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9. March 2021The Association Network Logistics Switzerland (VNL) launched its innovation program for the ‘Intelligent Dark Warehouse’ at the beginning of February. Eleven partners from three countries in a ‘Special Interest Group’, four years of project duration – and in the end, a reference warehouse should be established that can operate autonomously for up to two days at a time.
(Zurich) The impetus for the program was a simple question regarding warehouses: ‘What can operate on its own?’ Despite a high degree of automation, the logistics industry currently employs more than 200,000 people, and this trend is increasing. During the Corona crisis, these employees were recognized as essential, and respect for their work significantly increased. Where can technology provide assistance so that they can focus on what is essential? How can their workplaces be designed to be safer, more sustainable, and with less environmental impact?
Small Group of Companies and Science
The questions posed within the framework of the innovation project ‘Intelligent Dark Warehouse’ will be discussed by a previously mentioned ‘Special Interest Group’ of the VNL. Technology partners include ABB, Balance Drive, Gilgen Logistics, Miebach Consulting, Rapp Industrieplaner, and Westernacher Consulting, while application partners are Alloga, Emmi, and Ikea, and research partners are the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Logistikum Switzerland, and the Technical University of Munich. There is a deliberate focus on integrating scientific and economic aspects that are explicitly intended to be sustainable across countries.
Network building, open innovation, and extensive feasibility studies are central features of the program, which is also expected to lead to further innovative ideas and pilot implementations. Logistikum Switzerland is also planning a master’s program in logistics at HSLU and a test center in Altdorf, where concepts and prototypes can be developed and tested.
The VNL and Logistikum see significant innovation impulses for logistics from the potential field of Industry 4.0 (digital transformation) and the triple sustainability concept: economic benefit, contribution to decarbonization, and safety and attractiveness in the workplace.
The VNL already offers participation in further SIGs in the areas of procurement, transport, customer experience, construction logistics 4.0, advanced supply chain design methods, and circular economic systems.
About VNL Switzerland
The VNL Switzerland sees itself as a pioneer for your logistics development. Since its founding in 2008, VNL Switzerland has been committed to the continuous development of logistics. It brings together business and research to break down traditional and functional perspectives on logistics and to explore new ways to increase productivity and performance through logistics innovations. VNL Switzerland was the National Thematic Network for Logistics of Innosuisse from 2012 to 2020. Its work continues to be supported by Innosuisse.
About Logistikum Switzerland
The VNL Switzerland is a co-initiator and co-founder of Logistikum Switzerland GmbH, which was established in 2019 as an extra-university innovation and education center for procurement, logistics, and SCM based in Altdorf/UR.
About Innosuisse
Innosuisse is the Swiss Agency for the Promotion of Innovation. Innosuisse promotes knowledge-based innovation in the interest of the economy and society: with innovation projects, support for start-ups, internationalization, and networking.
Photo: © VNL
