Innovation
Insights
ONE | 2023
Vol. 11

Content
The Digital Warehouse4

Tracking via Sticker

5

Avatour - Experience the World of Logistics without Travelling

6First 40-ton Truck with Hydrogen Power in Operation

7

Logistics4Startups

8

BinPACKER - Playing 3D Tetris in Logistics

9

Fernride Deployment at the DB Schenker Branch in Tilburg

10

Automated E-Commerce Logistics Hub

11

NxtLog - Net-Zero Logistics Network

12

Operations Research in Logistics

13

DB Schenker and MSC secure important Biofuel Deal

14

Computer Vision & Video Analytics in Warehouses and Terminals

15

eTrailers in European Land Transport

16

Reverse Logistics Operations

17

Schenker Ventures Investment Portfolio

18

Contact19

3Innovation Insights

Dear all,Did you know that the ﬁrst 3D printer was invented by
Chuck Hull in 1984? - Hull, developed the stereolithography
technology, which made it possible to print three-dimensional
objects by depositing materials layer by layer for the ﬁrst time.
Today, the 3D printing technology has become an important
tool in many industries, from medicine and aviation to theautomotive industries.
Following this as one of the major trends for logistics, DB
Schenker has developed the ﬁrst digital warehouse in the industry, storing 3D printable spare parts in a digital format. Beyond this, DB Schenker launched and drives forward several
projects and initiatives to foster innovative approaches andshape supply chains in a sustainable, eﬃcient and digitalizedway.
With this edition of Innovation Insights, we would like to give
you further impresssions of innovation and digitalization activities at DB Schenker. Among other projects, our cooperation
with Avatour, the ﬁrst operating 40-ton hydrogen truck and ahighly automated e-commerce logistics hub mark importantmilestones to make DB Schenker future-proof.
We are very pleased to provide you with these and many otherprojects and initiatives currently going on at DB Schenker.
Enjoy reading and always stay #hungryforinnovation
DB Schenker’s Global Innovation Team4

The Digital Warehouse

On-demand-production service by DB Schenker
Supply chain disruptions have been proven an essential risk
factor to many companies over the last few years. Customers
have huge challenges with short term availability and leadtimes, which results in very high costs. In this environment, a
new spare parts solution based on 3D printing is introduced
by DB Schenker to face the supply chain challenges of today:
Digital Warehousing.

parts globally from a network of specialized sub-contractors who build the spare parts for the customer. With its
on-demand production (ODP) service, DB Schenker coordinates
suppliers to make the process seamless for customers and toensure they receive parts on time, at the right location andwith the required quality.
How to start?

But what is digital warehousing? How does it work? And
how can a logistics company apply 3D printing?
The digital warehouse is a concept based on storing parts ina digital format instead of in physical storage. When there isa demand, instead of sending the part physically, the parts canbe sent digitally to a de-central production facility where theparts can be produced on-demand at exactly the amount thatis needed.
On the surface, it is a platform that stores and access data. In
the background, it acts like an independent broker, oﬀering

The ODP team oﬀers a customer consultancy throughout thewhole implementation process in a structured, eﬃcient, andtimely manner. With the so called “part screening” customers
are supported in choosing the right 3D printable parts as well
the digitization of parts. In parallel, ODP’s experienced service
team helps to integrate a complex, global 3D printing ecosystem into existing procurement processes.
What is the current state and the future of digital warehousing at DB Schenker?
One year after the market launch of the digital warehouse,projects with eight diﬀerent companies from the automotive,
railroad and industrial sectors are already ongoing. Currently,
digital warehousing is used in the proﬁtable niche for spareparts. Similar to Amazon, who started by delivering books andexpanded their oﬀering as we know it today, the ODP team
expects to expand its concept. For non-3D-printable parts, itwill be possible to use other technologies for on-demand production services in the future.
Curious to know more? Follow the ODP LinkedIn page or getin contact with jochen.look@dbschenker.com

5

Tracking via Sticker

DB Schenker uses ultra-thin high-tech labels for shipment tracking
Tracking technology as a sticker: DB Schenker is the ﬁrst logistics provider from Europe to oﬀer global tracking of freightshipments with the new ultra-thin tracking label by high-techdeveloper Sensos. The disposable label can be attached tocontainers, pallets, or individual cartons, enabling shipment
tracking for land, air and ocean transport on a single shipment
base.

