DHL Group has opened a new Innovation Centre in Troisdorf, Germany, located between Bonn and Cologne. The new centre replaces the previous one dating back to 2007. It supports the development and practical application of technologies that make supply chains smarter, more sustainable and more resilient. It also acts as a platform for collaboration with customers, startups, knowledge institutions and industrial partners.
Covering an area of 5,360 square metres, the centre showcases DHL's latest innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, Internet of Things (IoT) and sustainable technologies. The innovation centre is in line with DHL's strategy, which focuses on smart growth, emissions reduction and digital transformation.
"Innovation is driving our transformation," says Katja Busch, chief commercial officer at DHL and head of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation (CSI). "The new DHL Europe Innovation Centre stimulates collaboration, growth and redefines what is possible in logistics by turning ideas into impact. Here, together with our customers, partners and employees, we create the future of logistics."
The building is made entirely of wood and runs entirely on renewable energy, allowing it to operate without greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it an example of DHL Group's integrated sustainability approach. From the choice of natural materials to smart energy systems and low-emission construction methods, every aspect has been designed to minimise environmental impact, in line with the DGNB Platinum certification, one of the highest sustainability standards for green buildings in Europe.
The centre can host up to 400 visitors and features a flexible, modular layout that easily adapts to different events and workshops. It also houses the DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation team, which plays a key role in the Group's global innovation agenda.
Customer-centric innovation strategy
The technologies at the innovation centre align with key trends identified in the DHL Logistics Trend Radar, a strategic tool that helps customers predict future shifts in the industry.
A global survey of 2,597 supply chain professionals from Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa found that AI, robotics and ESG are the three main trends that will shape supply chains in the coming years:
- AI was cited by 44 per cent of respondents as the key driver of logistics transformation.
- Robotics followed with 28 per cent, valued for the efficiency and automation it offers.
- ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) was mentioned by 25 per cent, reflecting the growing emphasis on sustainability.
"Our customers want solutions that are not only technologically advanced, but also sustainable and scalable," says Busch. "The DHL Europe Innovation Centre brings that shared vision to life with technologies such as AI-driven solutions, autonomous robots and eco-friendly packaging innovations."
From vision to operational impact
DHL is not only developing and testing new technologies, but implementing them at scale worldwide. The main driver of this is DHL Supply Chain, the contract logistics division, which plays a central role in the commercial application of innovations within the company. Through modular standardisation, strategic partnerships and advanced orchestration platforms, DHL Supply Chain has successfully rolled out technologies such as collaborative robots, AI analytics and autonomous transport systems in its logistics locations.
To date, DHL has implemented nearly 10,000 automation and digitisation projects worldwide and integrated more than 8,000 collaborative robots into its operations. Rainer Haag, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Europe, says: "Today, almost every customer location has been touched by our innovation agenda. From automation, robotics and IoT sensors to data analytics and AI, intelligent technologies are embedded in our operations worldwide. Innovation only reaches its full potential when it is applied at scale. And that is exactly what we are doing, with tangible impact for customers, employees and investors."
A globally connected innovation network
The new European Innovation Centre in Germany is the global flagship location within DHL Group's network of Innovation Centres, with additional centres in Chicago, Singapore and Dubai.
Together they form a connected ecosystem in which DHL identifies new trends, collaborates with customers, tests technologies and scales up successful solutions globally. This global collaboration ensures that innovation is both locally relevant and globally scalable, driving progress in logistics and supply chain management around the world.
Want to know more about smart warehousing? Then come to Logistica Next on 4-6 November 2025 at Jaarbeurs, Utrecht. Register for free here.
