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June 2025
Innovation Community “Smartport Transfer” Celebrates Kick-off Event
On May 22, 2025, the kick-off event of the “Smartport Transfer” (SPorT) innovation community took place at the German Emigration Center Bremerhaven, which was very well received with around 90 participants. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space in the DATIpilot program, SPorT combines science and business to strengthen the ports of Bremen through digitalization and automation. In cooperation with the University of Bremen (LogDynamics), the ISL and the ports, innovative solutions for handling processes, terminal processes and the networking of ship and hinterland transport are being developed. SPorT focuses on people-centered technologies to increase the competitiveness and resilience of German ports and would like to gain further members from the region.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Frank Arendt, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Freitag
Details
Image: bremenports GmbH & Co. KG. Robert Howe, Prof. Dr. Michal Kucera, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Freitag, Martina Wellbrock, Prof. Dr. Frank Arendt, Prof. Dr. Nils Meyer-Larsen (from the left)
Smartport Living Lab: Digital Future for the Ports of Bremen
The ports of Bremen need greater digitalization and automation of their processes. In cooperation with five research institutes in Bremen and Bremerhaven, the Smartport Living Lab is being created for this purpose, which is being supported with 2.8 million euros from the state of Bremen. The aim is to develop innovative solutions for the port, for example through the use of drones and autonomous ship demonstrators. These systems are networked in order to optimize processes and increase safety. The following are involved in the project: BIBA - Bremen Institute of Production and Logistics, the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL), TOPAS Industriemathematik Innovation, the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
Contact: Prof. Dr. Burkhard Lemper
Details
Image: TOPAS
The Future of Port Logistics: Automation of Twistlocks to Improve Safety and Efficiency
Twistlocks are mechanical locking elements that are used to secure containers on ships. The manual handling of twistlocks today is time-consuming and poses risks to occupational safety. The SIM-TWIST project, in which BIBA is involved, is investigating how automated twistlock handling systems (ATS) could be used in container terminals. A simulation environment is being developed in order to derive recommendations for the use of ATS. The aim is the reduction of technical and economic risks in the future use of ATS and the promotion of the market maturity of such systems. This can increase efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness.
Contact: Susanne Schukraft
Details
Image: BIBA, AI-generated by Dall-e 3
Intelligent Traffic Counting in Port-Hinterland Truck Transport
In order to support those responsible for the infrastructure planning of truck traffic in the port and port hinterland, the ISL - Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics developed a prototype solution as part of a feasibility study that can be used to determine the volume of truck traffic in particular. The challenge here was to be able to differentiate and count different types of trucks.
For this purpose, an AI model was trained on different vehicle types and integrated into a counting and evaluation software that was also developed. The practical suitability of the approach was demonstrated on an AI-capable microcomputer in battery-powered use together with a camera.
Contact: Sven Mattheis
Details
Image: ISL
AI-supported Sales Analysis for More Precise Forecasts and Optimized Warehousing
The SAILEX - Sales and Operations Intelligence with Explainable AI project, carried out by BIBA, aims to develop an AI-based analysis tool for ERP systems that combines sales data with internal and external factors. This should not only reveal general sales trends, but also individual correlations such as discounts or external influences such as weather and political events. This helps to create more precise purchasing forecasts, avoid bottlenecks and reduce excess stock, which saves storage costs. In addition, a large language model is used to explain the AI forecasts in order to ensure the traceability of decisions, supported by explainable AI approaches.
Contact: Simon Leohold
Details
Image: BIBA, S. Leohold, AI-generated by Flux.1.1 pro ultra
Project to Promote Environmentally Friendly Water Transportation
On February 25, 2025, the kick-off meeting of the Horizon Europe project TRUSTEE (fuTuRe proof efficieNt and sUStainable deploymenT of zEwt) took place in Naples, Italy. The event was organized by the Fondazione ISSNOVA and brought together project partners and representatives of the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD). ISL is involved as a partner in this forward-looking project. TRUSTEE aims to support policy, industry, investment, technology and operations with sound findings and recommendations for the transition to Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport (ZEWT).
Contact: Dr. Holger Kramer
Details
Image: ISL
Digital Twin for Logistics
A digital twin for logistics was developed in the SYDITIL project. The technological basis is the ? description language for complex socio-technical systems and the WorldLab simulation software.
A practical concept was developed and evaluated using the application scenarios of warehouse logistics and port logistics. The digital twin is updated with real-time data from the logistics system, simulates possible future scenarios and predicts potential risks. If necessary, it can transmit warning messages to existing control and monitoring systems. The visualization of the simulation results and forecasts support decision-making in strategic and operational planning - a step towards more resilient and efficiently managed logistics systems.
