Each week, CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ puts a focus on a different section of the air cargo industry, to show how varied careers here can be. While most segments of the industry are focused on actively getting shipments from A to B on time and in one piece, one segment is designing part of the workforce of tomorrow. And that workforce will be a mix of humans and robots, where robots work alongside humans, taking over dexterous, repetitive, or labor-intensive tasks, and enhancing and improving operations in terms of efficiency, safety, and cost. This week, Manuel Wehner, Project Manager/Research Associate – Aviation Logistics, Autonomous Air Cargo Handling at Fraunhofer IML, describes his work and shares his views and advice for people considering joining the air cargo industry.
CFG: What is your current function and company? And what are your responsibilities?
MW: Recently, someone introduced me to a group of air cargo managers with the words: “Oh, and here is the research guy with the robots I told you about last week.” That pretty much sums it up, I guess… I work within the Fraunhofer Society, Europe’s largest applied research organization, where I specialize in autonomous air cargo handling. As part of the Digital Testbed Air Cargo (DTAC), I coordinate the development and testing of robots for airport operations. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digitalization and Government Modernization (BMDS) with €13.7 million and led by Fraunhofer IML, we have already tested five different robots at MUC and STR airports as part of the DTAC. Currently, we are developing a new ULD robot from scratch, aiming for more trials starting at the end of 2026. I oversee the involved hardware and software teams, and I coordinate a project team consisting of industry and research partners to create an ecosystem that empowers airports and airlines. With our open-source approach, users remain in charge of their robot operations instead of relinquishing power and data to external parties. Recently, we were recognized for our R&D efforts in the DTAC with international awards from both TIACA and STAT Times, and we achieved a top 5 position at the World Air Cargo Awards by ACW.
CFG: What does a normal day look like for you?
MW: In almost four years of working in the DTAC, I have hardly noticed any daily routine, aside from the regular project meetings, the overall structure, and reporting to the Ministry. Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining about a lack of routine. My work involves a lot of travel, visiting partners and speaking at events somewhere between San Francisco, Nairobi and Hong Kong. Each day brings new ideas, destinations and people. I usually start my day at an airport for travels or with a video call discussing the next project steps and upcoming events. On Monday mornings, I can never predict how my Friday afternoon will look. Throughout the day, I try to balance progress in my job with my PhD studies, taking little steps towards my goals every day. It is an exciting journey.
CFG: How long have you been in the air cargo industry, and what brought you to it?
MW: I began my aviation career in 2011, working with Fraport at Frankfurt Airport, while studying for my dual Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management. My passion for the industry started early, influenced by a school internship and family connections. Airports are just so fascinating, so international, and so… busy! For a long time, cargo was not my focus; I did my Master’s and also enjoyed working in various fields like passenger flow, mobility innovations, and tourism research. Cargo was not much more than brown cardboard boxes being loaded onto planes, with some horses or fancy racing cars in between, every now and then. It wasn’t until I explored PhD positions that I discovered how exciting the opportunities for applied research in air cargo automation could be. Looking back, it is hard to believe how much I overlooked the cargo sector for over a decade. From day one, developing and testing robots for this industry has provided me with a fulfilling sense of purpose.
CFG: What do you enjoy most about your job?
MW: I love the incredible innovation potential in this industry, no matter which process you look at, and I appreciate the chance to explore the potential together with the employees, not against them. When I first visited several air cargo warehouses starting in February 2022, I was baffled by the manual nature of the operations. Despite being born in the early 1990s, it gave me 1970s vibes without having even lived back then. They should have played the Bee Gees during my first walk through some facilities! It is fascinating; so many people know every detail of their work, and there’s so much passion for aviation and for their airports. Most of them have welcomed me and our ideas with open arms. They understand how important innovation is to keep the industry running and they are not afraid that we will replace them. Instead, they are aware that we can make their jobs much more interesting and convenient by gradually handing over the most repetitive and exhausting tasks to machines. I have made many friends in this industry over the past four years, and I always enjoy walking through airports and warehouses, stopping here and there to discuss ideas with those who ensure everything runs smoothly 365 days a year and (almost) around the clock.
CFG: Where do you see the greatest challenges in our industry?
MW: The industry needs to stop trying to optimize established but outdated operations to the very last detail. This sector is decades behind others in terms of adopting state-of-the-art technologies. There are good reasons for this delay (including dynamic traffic, flexibility needs, just-in-time consolidation, etc.), and it is not the end of the world. The 2020s offer a chance to finally get new technologies rolling and re-design outdated processes. It truly is hard for individual companies to take expensive steps; however, I am sure that R&D investments could not be spent at a better time. Furthermore, there are industry and research initiatives, such as our DTAC. Projects like these enable even SMEs to engage in industry transformation with little to no risk, including not only robots but also AI-enabled solutions and applications for IATA’s new ONE Record data standard.
CFG: What advice would you give to people looking to get into the air cargo industry?
MW: If you have a managerial or an administrative focus, make sure to pull up your sleeves and get a firsthand look at what really keeps this industry running. It is mostly about hard work. Talking smart does not load aircraft bellies with cargo. This experience will surely make your advice more authentic and your ideas for improvement more welcome. Early in my career, Fraport gave me the chance to help the ops teams with baggage loading, belly loading and winter services on certain days. It was all about getting to know the operations better – and those comfy blue overalls! Saying yes to that offer was a great decision. If you are interested in operations, instead, be sure to look at the major strategic disruption potential beyond small improvements. Do not get too comfortable with outdated operations, as it is mainly the complex brownfield that hinders innovation for now.
CFG: If the air cargo industry were a film/book, what would its title be?
MW: ‘The Beautiful Secrets of the Countless Cardboard Boxes.’
Many thanks, Manuel!
If you would like to share your personal air cargo story with our CargoForwarder Global readers, feel free to send your answers to the above Questions to cargoforwarderglobal@kopfpilot.at We look forward to shining a spotlight on your job area, views, and experiences.
