Digital revolution in maritime logistics: robots and AI in use!

Digital revolution in maritime logistics: robots and AI in use!

Hamburg-Harburg, Deutschland - On May 28, 2025, the Fraunhofer Center conference for Maritime Logistics and Services (CML) took place in Hamburg-Harburg. The focus of the event was on the digitization of maritime logistics, especially in terms of security, efficiency and sustainability. Experts from the industry discussed various technological innovations that are supposed to tackle the challenges in the maritime sector.

A central topic was digital transformation for maintenance operations. Thomas Pauly von Wäthsilä reported on the previous procedures, which are often based on traditional means such as Kladde, ballpoint pen and paper drawings. To improve these processes, the "Voice-to-Report" project was presented, which includes the use of data glasses and portable devices, also known as "industrial wearables". These technologies enable users to record photos, videos and spoken information by voice command, while AI systems generate a structured report in English.

innovative technologies for emission measurement and automation

Hinrich Brumm by Endress+Hauser Sick presented the Divmalda project, which serves to measure the live measurement of emissions directly on the chimney. The aim of this project is to obtain more precise emission information in order to avoid overpayments. The first sensors have already been installed on the container freighter "MSC Savona".

Another innovative approach was the development of a rolling robot with a magnet arm that can move heavy pins for containers on freight trains. This pilot solution is tested in cooperation with the Hamburg port logistics HHLA at the Tollerort terminal. The robot should automatically put the pins in position before loading; However, he is currently slower than human workers, which underlines the need to improve robustness.

The role of robotics in logistics

In the current logistical landscape, a noticeable lack of employees in various areas such as warehouse, production as well as hospital and airport logistics are recorded. The workforce in logistics is also increasingly older, which increases the need for relief for physically difficult work. For this reason, robots play a crucial role. You can either take over tasks completely or act in cooperation with people. Driverless transport vehicles and mobile transport robots are essential for the digitization of supply chains. These technologies control the internal material flow, which is of great importance for warehouse and production Fraunhofer iml .

The integration of robots into logistics processes significantly improves the efficiency of the material flow and ensures that companies can meet the modern requirements for supply chains. Adaptive and flexible manufacturing processes are necessary to operate the increasing variant requirements and to design future logistics.

Further information on the event provides Nord24.