Contact: Hendrik Engbers
Details
Image: kosssmosss/stock.adobe.com
AR Assistance Systems in Intralogistics: A Guide for SMEs
Intelligent and interactive AR-based assistance systems have great potential for supporting intralogistics work processes, but have so far only been used in this form in isolated cases in practice. The AR Improve research project, in which BIBA was involved, focused on intelligent and interactive AR assistance systems that combine the latest AR hardware with sensor technology and image processing methods. By providing an interactive guide, which was developed together with SMEs, decision-makers in SMEs are enabled to make well-founded decisions on the needs-based and human-oriented use of AR assistance systems without detailed knowledge of AR technology.
Contact: Moritz Quandt
Details
Image: Aleksandra Himstedt
Data-driven Ecosystem for Smart Wind Turbines
The Wind-X project supports the wind industry with a data-driven ecosystem for sustainable wind turbines over their entire life cycle. Experience from initiatives such as Catena-X and Gaia-X is being transferred to the wind industry. The aim is to develop innovative software services and solutions for intelligent wind turbines, supported by standards-compliant asset administration shell sub-models. Digital twins are given configuration and communication capabilities. In addition, value-added services are created that utilize raw data from the supply chain. BIBA coordinates and develops application scenarios such as ‘Traceability for Sustainability and Logistics’ and ‘Digital Twin in Production and Field’ as well as relevant data integrations and demonstrators.
Contact: Jan-Frederik Uhlenkamp
Image: Wind-X
Chile's Focus on Energy Efficiency: International Networking for Renewable Energies
LogDynamics and BIBA were represented at the international seminar ‘Atacama Circular Solar Energy 2025’ from 6 May to 8 May in Copiapó, Chile. The event was organized by the CircularTec technology centre for the circular economy with the support of the Universidad de Atacama and the companies Mainstream, Colbún and Pacific Hydro.
Energy efficiency is a scientific and industrial priority in Chile and is of strategic importance for the economic development of the Atacama region. Stakeholders from the regional energy industry and its value chain networked at this event in order to make the region a national benchmark region in the field of renewable energies and to increase its international visibility. Dr Matthias Burwinkel, Head of the LogDynamics Lab, gave a key note speech entitled ‘Systemic transformation to renewable and electrified production and logistics systems’.
Contact: Dr.-Ing. Matthias Burwinkel
Details
Image: Dr.-Ing. Matthias Burwinkel
ISL First Representative of Bremen at Hydrogen Europe Research
With more than 150 members covering a wide range of competences and infrastructures, Hydrogen Europe Research (HER) actively promotes scientific excellence, the development of new innovative technologies and technology transfer in Europe. The aim is to create a dynamic and innovative network to shape an economy in which hydrogen plays a central role for a clean and sustainable future. In April 2025, ISL joined this influential organization, becoming one of 19 German HER members and the first representative of the federal state of Bremen.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Nils Meyer-Larsen
Details
Image: ISL
Contact: Prof. Dr. Nils Meyer-Larsen
Details
Image: ISL
LogDynamics Welcomes Four New Members: Professor Christof Büskens Sets the Tone in Industrial Mathematics
Prof. Dr Christof Büskens is head of the Optimization and Optimal Control department at the Centre for Industrial Mathematics (ZeTeM) at the University of Bremen. His research focuses on optimization and optimal control, model predictive control and digital twins with an application focus on autonomous systems and energy management. In the field of transfer, he is Scientific Director of TOPAS Industriemathematik and coordinator of the large-scale transfer project #MOIN - Modellregion Industriemathematik.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Christof Büskens
Professor Dieter Hutter Contributes Expertise in the Field of AI
Prof Dr Dieter Hutter is deputy head of the Cyber-Physical System department at DFKI Bremen and honorary professor at the University of Bremen. His research specializes in the formal specification and verification of security and data protection requirements. In recent years, he has been particularly interested in logistical applications involving multiple stakeholders with different interests but also common goals. Typical examples are supply chains that require both the integrity of the transmitted data and the traceability of the actors involved. Coopetition, i.e. cooperation between competitors, increases the need for formal and cryptographic mechanisms to recognize and control the flow of information between the players.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Dieter Hutter
Contact: Prof. Dr. Dieter Hutter
Professor Matthias Klumpp - Support from the Economic Sciences
