DHL Europe Innovation Center
Launched in 2007, the DHL Europe Innovation Center in Germany is a cutting-edge hub of creativity and forward-thinking activity where the future of logistics is being shaped today. Customers, partners, academia and thought leaders convene around the latest industry innovations with the aim of translating visionary ideas into operational capabilities.
From groundbreaking IoT applications to awe-inspiring automation, the DHL Innovation Center in Germany stands as a testament to DHL's commitment to redefining the very essence of logistics.
€1.6 billion
invested by the EU to support breakthrough technologies in 2023.
$1.26 trillion
is the estimated value of Europe's freight and logistics market size by 2029.
$1.5 trillion
is the size of the AI, IoT and Green Hydrogen market.
38%
of UK companies surveyed said digitilization had a positive impact on their innovation activity.
Explore the DHL Europe Innovation Center in Germany
The Innovation Experience
The DHL Europe Innovation Center in Cologne prides itself on supporting a vibrant and inspirational facility outfitted to make individuals as comfortable as possible during their visit. Innovation leadership and a customer-centric approach specific to visitors’ interests and business needs are key to every experience. Customers, partners, and thought leaders can engage with DHL experts to solve challenges and demonstrate the future of logistics.
Find out more by watching our videos, and request a tour.
Interact With Hands-On Innovation at the DHL Innovation Center in Germany
Visits are tailored to focus areas deemed high interest by customers, such as: automation and efficiency, customer experience, environmental sustainability, health, safety and the future of work, physical and digital security, and visibility and resilience. You will then engage with targeted exhibits arranged by trends to discover innovation opportunities.
Here are a few trends you can interact with up close at the DHL Europe Innovation Center:
Computer Vision and AI
This technology utilizes cameras to capture photos or videos and applies AI algorithms to analyze data from this digital imagery. AI systems are trained to differentiate objects, while more advanced versions can track objects across viewpoints and learn independently. Explore stationary robotics and parcel and pallet dimensioning and sorting innovations paving the way for computer vision and AI in logistics.
Decarbonization
This is the movement towards reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) in the atmosphere. This involves burning less and burning clean to reach carbon neutrality, as well as actively removing existing CO2e in the environment to become carbon-negative. DHL has a suite of GoGreen solutions and a robust ESG roadmap to support customers on their journey to more environmentally sustainable operations. Customers can interact with sustainable materials, test their skills through topical challenges and even see the future of sustainable aviation.
Smartification
Smartification involves retrofitting analog assets with sensor and wireless technologies, making them ‘smart’ and connected, bridging the analog-digital divide. Smartification lets users collect sensor data for analysis, performance measurement, simulations, and data-based decisions. From condition monitoring to asset tracking to real-time visibility and security, there’s an IoT device to fit almost any major visibility goal – and you can explore at the Innovation Center a wide range of sensors to fulfill your smartification goals.
Visitor Testimonials
“To show what one of the big providers is thinking, what are they doing, where we can see with our eyes and not only talk about things – it really brings value.”
Senior Procurement Category Manager, Consumer Packaged Goods industry
Spearheading the Innovation Centers
Eric Vargas is the Head of Innovation Centers, Global and Europe, with forty years of experience in logistics, customer relationships, process design, quality improvement, project management, IT, business development, and the workings of the DHL Group Business Units. He has extensive team leadership experience, proven entrepreneurial skills, and expertise in managing important profit-and-loss units. He is responsible for the operation and positioning of DHL’s Global Innovation Centers and is an innovation ambassador for DHL, leading on customer experience, engagement methodologies, and operational standards for the Innovation Centers.
Eric Vargas, Head of Innovation Centers, Global and Europe
Know Before You Go
The DHL Europe Innovation Center in Germany looks forward to welcoming you to our facility. Here are a few details to consider in advance. Have unanswered questions or want to connect? Email us at dhlinnovationcenter@dhl.com.
