The promise of connected autonomous trucks combined with the digital supply chain is huge. The combination of technologies that underlie the connected and autonomous truck and the digitally integrated supply chain has already begun to transform the entire logistics business.
Looking over the horizon, there may be a time when the supply chain is completely autonomous through the advent of Artificial Intelligence, but in the immediate term, it is important to focus on how people working in logistics make the most of this transitional period for the sector. While understanding the minutiae of supply chain digitalisation isn’t of paramount importance, a working knowledge of the technologies that are already transforming the marketplace is vital.
This is where the ENSEMBLE project comes in. It will pave the way for the adoption of multi-brand truck platooning in Europe to improve fuel economy, traffic safety and throughput. Significant advances in platooning technology have been made in the last decade, however a multi-brand approach is now required. This will be demonstrated by driving up to seven differently branded trucks in one (or more) platoon(s) under real world traffic conditions across national borders.
There is a need for independent platoon service providers to coordinate all aspects of platooning. Scheduling or on-the-fly formation, fair distribution of benefits amongst platoon members –will result in more fuel savings and rest opportunities for the vehicles and drivers that follow. There will need to be a bridge between different shippers as well as between shippers and governments regarding regulations such as border formalities and driver resting times. For the PSPs to do their work properly and to enable the growth of platooning, the shippers will have to provide the PSPs with data regarding their shipment times, destinations, drivers. Also, shippers need to trust the PSPs and be willing to remunerate their platooning partners through the PSPs for the benefits they obtained.
The AEOLIX Platform is this bridge and represents a critical way forward for supply chain visibility and interoperability through decentralized information sharing. AEOLIX cloud services provide connectivity to multi-actor data and in-house or cloud-based applications, processes and services, thus enhancing collaboration and interoperability, across the entire transport and logistics sector. AEOLIX platform is piloted across 12 member states corridors with the support of key logistics actors (commercial companies as well as relevant authorities).
It will soon be possible through the ENSEMBLE and AEOLIX European projects to integrate the autonomous truck platoons into real-time logistics data across the entire supply chain, from parts and materials suppliers to manufacturers to warehouses and distributors and finally to the end customer. As critical as the connected autonomous truck will be in bringing sweeping changes to the global transport of goods, its very connectivity will allow it to be fully integrated into the entire logistics effort.
The HVTT15 offers a worldwide platform for researchers, policy makers, regulators, road agencies, heavy vehicle manufacturers and suppliers and the transport industry, to exchange knowledge and experiences in order to support the development of a safe, sustainable, efficient and productive road freight transport. The HVTT is organized every two years by the International Forum for Road Transport Technology (IFRTT).
The conference covers 24 scientific sessions, 9 side events, 3 plenary sessions, and 2 young talent pitch events. More information: www.hvtt15.com