“We took on the mission to disrupt the world of supply chain
by delivering inﬁnite end-to-end parcel level visibility. Our
solution enables data-driven execution, optimizing logistics
for various use cases. We are grateful to have DB Schenker as
a design partner from the early days, and for their contributionin achieving the product market ﬁt.” Aviv Castro
CEO of Sensos“Tracking technology now ﬁts into a millimeter-thin sticker.
The Sensos label is so small and lightweight that it can be used
for freight of any size. In conjunction with DB Schenker’s IoT
solution connect2track, it oﬀers optimal visibility and condition
monitoring of consignments. This signiﬁcantly improves theexisting oﬀering for our customers and makes tracking evenmore ﬂexible and secure.” David Pollender - Product Owner
Business Development IoT at DB Schenker

Real time data with tracking via sticker
The label sends real-time data about location and temperature
over the mobile network. The customer receives an alert if the
package is tampered with during transport. The unobtrusive
design of the label increases security for valuable consignments
as it does not draw attention, and the tracking remains undetected. The disposable label is equipped with a lithium-freebattery that emits less CO2 in production than conventional
batteries and achieves runtimes of up to six months despite
its small size. Due to its low weight, the label consumes lessenergy during transportation, and return shipping is no longer
necessary. DB Schenker was one of the ﬁrst design partnersof Sensos, a group company of the Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, and contributed to the product oﬀering. As
part of this process, the global logistics service provider helped
deﬁne requirements and tested the Sensos solution in a pilot
phase with land and air freight prototypes.
DB Schenker’s Internet-of-Things platform connect2track enables customers to monitor a consignment’s location andcondition (e.g. temperature and humidity). It oﬀers a continuously calculated estimated time of arrival based on real-time
data, increased security through opening alarms and increased
eﬃciency through supply chain optimization.

6

Avatour - Experience the World of Logistics
without Traveling
DB Schenker is pioneering VR warehouse tours
Innovation has always been a part of our DNA. Therefore, DB
Schenker has partnered with Avatour to continuously add value
to our customers worldwide. Exceeding a standard video conference, Avatour provides remote users with the power of thefull picture and the freedom to choose their point of view
within a VR session. The platform uses real-time mobile 360°
video capture technology that can be accessed easily via devices like laptops and VR goggles. Using your own ‘avatar’, thetechnology allows participants to get close to the operations
and interact with up to 25 other participants in one session.
Since 2021, DB Schenker has successfully oﬀered Avatour to
25+ top customers covering more than 30+ sites in 25
countries.

By improving the health and safety of the employees as wellas partners, while reducing the carbon footprint, DB Schenker
contributes to achieving the corporate ESG vision.

There are two diﬀerent streams of conducting VR tours — live
and recorded. The beneﬁt is that Avatour is oﬀered as an exclusive service to top customers and train operational staﬀ
virtually, which diﬀerentiates DB Schenker from thecompetition.

Who to contact in case of a demand?
Hassan Sabeeh
Customer Experience (CX) / Marketing
Global Contract Logistics
Email: hassan.tariq.sabeeh@dbschenker.com“Great tool to use, especially under current circumstances”– Unilever, UAE“Fantastic tool and a great opportunity to visit the operations
and see our site again after two years. But also, after “Corona,”
it will be easy to understand and share topics from the shop
ﬂoor level by doing virtual Gemba walks” – Hilti, Poland
Click here to ﬁnd out more about Avatour.