Matthias Klumpp (Chair of Retail and Logistics Management, University of Bremen) completed his doctorate at the University of Leipzig and his habilitation at the University of Duisburg-Essen. He has held international research positions at the Universities of Sydney, Twente, Florence (EUI) and Modena and also works at the Politecnico di Milano. His fields of research include retail logistics, sustainable logistics systems and, in particular, social sustainability according to the human-centred concepts of Industry 5.0 and Logistics 5.0. He is a member of the Scientific Committee of Fraunhofer IML Dortmund and the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Logistics Association and holds academic roles as Senior Editor of the Journal of Business Logistics and member of the editorial team of the International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Matthias Klumpp
Professor Nils Meyer-Larsen - New Impulses from the ISL and Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences
Prof. Dr Nils Meyer-Larsen has been Scientific Director at ISL since February 2025 and teaches on the Integrated Safety and Security Management (ISSM) Master's degree program at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. Supply chain security and resilience has been a research focus in his 25 years at ISL. Several years ago, the doctor of physics initiated the Maritime Hydrogen research area at ISL, which has been an important part of ISL research ever since. As Managing Director, Prof Meyer-Larsen succeeds Prof Dr Frank Arendt, who took his well-deserved retirement in 2024.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Nils Meyer-Larsen
Strengthening Transfer Activities in LogDynamics: New Transfer Manager Introduces Himself
Dr Michael Mesterharm has been Transfer Manager for the Bremen research and transfer focus area Logistics/LogDynamics since February 2025. After studying business administration with a focus on law at the University of Oldenburg, Dr Mesterharm completed his doctorate on the topic of ‘Integrated Environmental Communication of Companies’ in cooperation with Audi AG. He then managed future and co-operation projects for the Volkswagen Group, both in Group Research and at the AutoUni, and was responsible as central coordinator and consultant for Volkswagen AG's university co-operations.
He also worked at the University of Oldenburg as project manager in the BMBF project ‘Nordwest 2050’ for the research area ‘Climate Adaptation and Value Chains’ and was a lecturer for ‘Value Chains/Supply Chain’ and ‘Business and Performance Processes’ in the Business Administration program for top athletes.
At LogDynamics, Dr Mesterharm primarily coordinates cooperation between science and industry and organizes a range of transfer activities.
Contact: Dr. Michael Mesterharm
Production with Collaborative Robots
June 25, 2025, online
The virtual impulse seminar organized by BIBA in cooperation with the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Bremen-Oldenburg offers an overview of the latest developments in cobots in the manufacturing industry. Possible applications for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as the economic and technical feasibility will be presented. In addition, examples of successful applications of cobots and simple decision rules will be shown in order to analyse their benefits for companies.
Contact: Alexander Seelig
Details and registration
Image: Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Bremen-Oldenburg
LogDynamics Sets ‘ Green’ Accents at EnvoConnect
September 3-4, 2025, Bremen
EnvoConnect is the central conference for sustainability stakeholders in the port and logistics sector in German-speaking countries. As sustainability plays a crucial role in logistics research, LogDynamics is participating in the accompanying trade exhibition for the third time in a row. Current research results will be presented that aim to optimize environmental compatibility in logistics, conserve resources, reduce emissions and increase the efficiency of logistics processes.
Contact: Aleksandra Himstedt
Details
Image: EnvoConnect
LogDynamics Presents AI for the Port at BVL Supply Chan CX
October 22-24, 2025, Berlin
From October 22 to 24, 2025, LogDynamics will be present at the BVL Supply Chain CX in Berlin, booth C/02. CX is the networking event for logistics and supply chain management. This is where decision-makers and other logistics enthusiasts from industry, trade, services and science meet. LogDynamics is once again taking part in the accompanying trade exhibition and is focusing on digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence in the port. We look forward to your visit and dialogue!
Contact: Aleksandra Himstedt
Details
Image: Aleksandra Himstedt
Logistics by and for People: A Lecture: Inaugural Lecture by Professor Matthias Klumpp
Professor Matthias Klumpp's inaugural lecture on ‘Logistics by and for people’ took place on April 30, 2025. After welcoming speeches from the head of the faculty and Bremen's Senator for Economic Affairs Kristina Vogt, Prof Michael Freitag, spokesperson for LogDynamics, explained the many links and collaborations between various logistics players in the state of Bremen and, on behalf of the LogDynamics members, extended a warm welcome to the newly appointed Chair of Retail and Logistics Management in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Bremen.
