Press, June 12, 2024
AUTOSUP: Preparing the Ground for Autonomous Multimodal Supply Chains
Brussels, 12 June 2024 – The European freight Transport and Logistics (T&L) industry is entering a transformative era, driven by digitalization and technological advancements. This evolution is creating new business models and opportunities for zero-emissions freight transport. Automation and the emergence of autonomous T&L systems are at the forefront of these changes, significantly impacting the planning and execution of future logistics processes. Automation serves as a crucial enabler in the ongoing transition to a “Physical Internet,” designed to reshape Supply Chain (SC) processes to better meet production demands.
With the launch of the European-funded project AUTOSUP, a notable European consortium is set to define the pathway for transforming SC nodes—such as ports and intermodal hubs—into seamlessly operating multimodal automatic freight transport platforms. This initiative aims to move away from the current siloed automation approaches.
Towards Fully Automated Hubs
The concept of an autonomous hub represents the first step towards entering the realm of ‘Physical Internet logistics networks’. Within the AUTOSUP project, partners will develop concrete operational models for end-to-end intermodal logistics, focusing on the integration of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Port of Trieste with road corridors, rail, inland waterways, and airports. These two ports will act as ‘Living Hubs’ (LH), where the operational and cost efficiency, as well as user acceptance of the automation solutions, will be validated across six use cases encompassing all existing and new modes of transport.
Transcending a Fragmented Approach
Innovative digitalisation and automation technologies are increasingly influencing operational logistics, presenting opportunities to introduce new business models and sustainable freight transport solutions. These innovations are essential for the transition towards the “Physical Internet,” where full systems integration is vital. AUTOSUP will facilitate this transition by enhancing automation processes through a comprehensive approach, supporting strategic decisions about future investments.
AUTOSUP will define the automation requirements and empower T&L stakeholders with an open, ready-to-use data-driven Decision Support System (DSS). This DSS will integrate customizable Digital Twin models of autonomous SCs, aiding in the feasibility analysis and implementation of new operational, governance, and organizational change management models.
Empowering Major Transport Nodes
AUTOSUP will equip the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Port of Trieste to tackle the challenges of port automation and digitalization directly. This project will provide a transition path towards AUTOnomous Multimodal SUPply Chains, targeting reduced investment and operational costs, enhanced supply chain resilience, decreased transshipment time, reduced environmental impact, and advanced collaboration and interoperability.
The official press release will be available soon.
Inlecom Innovation serves as the coordinator for AUTOSUP, spearheading efforts in classifying automation across the supply chain network and facilitating liaison activities with other projects.
Learn more about the project
This project has received funding from the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under GA 101147468. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
