The "Future Congress Logistics – 43rd Dortmund Discussions" once again offers a platform for interdisciplinary exchange between science and business on September 9 and 10, 2025, in Dortmund. This year, the focus is on Artificial Intelligence (AI), resilience, and sustainability – three factors increasingly determining the future viability of logistics systems. Under the motto "Reclaiming Simplicity with AI-based Logistics," experts from research and practice discuss how to reduce complexity, increase efficiency, and implement ecological standards.
Day 1: Artificial Intelligence, Traffic Logistics, Use Cases
The first day of the congress is primarily aimed at decision-makers strategically dealing with the use of AI. Keynote speeches, including
those from Prof. Alice Kirchheim (Fraunhofer IML), Franz Mathi (Knapp AG), and Dr. Kerstin Höfle (Körber Supply Chain), provide insights into current developments. In panel discussions, practical and technological perspectives are brought together.
The topic "Space Economy" addresses the role of logistics in the space industry. Prof. Michael Henke (Director of the Fraunhofer IML) discusses, among others, with Theresa Gröninger (Bremische Bürgerschaft) and Prof. Jan Wörner (acatech) the question, "AI through the Galaxy – How Much Logistics Does the Space Economy Need?"
The block "Just do it – Making Traffic Logistics Future-Proof with AI" concludes the day. Of particular practical relevance is the topic
block on "Omnistics" – an AI platform that can be integrated into existing systems without much IT effort, including internal systems such as TMS, WMS, ERP, and CRM. This provides companies with low-threshold access to data-based optimization solutions.
Subsequently, Prof. Uwe Clausen (Director of the Fraunhofer IML) discusses the use of AI in traffic logistics with Roland Rüdinger (Rüdinger Spedition GmbH), Thomas Pentza (Geis Group), Martin Friedrich (Fraunhofer IML), and Anja Seemann (specialist journalist, moderation).
Day 2: Robotics and Air Freight, Sustainable Logistics, Resilient Logistics
The second day of the congress is divided into thematic tracks: "AI Moves" highlights the use in robotics and
air freight, "AI for Resilient Logistics" shows potentials in disruption management and customer service, "AI for Sustainable Logistics" presents solutions for environmentally friendly transport chains and battery logistics.
In a fourth focus, various research projects developed in collaboration with partner companies and institutions are presented and discussed.
Pitches from the Finalists for the "Digital Logistics Award"
A highlight of the congress is the "Digital Logistics Award" at the end of the first day. Start-ups present their solutions to the audience. The pitches and subsequent voting by attendees have become an established part of the congress.
Further information and registration can be found at zukunftskongress-logistik.de.