7First 40-ton Truck with Hydrogen Powerin Operation
DB Schenker starts into the hydrogen era
DB Schenker is the ﬁrst logistics service provider in Germany
to operate a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in the 40-tonclass.
DB Schenker celebrated the next milestone in their mission
for green logistics with the start of the ﬁrst hydrogen-powered
semitrailer tractor approved for regular operations in Germany. The fuel cell truck is retroﬁt by Hyzon and is being operated
by DB Schenker’s Cologne branch for daily service between
Cologne, Germany and Eupen, Belgium.
The Hyzon semitrailer tractor has a range around 400 kilometers. It also comes with another beneﬁt, being that it can berefueled within around 15 minutes.
The hydrogen era for DB Schenker
Fuel cell electric vehicles are a part of the DB Schenker strategy
to decarbonize land transport. The collaboration with partners
on this topic is key to get more hydrogen on the roads. Withno vehicles, there was no economic basis to establish infrastructure, without infrastructure, it wasn’t sensible to invest
in vehicles. Together with its partners DB Schenker was able
to end this cycle by ordering and now beginning to operate
fuel cell electric vehicles. This truck is an exciting opportunity
for DB Schenker to help pioneer the future of landtransport.

8

Logistics4Startups

Get logistics right - from the start
Logistics4Startups is a DB Schenker initiative to support startups’ logistics as their logistics partner of choice. The programis speciﬁcally designed for the needs of emerging companies
allowing them to concentrate on their core activities.
The experts at Logistics4Startups oﬀer the right mix of tools
and support to build a sustainable logistics system. This service
allows startups to achieve higher customer satisfaction, increased market growth and higher chances to outperform
competitors. Whether startups cope with single item transports
or large-scale shipments, the focus is on providing startup-tailored services. This implies agile and customizable solutions
to be able to react to changing needs. From a corporate perspective, the advantages are evident as Logistics4Startups
makes DB Schenker future-proof by winning the large customers
of tomorrow. While tracking the logistics needs of startups,
the program also serves as early indicator for market trends.
Overall, Logistics4Startups contributes to the positioning of
DB Schenker as innovation leader. Therefore, the center of the
program are startups with high growth potential and developed
prototypes focusing on hardware solutions.
Currently, the program concentrates on Germany in collaboration with Field Sales Germany Güstrow. The next steps include the extension of the project scope within Europe. Alreadytoday, Logistics4Startups connects creative leaders and strives
logistics excellence, paving the way for more innovative operations. Following the guiding principle “You have dreams – We
have the means” this program holds the potential to establish
mutually beneﬁcial partnerships for the future.
Reach out to startups@dbschenker.com in case you are interested or have further questions!

9

BinPACKER – Playing 3D Tetris in Logistics

Using algorithms for optimized use of transport units
Tetris is probably one of the most popular computer games of
all time. The perfect stacking of diﬀerently sized objects withina certain time has indeed much in common with logistics andour work. The in-house developed BinPACKER tool combines
Tetris and logistics and helps us to become even more
eﬃcient.

Why BinPACKER?
One of the biggest challenges in transportation is the optimaluse of a transport unit such as a container, truck, or pallet andthus, the minimization of empty space. This has a direct impact
on transportation costs and CO2 emissions. Packages can be
stuﬀed in various ways, and the theoretical number of combinations increases signiﬁcantly with the number of packages
and the types of equipment available.

In addition, there may be dependencies in the combination of
goods that must be considered. Planning all this manuallyrequires an enormous eﬀort and a lot of time.
How does it work?
BinPACKER automates these tasks by means of optimization
algorithms. This does not only lead to better results and thus,
to a reduction of empty space and transportation costs but
also reduces the manual planning eﬀort considerably.
The BinPACKER is made for various user groups working inplanning, operations, or on quotations. In addition to container
load planning, BinPACKER can be used for other applications
such as the calculation of truck loading meters or palletizingof unit loads or mixed loads.
The optimization algorithms of BinPACKER are embedded ina user-friendly web-based tool with interactive 3D visualizations. An API supports the integration with transport or warehouse management systems and other applications.
Watch the video to discover how the BinPACKER solution
optimizes the use of transport units.

