CALog
Connected and automated technology changing urban logistics
Project details
Duration
03.2017-08.2019
Sponsor
Staff
Dr. M. Menéndez, Dr. M. Roca-Riu and K. Yang
Summary
New Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are transforming facilities and vehicles into intelligent systems that will significantly modify Urban Logistics. From the infrastructure side, intelligent facilities will allow more efficient operations. From the vehicles side, the imminent appearance of automated vehicles will broaden the current potential solutions for urban problems to alternatives that were inconceivable some years ago.
In particular, urban logistics facilities devoted to loading/unloading operations for transport companies are already being improved with technological tools that allow in-advance booking systems. In this project, we propose to improve the assignment of the in-advance booking system and to bring the concept further with the use of dynamic delivery parking spots. Dynamic delivery parking spots is a new concept that is only possible thanks to connected technology. They can temporarily provide extra capacity at the expense of interfering with the street traffic.
With the appearance of automated vehicles, the whole delivery network might need to be re-structured. The delivery network will change with different levels of integration of automation: i) the punctual integration of small automated vehicles (e.g. drones) to perform specific deliveries, ii) an intermediate scenario where the current network is complemented with automated deliveries, and iii) a more futuristic scenario with a fully automated network where driverless vans could substitute current delivery vehicles.
The aim of this project is to develop a framework to promote information and communications technology to improve urban logistics. To that end, first we will improve urban logistics facilities with a decision support system to design and operate an in-advance booking system considering fix and dynamic delivery parking spots, and paying special attention to traffic effects. Second, we will provide prototyped algorithms for optimal network planning introducing different levels of automation for urban deliveries. To achieve these goals, we will build an analytical framework using optimization, logistics, queuing theory, and traffic flow theory tools.
Both parts contribute to enhance ICT effects in practice in the Urban Logistic field, and at the same time address how can ICT positively affect the quality of life of citizens with the improvement of Urban Logistics. The project combines my knowledge in optimization, and urban logistics, with the expertise of the host group on economics, traffic flow, ICT and connected and automated vehicles. With the proposed approach, we will be able to shed new light on the impacts that new technologies can bring to logistics urban systems.