The autonomy paradigm and its application to logistic processes can only be developed in a holistic and cross-disciplinary approach. Based on a system concept known from systems engineering, there are three task layers to be covered in the CRC 637: material flow and logistics, communication networks and knowledge-based methods, and organisation and management. The research centers therefore around the autonomous physical flow of wares and goods, its realisation by information systems, and the management of autonomous logistic processes.