10

Fernride Deployment at the DB Schenker Branchin Tilburg
DB Schenker integrates teleoperated shunting truck into their yard processes
In the last eight months, the Global Innovation project teamconducted a deployment with the startup Fernride at the DB
Schenker land transport branch in Tilburg. The aim of thisdeployment was to integrate a teleoperated shunting truck fortrailers into the yard processes and operate it for four weeks
in an 8-hour shift. Combining the skills of truck drivers withautonomous technologies, teleoperation is the remote control
of automated or manual vehicles using the cellular network.
It enables human intervention and assistance of the vehicle
from afar.
Before starting the operational phase of the deployment, several preparatory steps were necessary. Firstly, a thoroughprocess analysis was conducted to identify and evaluate thenecessary conﬁguration requirements for the truck. Subsequently, the truck was customized according to the speciﬁed
requirements with focus on safe operations. The third phaseof the pilot started earlier this year with the arrival of the truckin Tilburg.

The deployment was facilitated by setting up the system on-site
and testing its functionality. During the four-week operative
testing phase, the remotely controlled truck received productive
transportation orders and carried out shunting activities alongside manually operated trucks, demonstrating its technical andoperational feasibility.
Over the course of the four-week period, the success criteria
and predeﬁned key performance indicators (KPIs) were consistently met. As a result, the deployment was deemed successful with notable achievements. It has proven the feasibilityof the technology during rush hours, mixed & heavy traﬃc andsnowstorms with all tasks carried out successfully, on time andwithout any accidents.
In March, a demo day was conducted in Tilburg to conclude
the deployment, showcase the technology and present theresults to the Land Transport Management team. As a next
step, DB Schenker and Fernride are currently evaluating possible further steps for a rollout.

11

Automated E-Commerce Logistics Hub

DB Schenker implements groundbreaking e-commerce logistics hub in Spain
The operations in the 50,000 m2 state-of-the-art warehousein Guadalajara have started with 150 employees on newly
created jobs, more than 200 robots and an optimized packaging
system. The site is equipped with a Goods-to-Person picking
system to handle around 55,000 units per day using Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) provided by Geek+, the global
leader in AMR technology. The system features innovative
pick-and-pack solutions for a fast and ﬂexible online-order
fulﬁllment and eﬃciently deal with returns.
Alfredo Alcalá, DB Schenker’s Contract Logistics ProductManager in Iberia, said: “DB Schenker is committed to serving
the e-commerce sector with its innovative power and provenreliability. The automated solutions of our Guadalajara operations were installed in a record time of only four months andalready proved their stability and ﬂexibility around Black Friday
and the Christmas season. We are proud to meet the expectations and the conﬁdence of a customer as important asadidas.”

An automated conveyor system ensures on-time processing
and fast delivery times to establish the best customer experience for adidas, a global leader in the sporting goods industry
and DB Schenker’s leading customer in this site. In order to
optimize the volume of parcels and utilization of transport
vehicles, packaging is adjusted to the exact size of the productthat is shipped through an automated solution. This results in
reduced CO2 emissions throughout distribution.
A privileged and sustainable location
The logistics hub is certiﬁed ‘BREEAM Very Good’, aligningwith sustainability as a strategic priority for DB Schenker,
which seeks to grow in an environmentally friendly way andis committed to innovative and low-impact digital solutions.
Among other features designed to protect natural resources,
the warehouse combines skylights with high-tech LED systems
and natural ventilation.
The state-of-the-art warehouse is situated in the Henares industrial park, strategically located 50 kilometers from Adolfo
Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport and 60 kilometers from thecenter of Madrid with a connection to the main A2 and R2
highways. In addition, the ﬂexibility of the warehouse design
and technology, hightech automation systems, plus the creationof jobs make it an excellent reference in Spain and Europe.
Watch the video about how DB Schenker innovates e-commerce
logistics.

