The German Material Flow Congress (MFK), one of the most prestigious specialist events in intralogistics in the German-speaking region, is facing a fundamental change: Starting in 2026, the congress will be integrated into the practice-oriented format of the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS and will simultaneously move from Garching near Munich to the Westfalenhalle in Dortmund. The event will henceforth be held under the title “MFK @TEST CAMP.” The premiere is scheduled for April 15 and 16, 2026.
The fml Chair at TU Munich and Prof. Dr. Johannes Fottner remain involved
With this decision, the congress leaves its long-standing location
at the Technical University of Munich after more than two decades, where it has been held since 2002. The MFK will continue to be organized under the technical sponsorship of the VDI Society for Production and Logistics. Scientific support will still be provided by the Chair of Materials Handling, Material Flow, Logistics (fml) at TU Munich, headed by Prof. Dr. Johannes Fottner, who also acts as the congress director.
In the new environment of the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS, the MFK is expected to gain significantly in visibility and practical relevance. The TEST CAMP is understood as a test
event with an accompanying congress, where decision-makers from industry, trade, and services can specifically try out new intralogistics solutions. Participants of the MFK will have access to around 100 exhibits from the fields of robotics, automation, and warehouse technology, including the finalists of the IFOY AWARD. In addition to lectures and specialist forums, the congress will be complemented by interactive program elements such as live demonstrations and highlight tours.
Main theme “Next Stop: Beyond Automation” – what comes after automation
Topically, the MFK @TEST CAMP 2026, under the main theme “Next Stop: Beyond Automation,” places new technologies at
the center that go beyond classical automation. The focus is on artificial intelligence, connected systems, and autonomous machines, which are increasingly capable of independently learning, making decisions, and meaningfully integrating humans into the material flow processes. The goal is to link scientific findings with practice-oriented solutions and actively involve the participants in the innovation process.
With its integration into the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS, the congress receives a new format that aims to interlink theory and practice. While the lecture program is retained, the new event framework opens up additional opportunities for networking, exchange of experiences, and product-related applications.
