IPS - Intelligent Production and Logistics Systems

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Freitag

Industry 4.0 technologies, in particular cyber-physical production and logistics systems, and new opportunities for robot-supported automation of logistic processes are strong forces for changes in production and logistics systems. Intensive global competition as well as changing and diverse customer requirements boost the necessity for using these technologies, while at the same time develop adaptive, flexible and dynamic production and logistics systems. However, these systems can only unfold their full capacity, if their planning and control are more decentralized and dynamic. Against this background, BIBA’s research division Intelligent Production and Logistics Systems (IPS) sees its major tasks in the research, development and application of Industry 4.0 technologies for production and logistics, in the automation of logistic processes with the help of these innovative technologies, and in the development of efficient and practice-suited planning and control methods for production and logistics. Findings from joint research with the department of Planning and Control of Production and Logistics Systems (PSPS) at the University of Bremen are implemented with prominent production and logistics enterprises. This also happens as part of the Bremen Research Cluster for Dynamics in Logistics (LogDynamics), and here particularly with the LogDynamics Lab, where Industry 4.0 technologies and cyber-physical production and logistics systems are prototyped and tested.

The division Intelligent Production and Logistics Systems consists of the three departments

• System Design and Planning
• Data Analytics and Process Optimization
• Robotics and Automation

System Design and Planning

Head of Department: Dipl.-Wi.-Ing. Stephan Oelker

The group “System Design and Planning” conducts basic and applied research in the field of production and logistics networks, which can be understood as material flow systems. The field of research comprises the analysis, simulation and optimization of such systems, from supply chains to single production sites. Emphasis is placed on the development of methods for online planning and autonomous control in production and logistics systems.

Data Analytics and Process Optimization

Head of Department: Dr.-Ing. Michael Lütjen

The group “Data Analytics and Process Optimization” deals with data analysis by means of artificial intelligence, e.g. Deep Machine Learning, in manufacturing, assembly, logistics and maintenance. Thereby, processes are analyzed, simulated and optimized using Industry 4.0 technologies. Major activities are the development of assistance systems, process management, condition monitoring, optical quality inspection, and energy management.

Robotics and Automation

Head of Department: Christoph Petzoldt

The group “Robotics and Automation” conceives and develops intelligent and flexible automation solutions for production and logistic processes. This includes the development of robotic systems for cargo handling, highly flexible material handling systems as well as technical assistance systems based on artificial intelligence methods. The emphasis is on the development of adaptive systems and the design of suitable human machine interfaces in order to enable an efficient and economic process automation.