12

NxtLog
Net-Zero Logistics Networks
Sign up for a free trial now!
Transport emissions contribute signiﬁcantly to climate change.
As companies will soon be required to report on their emissions, it is crucial for them to reduce their impact on theenvironment.
That’s where NxtLog comes in – this innovative solution combines existing transport data, decades of sustainability knowledge, and cutting-edge technology to create net-zero transport
networks for DB Schenker customers. A pilot with a leading
semiconductor company showed a CO2 emission reduction
potential of 6,000 tons of CO2e WTW (20% of all emissions)in just 60,000 transports done in 2021. And it’s not only aboutsustainability - reducing emissions can also lead to cost savings
and improved supply chain eﬃciency. With NxtLog, you canhave it all.

With NxtLog, you can:– Analyze: Get a clear overview of your transport emissions,costs, and lead times, across multiple transport modes:
air, ocean truck and rail freight as well as all your trade
lanes– Recommend: Receive recommendations from sustainability experts on how to make your transport network
net-zero.
– Reduce: Reduce your emissions and contribute to a moresustainable future.
– Report: Share your sustainability activities and progresswith all your stakeholders, clients, investors, employees,
and others– Save: Spend less on CO2 certiﬁcates by having a ISO
certiﬁed calculation for your emissions.

And the best part? Getting started with NxtLog is easy - all
you need is your transport data. Whether you’re using road,rail, sea, or air freight, simply provide your start location, end
location, freight weight and mode of transport - NxtLog takes
care of the rest.
So why wait? Sign up on www.nxtlog.ai for a free trial of
NxtLog today and see the impact it can make for yourbusiness.
Contact Tom Schneider (tom.schneider@nxtlog.ai) for more
information and start your journey towards a more carbon
neutral transport network.

13

Operations Research in Logistics

What is Operations Research?
Operations Research (OR) has a long tradition of reducing
costs and improving the quality of logistics solutions by applying advanced analytical methodology. The combination oftools from multiple disciplines, such as discrete mathematics,
statistics, and computer science, helps solving complex planning and decision-making problems. For this, business requirements are translated into mathematical expressions, and thesolution of the corresponding mathematical model can betransformed back into automatized and optimal business decisions. OR is mostly concerned with optimization models
which prescribe behavior for an organization that will enable
it to meet its goal. Typical applications in logistics are in theareas of network design and optimization, load consolidation,
vehicle routing and ﬂeet sizing, and load/packing
optimization.
Selected Operations Research Use Case at DB Schenker
Within Territory Allocation (TALL) cost-optimal allocation ofareas to terminals are determined. Such an allocation decreases
total mileage and guarantees a balanced terminal utilization.
Typically, it increases productivity while simultaneously reducing cost. Multiple variables, such as shipment volume, terminal
locations, and vehicle costs must be taken into account toobtain a wise decision. Therefore, DB Schenker is continuously
developing and improving a cutting-edge network design tool
for TALL. Not only the question of assigning postal codes toterminals can be answered by TALL but also the question of
how many terminals should be operated, what their capacity
should be and where they should be located.
DB Schenker applies OR methodology in further various use
cases for diﬀerent DB Schenker business units, business partners, and international customers.

14

DB Schenker and MSC secure important
Biofuel Deal
Expansion of sustainable ocean freight oﬀerings for DB Schenker customers
February 2023 marked a new agreement between DB Schenker
and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). In the ﬁrst-of
its-kind agreement DB Schenker has secured from MSC an
arrangement to use 12,000 metric tons of biofuel component
for parts of its own less-than-container load (LCL), full-container-load(FCL) and refrigerated containers (reefercontainers).
This deal represents one of the largest carbon-insetting biofuel deals ever signed between a freight forwarder and ashipping company. The purchased amount is enough to savean additional 35,000 metric tons of CO2e along the entire
production chain (well-to-wake) in 2023.