In his inaugural lecture, Professor Klumpp explained the particular importance of people in logistics - the increasing use of technology with robotics and AI means that the role of employees in logistics is becoming ever more important for companies in the context of strategic tasks.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Matthias Klumpp
Details
Image: University of Bremen. Prof. Dr Michael Freitag, Prof. Matthias Klumpp, Senator for Economics, Ports and Transformation Kristina Vogt, Prof. Dr Maik Eisenbeiß, Daniela Schmidt (from left)
Insights into the Future of Logistics
On May 22, 2025, the lab tour ‘Humans and AI in the logistics of the future’ took place at BIBA. The guests experienced how new technologies are changing logistics - from drones for order picking and quality inspection to augmented reality assistance systems in intralogistics. Human-robot collaboration and AI assistance in assembly were also on show. Solutions for intelligent work ergonomics in automotive handling rounded off the program. The tour was organized in cooperation with the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Bremen-Oldenburg and the BVL Weser-Ems regional group and provided a space for discussions on the future of logistics.
Contact: Aleksandra Himstedt
Details
Image: Aleksandra Himstedt
Focus on AI and the Circular Economy on Supply Chain Day 2025
On April 10, 2025, BIBA and LogDynamics, together with the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Bremen-Oldenburg and WertNetzWerke, invited guests to the BIBA Shop Foor Lab to mark Supply Chain Day. 120 guests came to find out about the future topics of artificial intelligence and the circular economy. Specialist presentations highlighted the potential of intelligent data utilization and the interoperability of systems in intralogistics and purchasing at medium-sized companies. An interactive expo offered the opportunity to experience technological solutions live: from AR-supported assistance systems and energy self-sufficient production scenarios to digital tools for greater transparency regarding the sustainability of supply chains.
Contact: Aleksandra Himstedt
Details
Image: Jan Meier
German Robotics Conference 2025
On March 13-15, 2025, the first German Robotics Conference (GRC) 2025 took place at the Nuremberg Convention Center. Organized by the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG), the conference brought together leading German robotics and AI experts to discuss the latest developments and trends in the field of AI-based robotics. Scientists from locations all over Germany will present their latest research findings in Nuremberg.
Contact: Prof. Frank Kirchner, Prof. Michael Beetz, Prof. Michael Freitag
Details
Image: Robotics Institute Germany
LogisticsConnect 2025: Logistics Community in Dialogue
On March 6-7, 2025, the halls of Messe Bremen were transformed into a hotspot for the port and logistics industry. The premiere of the LogisticsConnect congress trade fair with over 800 participants and around 40 exhibitors was a complete success.
The LogDynamics research association was represented at the joint ‘Bremen/Bremerhaven’ stand and provided exciting insights into the topic of ‘Digitalization in logistics’. The guests were inspired by inspiring innovations and learned how digitalization is opening up new opportunities in the industry.
Contact: Aleksandra Himstedt
Details
Image: Aleksandra Himstedt
ISL Experts Share Findings at High-Level Hydrogen Workshop
The INTERREG project North Sea Hydrogen Valley Ports aims to develop a roadmap for the development of hydrogen infrastructure along the North Sea coast and to promote cooperation in the EU's North Sea region. On February 24-25, 2025, Prof. Dr Nils Meyer-Larsen, Dr Marija Jovic and Wiebke Duhme took part in the project's second consortium meeting as hydrogen experts from ISL, which was held in Esbjerg.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Nils Meyer-Larsen
Details
Image: ISL
Marlog 2025: How AI is Revolutionising the Maritime Industry
On February 23-25, 2025, the 14th Marlog Conference took place in Alexandria, Egypt, in which Flóra Gulyás participated on behalf of ISL. The conference focussed on how artificial intelligence can change the maritime industry. Topics included port operations management, safety issues, environmental sustainability and regulations. Speakers from leading seaports such as Antwerp, Rotterdam, Rome and Valencia demonstrated practical applications of AI in the maritime industry.
Contact: Flóra Gulyás
Details
Image: ISL
Successful Presentation of the AutoLog Project at the Automotive Logistics Forum
The AutoLog research project was successfully presented at the Automotive Logistics Forum on February 18-19, 2025 in Dresden. AutoLog focuses on the research and development of solutions for automated driving at car terminals, which should make a significant contribution to more efficient and sustainable logistics in the automotive sector.
The industry meeting provided an excellent platform for presenting the project to leading experts and engaging in stimulating discussions. The cooperation between the project partners BIBA, Volkswagen Group, Deutsche Telekom and Unikie, who are making a decisive contribution to the progress of the project, was particularly emphasized.
