DACHSER Extends Robotics Research Partnership Through 2029
The logistics firm will continue collaborating with Fraunhofer to develop new technologies for cargo handling.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Robotics
Live Poll
Do you believe increasing automation and artificial intelligence in logistics operations benefits the supply chain?
DACHSER has extended its research partnership with two Fraunhofer institutes until the end of 2029. The DACHSER Enterprise Lab will continue focusing its research efforts on artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital logistics solutions.
Why it matters
This partnership expansion allows DACHSER to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical logistics applications. By fostering innovation in its Enterprise Lab, the company aims to integrate new technologies directly into its existing global network.
The partnership focuses on the @ILO digital twin system, which manages cargo handling through digital information. DACHSER expects to deploy this system at 14 locations across Europe by the end of 2026.
The players
DACHSER
This is a global logistics provider that manages a network of supply chain solutions.
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics
Based in Dortmund, this organization conducts applied research in logistics and production management.
Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems
Located in St. Augustin, this institute specializes in artificial intelligence and big data analytics.
The details
The DACHSER Enterprise Lab combines academic research from the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics in Dortmund and the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems in St. Augustin. Their core project, the @ILO system, utilizes digital twins to improve operational visibility during groupage cargo handling.
Timeline
DACHSER and Fraunhofer began their partnership in 2017.
The @ILO project received the German Logistics Award in 2023.
The @ILO project won the European Logistics Association Award in early 2026.
DACHSER plans to deploy the @ILO system at 14 European locations by the end of 2026.
The extended research partnership is scheduled to conclude at the end of 2029.
The Tech Race
The DACHSER Enterprise Lab facilitates the integration of robotics into commercial supply chains, demonstrating a shift toward digitized logistics. This long-term commitment positions the firm to compete in the automated cargo handling sector against other global logistics rivals.
Customers can expect improved operational visibility and more efficient cargo handling as the @ILO system scales. These automated improvements aim to reduce friction in the daily logistics process for shipments across the European network.
The takeaway
The sustained partnership highlights the growing necessity of long-term academic-industry collaboration for implementing AI in logistics. Organizations are increasingly relying on digital twins to enhance transparency and efficiency in complex supply chain environments.
What happens next
DACHSER expects to complete the rollout of the @ILO system at 14 designated locations throughout Europe by the end of 2026.
Further reading
Read more about ongoing innovations in the sector at /tech/robotics/.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Container News.
Live Poll
Do you believe increasing automation and artificial intelligence in logistics operations benefits the supply chain?
