How can AI power air cargo operations, explains Fraunhofer IML's Harald Sieke

At the TIACA Air Cargo Forum 2025 in Abu Dhabi, we spoke with Harald Sieke, Head of Centre at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), to discuss how applied research and AI-driven innovation are transforming air cargo and logistics.

In conversation with Rajarshi Chatterjee from The STAT Trade Times, Sieke explained how technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart robotics, digital twins and automation are being developed and deployed to improve efficiency, resilience and decision-making across air cargo operations. He highlighted how Fraunhofer IML’s research moves beyond theory, delivering practical solutions already being tested and implemented at airports and cargo facilities.

The discussion also explored how digitalisation and sustainability are increasingly intertwined, with AI playing a critical role in optimising material flows, reducing emissions and enabling more sustainable logistics networks. Sieke outlined the importance of open innovation platforms such as the Open Logistics Foundation and Digital Hub Logistics in accelerating digital adoption and collaboration across the global logistics ecosystem.

A forward-looking conversation on how AI, open-source innovation and applied research are shaping the next generation of air cargo and airport operations.