Federal Research Minister Wanka visits Fraunhofer IML

While "doks. innovation" is working on the further development of drone technology, "MotionMiners" has developed a method for automatic process analysis that improves the working conditions of employees in companies. The "MotionMiners" initiative was recently awarded the "EXIST Research Transfer" grant by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). The funding program supports outstanding research-based start-up projects that involve complex and high-risk development work. The aim is to improve the start-up climate at universities and non-university research institutions.

"Thanks to the support of the BMBF, Dortmund is the top location for logistics research and an innovation area of European standing. We know how structural change works. This applies to the digital transformation in logistics just as much as it does to traditional industries. This has created a remarkable innovation location for start-ups, which greatly appreciate the hands-on and open-minded consensus between science and business in our region," emphasizes ten Hompel.

"Successful start-up initiatives are a confirmation of our research programs and underline how important applied logistics research is for Germany as a business location," explained Federal Research Minister Wanka during her visit.

Wanka also informed herself about the status of basic research in the "Innovation Laboratory Hybrid Services in Logistics", a joint project of the Fraunhofer IML and the Technical University of Dortmund funded by the BMBF with ten million euros. The laboratory researches technologies for the collaboration of people and technology in logistics professions. A special feature is its division into a research and an application center. The scientists at the research center gave an insight into how the latest technologies will interact in the logistics of tomorrow and thus shape the workplace of the future - from autonomous vehicles to laser projections and the recording of movement data via motion capture technology to the swarm of drones. This unique research initiative aims to further strengthen Dortmund's pioneering digital role in services and logistics. "I am delighted that Minister Wanka has accepted my invitation to Dortmund. The Fraunhofer IML, headed by Prof. ten Hompel, is an outstanding example for Dortmund as a research location and beyond," said Member of Parliament Kanitz. red