AWARD at the LEVITATE webinar: Case studies for automated freight transport

In a compelling demonstration of cross-project collaboration, the AWARD project engaged in a series of liaison activities with multiple European initiatives including SPROUT, SHOW, LEVITATE, and AEROFLEX. A highlight of these interactions was AWARD’s participation in the LEVITATE project’s webinar on January 11, 2022, which delved into the transformative potential of cooperative, connected, and automated mobility (CCAM) in the freight transport sector.

Titled “Case Studies for Automated Freight Transport,” the webinar featured two intriguing case studies presented by the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) that illustrated the innovative approaches and technological advancements being explored in automated freight solutions. The first case study focused on an urban delivery system that employs automated delivery vans acting as mobile hubs. These hubs dispatch small autonomous robots that execute the final leg of parcel deliveries over the last 200 meters. This model not only streamlines delivery processes but also potentially reduces urban freight mileage through enhanced consolidation steps facilitated by city hubs.

The second case study explored the implications of platooning on highway bridges, a practice that increases traffic density and exerts additional vertical and horizontal loads on bridge structures. Given that many older bridges were not designed to accommodate such conditions, the study assessed the necessity for structural reinforcements or access controls to prevent potential damage.

Fernando Liesa from ALICE (Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe) also contributed significantly to the webinar. He provided insights into the main trends and challenges facing freight logistics in light of emerging CCAM technologies. His presentation covered the expectations from and the key EU CCAM initiatives for freight, with a particular focus on automated delivery systems and the impact of platooning on highway infrastructures.