About the role
Motivation
Logistics is undergoing one of the most profound transformations in its history. Driven by electrification, automation, software integration, and new business models, the sector is evolving from isolated applications into a highly interconnected ecosystem. Understanding the potentials, interdependencies, and design levers of this emerging ecosystem is the central challenge of the second edition of our GlobalDrive.
In close cooperation with MAN Truck & Bus and the TRATON GROUP, and together with a team of students from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, we invite you to explore these questions as part of your Semester or Master’s thesis.
The Project
GlobalDrive combines academic research with real industry insights and international collaboration. After a fully funded two-week research stay in Stockholm (including joint workshops and site visits with the KTH team and industry partners), you will continue working on your individual thesis topic under the supervision of the Institute of Automotive Technology at TUM. The project concludes with a joint final presentation.
Your concrete thesis topic will be defined with you, based on your background, interests, and the project's overarching research agenda. Possible focus areas include (but are not limited to):
- Effects of electrification and automation on logistics systems and networks
- Software integration and digital platforms in the logistics ecosystem
- Evolving business models and value creation in future logistics
- Systemic interdependencies between vehicles, infrastructure, energy systems, and logistics operations
What's in for you?
- Deep industry insights through direct collaboration with MAN and TRATON
- Fully funded 2-week research stay in Stockholm, including collaboration with KTH students
- Supervision of your Semester or Master’s thesis by the Institute of Automotive Technology (TUM)
- Opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and international team on a highly relevant future topic
- Potential for excellent theses to lead to further research opportunities or co-authorship of a scientific paper
We’re looking for you if you are …
- a Master’s student in Engineering, Economics, IT, or a related field
- strongly interested in technical innovation and industrial ecosystems
- motivated to work in an interdisciplinary and international team
- proficient in English (project language)
How to apply
Sounds good? Apply now by sending one PDF containing (1) your CV, (2) your current transcript of records, and (3) a short statement (max. one page) entitled “My future vision of the ecosystem of logistics” including an indication of your preferred thesis topic to spirit-e.ftm@ed.tum.de until 28 August 2026.
Interviews will be held online on 1st and 2nd September 2026.