The lab addresses logistics issues through advanced predictive capabilities, autonomous delivery, and automation.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Transportation & Logistics (MIT CTL) has recently inaugurated the Intelligent Logistics Systems Lab, a new research facility supported by Mecalux. The goal of this lab is to investigate how machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionise the logistics industry.
The lab will focus on high-impact uses of data-driven technology to tackle pressing societal and corporate logistics issues. Leading intralogistics company Mecalux has contributed seed funding and will share technical expertise from its automation and software specialists.
Advanced techniques for near-term predictive capabilities, which are crucial for same-day delivery and other high-demand services, will be investigated by the lab under the direction of Dr Matthias Winkenbach, Director of Research at MIT CTL. The goal of the partnership is to advance innovation in logistics and goods transportation by fusing academic knowledge with Mecalux’s real-world experience.
Autonomous delivery and transportation systems, together with automation in procedures like packing, shipping, sorting, and picking, will be the focus of research streams.
In addition, the lab will create hybrid approaches that integrate machine learning and operations research to address challenging optimisation issues in network design, transport planning, inventory management, and vehicle routing.
This initiative is designed to establish new benchmarks in the logistics industry with respect to cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and customer service.