When people talk today about modern logistics, automated material flows, or intelligent robotics, there’s hardly any way around the Institute for Conveyor Technology and Logistics Systems (IFL) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany. The institute looks back on an extraordinary history: Its roots date back to 1901, making it one of the most time-honored institutions of its kind worldwide.
The history of the IFL began with the establishment of the Chair of Lifting and Transport Machinery at what was then the Technical University of Karlsruhe by engineer Georg Benoit. This chair is considered the first of its kind in the world. Even back then, the focus was on issues related to the transport of goods, the design of conveyor systems, and technical efficiency. Over the decades, the institute continued to evolve and adapted its research priorities to the needs of industry and society.
Following the severe destruction of World War II, the institute had to be almost completely rebuilt. Under the leadership of Hermann Donandt, the reconstruction was successfully completed. At the same time, new fields of research were explored, particularly in the areas of elevator technology and conveying technology for bulk materials. In the decades that followed, figures such as Erich Bahke and Dieter Arnold played a decisive role in shaping the institute’s development. Under their leadership, the focus shifted increasingly from pure machine design to a holistic approach to material flow and logistics. Topics such as simulation, warehousing technology, distribution centers, and automated material flow systems took center stage.
An important milestone was the move to the institute’s current building in 2000. The modern laboratories and test facilities made it possible to conduct research under conditions that closely mimic real-world scenarios. Since 2005, the institute has been shaped by Kai Furmans, who has expanded the areas of production and distribution logistics in particular. Today, the IFL conducts research in areas such as Industry 4.0 applications, autonomous robotic systems, artificial intelligence, sustainable logistics processes, and the optimization of complex material flows.
The IFL’s significance extends far beyond the realm of science. Many of the institute’s developments are directly incorporated into industrial applications. Companies benefit from these research findings when planning logistics centers, automating warehouse processes, or deploying mobile robots. Furthermore, the institute has been training highly qualified engineers for generations, many of whom now hold leading positions in industry. Close collaboration with companies and industry associations has played a key role in establishing the IFL’s outstanding reputation both nationally and internationally.
The institute’s anniversary is therefore much more than a look back at an impressive history. It demonstrates how continuous research, innovative strength, and close industry partnerships have helped shape the development of material handling and logistics over more than a century. At a time when supply chains, automation, and sustainable logistics are becoming increasingly important, the IFL remains a key driving force behind the logistics of tomorrow.
TUP as the First Spin-off
TUP was the first spin-off from the IFL 46 years ago; and the history of the IFL and TUP shows that strong connections extend far beyond shared roots. They are sustained by people who, over decades, share knowledge, build trust, and actively foster exchange between academia and industry.
The fact that this connection endures to this day was also evident at the anniversary celebration: Dr. Meike Kramer, a member of our executive board, personally conveyed her congratulations. She knows the IFL from her own experience—before joining TUP, she headed the Department of Storage and Conveyor Technology there. She thus exemplifies the close collaboration that has linked both institutions for many years.
Some partnerships span generations. The one between KIT’s IFL and TUP is one of them. We extend our heartfelt congratulations on the 125th anniversary and look forward to many more years of mutual exchange and collaboration.
Other IFL spin-offs include:
