“What moves things reasonably?” That’s the core question explored at the Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW. It is one of Germany’s leading logistics institutions. We are standing before a place where the future of logistics is not just discussed. It is actively being shaped.
The Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW, or FLW, boasts a rich history. It began modestly under Prof. Jünemann. Now, it stands tall as one of Germany’s premier logistics institutions. Its 50th anniversary in 2022 marked a significant milestone.
Founded in 1972 within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at TU Dortmund, the Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW was among the first dedicated logistics departments in Germany. With an interdisciplinary team of around 20 employees, it conducts research, teaches, and develops in the fields of logistical planning, technology and control.
Since 2013, the Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW has been located on the LogistikCampus. Scientists from logistics, IT, robotics and other disciplines collaborate here. They focus on the future of logistics. Their “PhyNetLab” features hundreds of “intelligent containers” and smart devices. This makes it the largest testbed for cyber-physical systems in logistics.
The Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW is deeply involved in research. In fact, the Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW has been conducting research in intralogistics since its foundation. It partners with the Fraunhofer-Institut für Materialfluss und Logistik IML. Together they created the Innovationslabor. FLW focuses on experimental research. IML handles application-oriented research.
The Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW is currently involved in several exciting projects. One is the 6GEM project. Here, the Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW and Fraunhofer IML collaborate. They create innovative intralogistics solutions. They test and validate their 6G-based hardware and software. They do this under realistic conditions in the FLW’s research hall.
Another project is Pal2Rec. This project focuses on networking pallets. It aims to digitalize processes in intralogistics. By equipping pallets with sensors, movements and impacts are tracked. The data is used to train AI. The AI identifies activities like loading or storing pallets. This provides valuable insights for optimizing logistics.
The Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW also explores the use of drones in logistics. The MinDrone project studies the integration of drones in warehouses. This research considers how drones can effectively work with humans in industrial settings.
Beyond research, the Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW is committed to education. They offer Bachelor and Master programs in logistics. They provide students with scientific work opportunities. They also offer study advice.
In November 2024, the Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW hosted three drone shows during the TU Dortmund’s open day. The event attracted over 100 visitors. It demonstrated the potential of drones in logistics research.
The Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW continues to push the boundaries of logistics. From its humble beginnings to its current status, the Lehrstuhl für Förder- und Lagerwesen FLW remains a vital hub. It fosters innovation and education in the field. As we stand here, we are witnessing the legacy. We see the ongoing evolution of logistics. This is a field that shapes our modern world.