MIT unveils a new AI research lab with Mecalux to innovate logistics.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Transportation & Logistics (MIT CTL) has established the Intelligent Logistics Systems Lab to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in logistics. This initiative is supported by seed funding from Mecalux, a leading intralogistics company.
The lab aims to address complex logistics challenges with state-of-the-art AI and ML methods. This collaboration merges MIT’s academic prowess with Mecalux’s practical expertise, promising groundbreaking advancements in logistics operations and goods transport. Over the coming years, Mecalux’s technical experts will contribute their knowledge to support this venture.
Dr. Matthias Winkenbach, Director of Research at MIT CTL, will lead the lab. He emphasises the goal of applying AI and ML to tackle significant real-world problems in the logistics sector. The lab’s research will focus on developing accurate near-term predictive tools crucial for services like same-day delivery.
Javier Carrillo, CEO of Mecalux, highlights the importance of integrating autonomous technologies into warehouse processes to achieve operational excellence. The lab will explore the role of AI in managing autonomous transport and delivery systems, as well as automating warehouse operations such as picking, sorting, and shipping.
Additionally, the lab will develop hybrid methods combining operations research and ML to solve complex combinatorial optimization problems essential for vehicle routing, inventory planning, and network design. This research is expected to set new industry standards in customer service, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
