Project phase 2024-2026

Subproject A: NE:ONE® Ecosystem

The subproject A is driving the digital transformation of the air cargo industry, in particular through the implementation of the ONE Record standard for improved communication along the supply chain. The NE:ONE® ecosystem will set a new benchmark with a fully integrated end-to-end ONE Record solution, especially for eCommerce logistics.
The NE:ONE® open source software will be further developed to provide international developers and users with an up-to-date, expandable solution for the use of ONE Record. Another goal of the project is to integrate external stakeholders into the ONE Record data flow to optimize collaboration between the air freight industry and authorities. In addition, a universal ONE Record QR code will be developed to replace paper-based processes as a standardized label, and the NE:ONE® will be expanded to increase efficiency and data integrity along the supply chain. The expansion of the SmartPouch, an IoT device for shipment tracking, and the development of a digital avatar create a basis for real-time transparency and simulation of supply chain processes, especially for eCommerce.

Subproject Lead: Fraunhofer IML

 

Subproject B: Predictive Analytics

The subproject B uses state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics to increase operational efficiency. It introduces AI-powered compliance checks specifically tailored to e-commerce and uses Explainable AI models for transparency in decision-making. By implementing AI-powered forecasting, the system can accurately predict freight volumes and optimize resource management. The Predictive Analytics sub-project is designed to ensure resilience and efficiency and prepare the air cargo industry for future requirements with improved accuracy and reliability.
Subproject Lead: Fraunhofer IML

 

Subproject C: Autonomous Air Cargo

The subproject C takes a holistic approach to automating air freight handling by looking at the interaction between the apron and the warehouse. In the long term, the project is aimed at heterogeneous robot fleets that handle a large part of the daily freight business. These robots communicate according to modern data standards and are coordinated by control center systems. This allows freight handling to be standardized internationally, which increases efficiency and reduces human error. The project pursues three main approaches: The development of a new robot that addresses the entire air cargo ground handling process, the implementation of simulations to investigate the use of robots and the further development of the control systems that interact with the airport IT.
Subproject Lead: Fraunhofer IML

 

Project phase 2021-2024

Subproject 1: Data Hub & Digital Avatar

Subproject 1 stands for the vision of a future-oriented data hub between the operational stakeholders.

As a basis for this, the relevant processes at an air cargo location, but also all necessary upstream and downstream processes and possible services are considered. This is intended to achieve improved control and thus also improved usage of resources/capacities. The data hub represents a kind of link between all other sub-projects 2-6 as well as all participants in the air cargo transport chain, considering national and international initiatives such as that of the IATA ONE Records or the eFTI. With the Avatar, we use this data to make informed decisions based on simulations and thus increase efficiency and resilience for Germany as an air cargo location.

Subproject leader: Fraunhofer IML

Runtime: September 2021 – August 2024 (36 months)

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Subproject 2: Smart-Pouch and IoT

The smart pouch is the continuation of the digitisation of accompanying documents, which is based on Subproject 1 and includes the IATA ONE Record standard. The digital pouch uses an interface to the data hub and contains all the necessary consignment-related data or allows these to be specifically and specifically retrieved. The digital cargo pouch makes handling instructions available in real time on the shop floor, generates new data records and transmits them to the required stakeholders. It thus demonstrates the IoT concept in air cargo handling and establishes it as a standard.

Subproject leader: Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

Runtime: September 2021 – August 2023 (24 months)


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Subproject 3: Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics is the basis for intelligent and automated resource planning that uses historical data combined with machine learning to make predictions about future events. For example, peak loads (seasonal peaks, global events) can be identified at an early stage and countermeasures can be taken in advance to avoid overloads and bottlenecks at an early stage.

Subproject leader: Fraunhofer IML

Runtime: March 2022 – May 2024 (33 months)

 

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Subproject 4: Digital Site Logistics

Subproject 4 develops a validated logistics concept at the airport site to expand the upcoming service portfolio of air cargo handlers for the intelligent integrative use of existing resources and technical infrastructures (e.g., for terminal supply) at the airport site and to increase economic efficiency, sustainability and resilience to fluctuating demand.

Subproject leader: Fraunhofer IML

Runtime: November 2021 – Oktober 2023 (24 months)


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Subproject 5: Autonomous Outdoor Freight Transport

Subproject 5 comprises the analysis, development and testing of autonomous air cargo transports, as well as the improvement of relevant interfaces to the upstream and downstream handling processes under special safety aspects and requirements on the air side with integration and consideration of the land side. The use of driverless transport systems makes the transports more plannable, as the information about freight pick-up and drop-off is available in near-real-time. Waiting and search times are thus eliminated.

Subproject leader: Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

Runtime: March 2022 – August 2024 (30 months)

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Subproject 6: Autonomous Air Cargo Warehouse Handling

Autonomous air cargo warehouse handling implies the development of a basic, market-oriented and scalable solution for automated / autonomous handling processes in the air cargo terminal in response to increasing challenges due to industry growth and skills shortages. In addition, the embedding in the overall process is aimed at and demonstrated in a selected use case.

Subproject leader: Fraunhofer IML

Runtime January 2022 – March 2024


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