This deal will utilize certiﬁed sustainable second-generation
biofuels which are derived from used cooking oil, unlike conventional fossil-based marine fuel. The purchased 12,000
metric tons of biofuel component will be blended between
20-30%, resulting in approximately 50,000 metric tons ofblended biofuel to be used in MCS’s container ships.
Biofuel can be used for regular ocean freight operations without
making any adjustments to the ship infrastructure or the supply
chains, which makes it a convenient next step in the processof making ocean freight more environmental-friendly as it is
not emitting any additional carbon dioxide to the atmosphere(net zero).
The agreement aids in DB Schenker’s continuous expansionof its sustainable ocean freight oﬀerings for customers. DB
Schenker is able to oﬀer its customers the ability to book
regular net-zero ocean transport and receive an annual certificate of their emissions reduction for their carbon footprint.
The partnership between MSC and DB Schenker is one way DB
Schenker is showing commitment to clean logistics and contributing to increasing the demand for alternative fuels in theindustry.

15

Computer Vision & Video Analytics in Warehouses
and Terminals
DB Schenker pilots video analytics technology to track moving objects
Video analytics is the future of technology. To beneﬁt from it
across all business units, DB Schenker decided to build up
in-house capabilities and has developed a solution for locating
and tracking objects like pallets or trucks based on visual information and deep learning algorithms. Pilots have been initiated in a joint Fraunhofer and DB Schenker Enterprise Lab
project.
How does it work?
Already today, thousands of cameras are recording DB Schenker’s operations. However, only a fraction of this material isbeing leveraged, mainly on a manual and backward-looking
basis. Video analytics facilitates fast decision-making by capturing visual information and transforming it into quantitative
insights without any human intervention. This is done in a waythat is compliant with local data protection regulations.

Selected use cases at DB Schenker
Land Transport: At the gates of multiple groupage terminals,
cameras collect information about departing/arriving trucks.
The pilot solution works in real-time and detects license plates,intermodal loading unit (ILU) codes, truck type, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the DB Schenker corporate
identity. This automatically generated information supports
decision-making and creates valuable KPIs on the yard
operations.
Contract Logistics: From the ceiling of a pilot warehouse,cameras detect and track all pallets in the inbound area. Thistransparency on the pallet ﬂow enables shift leaders and forklift
drivers to prioritize pallets for put-away into the storage racks.
This solution streamlines operational processes and reduces
the risk of line stoppage for DB Schenker’s customers.
However, it does not stop here! Video analytics use cases canbe found wherever cameras can capture visual information ofoperational processes. This technology will therefore represent
a key component of DB Schenker’s vision of a digital twin thatallows for an eﬃcient steering of operations in real-time.

16

eTrailers in European Land Transport

A cooperation with Trailer Dynamics and Krone Commercial Vehicle GroupIn October 2022 DB Schenker signed a cooperation agreementwith Trailer Dynamics and the Krone Commercial Vehicle Groupfor the use of eTrailers in European land transport. These
trailers have an electric drive train to support the drive of the
tractor unit, when in use. The trailer is able to determine thedriving dynamics of the tractor and trailer in combination andthrough a specially developed component that uses a patented
sensor system to readjust the eTrailer to support the tractor
unit. The eTrailer’s drive control operates independently fromthe tractor to ensure no interference. These trailers will beusable with tractor units from all manufactures powered bya variety of fuel types including diesel, gas, electric, and hydrogen. Tests in the DB Schenker network will continue over
the year, with the ﬁeld trial beginning before summer.
In spring 2023, a joint ﬁeld test was conducted and concretesavings in diesel consumption during real operations could beveriﬁed for the ﬁrst time. The savings varied depending on the
topography or the type of route but a diesel consumption
savings between 24 and 55 percent was shown.

eTrailer Beneﬁts
In addition to the reduced fuel consumption of conventional
diesel tractors, eTrailers bring many beneﬁts including reduced
emissions, and the ability to extend the range of electric trucks
by up to 500 km, depending on the use case. The trailer’s
electric drive train allows energy to be recovered during breaking and thus allows for energy optimization. The spring test
also showed that the total consumption of electrical and fossil
energy and thus the savings in diesel requirements can be
precisely predicted. The calculated savings in advance of a
tour, showed that the deviations in calculations were less than
one percent.
Essential Components
There are four essential components of the eTrailer. The patented sensor system which allows for real-time control andadjustments of the eTrailers. The Lithium-Iron Phosphate
Battery system that allows the trailer to be fully electric. The
eAxel system that allows for drive assist and energy recuperation and the Control unit with the on-board charger.

