Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Fottner

Academic Career and Research Areas

Johannes Fottner (b. 1971) is Professor of Technical Logistics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). His research focuses on how technical logistics systems can be made more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable. Key areas include automated material handling systems, robotics and autonomous mobile systems, digitalization and artificial intelligence, as well as the circular economy. Fottner views technical logistics as an integral part of industrial value creation. A particular focus of his work is on linking scientific research with industrial applications and transferring new technologies into practice.

Fottner is a co-initiator and academic lead of CirculaTUM, TUM’s interdisciplinary network for the circular economy. Together with researchers from various disciplines, he investigates the foundations of circular and sustainable value creation systems. Before joining TUM, Fottner held executive positions in industry for many years, most recently as Managing Director of the MIAS Group. This experience continues to shape his research and technology-transfer activities. He also contributes his knowledge and experience to industrial practice through several advisory and supervisory board positions. Fottner is a full member of acatech – National Academy of Science and Engineering and Chair of the VDI Technical Logistics Advisory Board.

Awards

• TUM Sustainability Award (2021)
• Rudolf Schmidt-Burkhardt Memorial Prize, TUM Department for Mechanical Engineering, TUM (2003)