated by Prof. Michael Henke, director at Fraunhofer IML, discussed the transfer of logistical solutions to space.
“Only technological innovation and its transfer can safeguard us in Europe from undue dependencies and create a chance for sovereignty. Logistics research must seize the opportunity to close gaps with low-threshold, terrestrially functioning solutions and support the development of Space Logistics,” emphasized Henke.
Just do it!
The final substantive block of the day was “Just do it – making transport logistics future-proof with AI.” There, researchers presented use cases of the Omnistics platform, which
offers companies (especially SMEs) low-threshold, simple AI building blocks. “Especially for companies that daily deal with complex supply chains and tight margins, AI is a key lever to streamline processes and future-proof their own operations. Those who set the course now will, in the long run, benefit from more accurate forecasts, less effort and higher customer satisfaction rates – and thereby assert themselves in a highly competitive market,” emphasized Prof. Uwe Clausen, director at Fraunhofer IML, the opportunities that arise from the Omnistics platform.
In a panel discussion, Clausen also spoke with Roland Rüdinger (Rüdinger Spedition GmbH), Thomas Pentza (Geis Group), Martin Friedrich (Fraunhofer IML), and Anja Seemann (trade journalist, moderator) about AI in transport logistics.