Contact: Marit Hoff-Hoffmeyer-Zlotnik
Details
Image: VW Group Logistics
Space for Intermodal Transport
On February 12, 2025, ISL Managing Director Prof. Dr Nils Meyer-Larsen took part as a guest speaker in an ESA online event on the topic of ‘Space for Intermodal Transport’. The event presented a new ESA funding guideline with the aim of developing innovative and sustainable services and applications for intermodal transport. The proposed projects must use satellite data or space-based technologies and can address both freight and passenger transport.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Nils Meyer-Larsen
Details
Image: ISL
Transparent Supply Chains through Digital Technologies
On February 19, 2025, BIBA held this virtual impulse seminar in cooperation with the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Bremen-Oldenburg, which offered an insight into the technologies for increasing transparency in supply chains. Michael Teucke, BIBA employee and digitalization expert at the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum, presented innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate mobile sensor technology, gateways, cloud platforms and digital services.
The seminar showed how quality-relevant environmental influences and condition-relevant data from transports can be comprehensively recorded and digitalized using mobile and stationary sensors. These data-based approaches enable companies to recognize potential transport problems at an early stage and decisively safeguard product and process quality.
Contact: Michael Teucke
Details
Image: Michael Teucke
Together with the SmartPort Community, LogDynamics is Shaping the Port of Tomorrow
On January 29, 2025, LogDynamics took part in the SmartPort Community Meetup with around 150 experts at the Digital Hub Industry. Among other things, the DATIpilot innovation community ‘Smartport Transfer’ (SPorT), which aims to create a digitalized, human-centric and resilient port, was presented. The management team, consisting of Martina Wellbrock (bremenports), Prof Frank Arendt (ISL) and Prof Michael Freitag (University of Bremen/LogDynamics), presented the project goals and invited participants to collaborate. Another topic was the Smartport Living Lab, in which BIBA, ISL, DFKI, TOPAS and DLR are developing innovative technologies for a more sustainable port.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Frank Arendt, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Freitag
Image: Aleksandra Himstedt
Inspiring and Colourful: The New BIBA Annual Report
At BIBA, the years 2023/2024 were once again dominated by the digital transformation of production and logistics. Overarching topics were and are digitalization, artificial intelligence, climate protection and resource efficiency. This annual report also contains information on selected research projects, highlights in the area of transfer and science communication, a review of events, BIBA's international activities and much more.
Contact: Aleksandra Himstedt
Details
Image: Jan Meier/BIBA
The Impact of Product Packaging Characteristics on Order Picking Performance in Grocery Retailing
Rising labour costs and skills shortages are forcing retailers to optimize their order fulfilment processes, which often remain dependent on manual picking systems. The literature recommends improving tertiary packaging for storage and despatch, but the secondary packaging level remains largely unexplored.
To close this gap, authors Dominic Loske, Alberto Regattieri, Riccardo Mangiaracina and Matthias Klumpp analyse 3,380,596 picking processes of 185 pickers in a food distribution centre in Germany in the Journal of Business Logistics.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Matthias Klumpp
Details, DOI: 10.1111/jbl.12400
Image: Journal of Business Logistics
Potential of MicroPorts: A Concept to Strengthen Inland Waterway Transport
In this video, BIBA presents the results of the ‘MicroPorts’ research project, which focused on the optimization of multimodal freight transport between inland waterways and other modes of transport. In view of the growing pressure on road and rail freight transport, the MicroPorts concept offers a more environmentally friendly alternative. The example of the Hoya road bridge is used to show how decentralized transhipment hubs could make transport more efficient and at the same time reduce costs and CO? emissions.
Contact: Rieke Leder
Video, Projectwebsite
Image: MicroPorts
AI-supported Assembly Workstation for Human-Robot Collaboration
Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face the challenge of balancing series production and customized production. At the SME Digital Centre Bremen-Oldenburg, BIBA has developed a mobile assembly workstation that combines human-robot collaboration (HRC) and artificial intelligence (AI). A collaborative robot (cobot) provides parts, while sensors and cameras ensure safety and data acquisition. The Igus cobot is also cost-effective. The mobile workstation supports efficient and resource-saving production processes.
Contact: Alexander Seelig
Video
Image: Aleksandra Himstedt
Call for Papers LDIC 2026
The 10th International Conference on Dynamics in Logistics (LDIC 2026) will take place in Bremen from 25 to 27 February 2026. The dynamics of logistics processes and networks are at the centre of the conference series established by LogDynamics.
The Cal for Papers has now been published and contributions can be submitted until October 1, 2025. Empirical, theoretical, methodological and practice-oriented contributions dealing with the modelling, planning, optimization and control of processes in supply chains, logistics networks, production systems and material flow systems and facilities are invited.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Nicole Megow, Prof. Dr. Matthias Klumpp
Details
Image: Aleksandra Himstedt
