HumAInLog

City of Vienna Competence Team Human-Centred Technology and AI Assistance in Delivery and Transport Logistics (HumAInLog)

Delivery and transportation logistics face major challenges. Rising delivery volumes, increasing time pressure and high physical strain characterize the daily work of many employees. At the same time, new technologies – particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and digital assistance systems – are creating new opportunities to make work processes more efficient, safer and more sustainable.

The HumAInLog research project investigates how human-centered technologies and AI-supported assistance systems can help improve working conditions in delivery and transportation logistics. The focus is on the needs of the people who work in logistics every day. The project combines technological innovation with the principles of digital humanism and aims to harness the potential of new technologies in a responsible, sustainable and practical way.

Sponsor: City of Vienna MA 23 – Economy, Labor and Statistics
Project period: 01.06.2025 to 31.05.2028
Project duration: 36 months

Gefördert von MA 23 Stadt Wien

Contact

Institute for Digital Transformation and Strategy (IDS)

DI Alexander Schmid

Project Leader
City of Vienna Competence Team Human-Centred Technology and AI Assistance in Delivery and Transport Logistics

Tel.: +43 690 40 476 167

Project Description

HumAInLog is a competence team funded by the City of Vienna (MA 23) for research at FHWien der WKW and based at the Institute for Digital Transformation and Strategy (IDS) within the Department of Digital Economy. Building on many years of research experience in the fields of digital transformation, logistics, the circular economy and AI applications, the project investigates the use of modern technologies in delivery and transport logistics.

A particular focus is on how AI-based assistance systems, sensor technology and digital analysis methods can reduce the physical strain on employees while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of logistics processes. To this end, various application areas are examined—from loading and unloading processes to the ergonomic design of workflows and intelligent route planning.

To support the research, a logistics laboratory will be established and further developed. There, new technologies can be tested, trialed and evaluated in collaboration with industry partners. The research is conducted in close cooperation with companies and other relevant stakeholders from the Vienna economic region to develop solutions that are both scientifically sound and immediately applicable.

The findings will be shared through scientific publications and international academic discourse, as well as through workshops, lectures and practical sessions with companies and interested parties. Furthermore, the research results will be integrated into teaching and will contribute to the training of future professionals in the fields of human-centered technologies and AI-supported logistics.

Project Goals

The HumAInLog project has the following objectives:

To investigate the opportunities, challenges and requirements associated with the use of human-centered technologies and AI systems in delivery and transportation logistics.
To develop approaches for improving ergonomics, safety and quality of work through digital assistance systems.
To research AI-supported solutions for optimizing loading and unloading processes as well as logistics workflows.
Analyzing and testing innovative methods for the ergonomic design of workplaces and work processes, taking gender and diversity aspects into account.

Developing intelligent approaches to route and path optimization with the goal of increasing efficiency, sustainability and resource conservation.
Establishing a practice-oriented research and innovation environment for companies and organizations in the field of logistics.
Strengthening knowledge transfer between research, industry and academia, and promoting the development of expertise in the field of AI-supported and human-centered logistics.

HumAInLog thus contributes to shaping a sustainable logistics system in which technological innovation and human needs are given equal consideration.