17

Reverse Logistics Operations

DB Schenker joins the Reverse Logistics Association
DB Schenker has joined the Reverse Logistics Association (RLA)
as a diamond member, with this membership DB Schenker isadding to their portfolio oﬀerings and focusing on sustainability
in contract logistics.

avoids unnecessary waste. This allows for the reuse and regeneration of goods and resources already harvested.

What is Reverse Logistics?

The RLA is the only authoritative body for best practices related
to reverse logistics. It is a member-driven global trade association for the returns and reverse industry. Their goal is toprovide education and information to professionals in theindustry and act as a voice of the reverse industry. The RLA
oﬀers information, research, solutions, and facilitates networking within the industry. DB Schenker is excited to utilize thisnew membership for contribution to its sustainability ambitions and the ability to enable customers to reach theirs.

Reverse Logistics is the process in the supply chain that deals
with the return of supplied goods. It is a logistics process foundwithin a circular economy model. Reverse Logistics includes
any product being returned by the end-user, inward disposalof packing materials, or recycling of a sold product. There are
diﬀerent types of Reverse Logistics which include: returns,
remanufacturing, refurbishing, packaging, unsold goods, endof-life, rentals & leasing or repairs & maintenance.

About the Reverse Logistics Association

Reverse Logistics and Circular Economy at DB Schenker
A circular economy supported by reverse logistics has many
beneﬁts. Keeping resources in the loop for longer avoids theemissions and resources needed to make new products while
simultaneously keeping goods out of landﬁlls after one use

Being a diamond member of the RLA allows DB Schenker tohave greater participation in shaping the future of logistics
within a circular economy. The company has the know-how
and experience in returns and reverse logistics through operations for key customers especially in the electronics industry.
Annually, DB Schenker processes more than 2 million returnsof electronic devices and oﬀers modular reverse management
operations to provide one-stop-shop for its customers.
Currently, DB Schenker oﬀers reverse logistics and value-added
services in their warehouses to contribute to a circular economy. The current oﬀer focuses on returns initiation, returns
processing and repairs processing solutions for electronics andconsumer / retail industries, but is planning to expand its
horizons to other vertical markets as well.

18

Schenker Ventures Investment Portfolio
www.schenker-ventures.com

Fernride
Fernride is transforming logistics into a sustainable and automated process by developing
leading-edge technology thathelps humans and machines collaborate in the industry. The
unique approach of autonomous& electric yard trucking allows
truck drivers to remote control
trucks.

Liefergrün
Liefergrün is revolutionizing thecourier, express, parcel (CEP)
market. They are turning the last
mile of parcel delivery into asustainable and high-quality
experience for the end consumer. Liefergrün’s customers arelarge retailers that prioritize theend consumer as well as theenvironment.

LaserhubLaserhub is the leading industrial procurement platform and is
disrupting the custom manufacturing market. The startup radically simpliﬁes the procurement
process for custom metalparts. The automated, digitalplatform covers orders for laser
cutting, bending, tube laser
cutting and CNC turning.

Warehousing1
Warehousing1 is a logistics-techstartup in the ecommerce fulﬁllment space with one of thelargest networks in Europe.
Warehousing1 provides ecommerce and retail brands withsuitable warehouse logistics
solutions at any location, enabling them to manage their
fulﬁllment digitally.

GideonGideon Brothers is a robotics
engineering company basedin Europe, providing intelligent
material handling solutions powered by AI and 3D. Their vision-driven autonomous mobile
robots make indoor and outdoor
operations more eﬃcient byautomating and orchestratingcomplex industrial workﬂows.

Volocopter
Volocopter is building theworld’s ﬁrst sustainable andscalable urban air mobility business to bring aﬀordable air taxi
services to megacities worldwide. Volocopter is also developing products for the logistics
sector with their heavy-lift cargodrone, the VoloDrone.

#hungryforinnovation
innovation@dbschenker.com