The research group Engineering Design and Material Handling deals with the basics of mechanical engineering design (design theory) on the one hand and with transport, storage and material flow technology as a technical and logistical problem on the other. Experimental investigations are carried out in the laboratory, but can also be done outside. A lot of measuring equipment is available. In particular, the equipment for surface pressure measurement (FUJI pressure measuring film and Tekscan system) should be mentioned, with which both static and dynamic measurements can be carried out.

Theoretical investigations as well as calculations and computer simulations are made possible by the institute's extensive computer equipment.

Other main fields of work are rail vehicle construction, cableway construction and structural engineering.