DHL is expanding its global innovation footprint to the Americas region by breaking ground for its new Americas Innovation Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
The new Americas Innovation Center will house DHL’s logistic innovations and robotics, and will offer customers and partners a look into the future of logistics. It will provide an overview of what the world and its transportation infrastructure might look like in 2050, as well as the latest technology trends in robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, self-driving vehicles, the Internet of Things, and virtual reality, all of which are already being tested or implemented by the Group.
The 24,000ft2 facility will also be able to host trend and innovation events for up to 300 guests with high-tech features, futuristic designs, a large foyer and meeting spaces that will be available to the public.
Matthias Heutger, SVP, global head of innovation and commercial development at DHL, said, “With our third Innovation Center worldwide, we will be able to create a platform for research and collaborative innovation between DHL customers, startups, academia, industry partners, and innovation experts in the Americas region.
“This visionary innovation center will further promote and nurture our worldwide leading position as the logistics innovation frontrunner in one of our key markets. It will also help us to further build on successful partnerships that we have established with technology leaders and innovative startups in the region.”
It is hoped the center will offer unique insights into the future of logistics, with a planned opening date for summer 2019. The center will foster the development of future logistics and supply chain solutions, while serving as a regional platform for collaborative innovation.
The new hub will join DHL innovation centers in Troisdorf, Germany, and the Asia Pacific Innovation Center in Singapore.