Inhaltstyp: Article

This study examines the contribution of natural building materials, in particular loam and wood, to the sustainable development of logistics infrastructure, assessing ecological, economic, and technical dimensions across the entire life cycle. Potentials, restrictions, and supportive framework conditions are identified based on literature analyses and expert interviews. Wood proves to be technically mature and ecologically advantageous, especially in high rack construction, while loam offers high potential for energy- and resource-efficient construction. The study concludes with recommendations for research, policy, and practice to establish circular construction methods in logistics.

Production in space, of semiconductors for example, offers many advantages for companies. At the same time, high transport costs mean that careful consideration must be given to the production materials being transported. The use of Kalman filters enables (real-time) control from Earth, making space production a cost-efficient option. Machine learning could make it a viable approach even for highly complex production systems.

Learning and skill-enhancing work designs are essential for new work and organizational concepts such as “learning organizations” and “Industry 4.0.” Developing and applying criteria for promoting learning and skills development in digitally transformed work environments enables more effective and efficient work processes, makes work more people-centered, and the AI-based future of work more manageable. Digitalization is also introducing work-integrated learning formats such as online communities, learning platforms, and digital cognitive assistance systems that already meet many of these criteria. In the future, designing work environments that promote learning and skills development will become a central task of corporate training and personnel and organizational development.

Production is leaving Earth. As access to space becomes increasingly affordable and reliable, the idea of manufacturing in space is evolving from science fiction to a real industrial strategy. In this interview, Jan Wörner, who has headed not only the German Aerospace Center (DLR) but also the European Space Agency (ESA) for many years, talks about strategic opportunities and regulatory challenges.

Electric trucks (e-trucks) play an important role in reducing CO₂ emissions especially on short distances in pre and post-carriage in combined road-rail freight transport (CT). Using the example of a CT terminal, this article highlights the logistical and energy challenges involved in using e-trucks to establish suitable charging infrastructures and ensuring a reliable power supply.

Due to its weightlessness, space offers enormous opportunities for production. The unique conditions of microgravity, for example, can simplify the development of organs and tissues from the body's own stem cells, allowing therapies to be developed in a more targeted manner. Even though many independent initiatives are currently emerging to explore this and other potential applications, their success is not a foregone conclusion.