As the global economy has increased, global transportation and logistics have also expanded. This has led to a demand for increased capacity and as the sector transitions to low-emission transport, a growing need for improved efficiency and flexibility.
Changing consumer behaviours and technical innovations are accelerating the demand for smart logistics and freight systems, with a need for improved connecting infrastructures (road, rail, air, shipping), goods tracking and tagged cargo, and efficient automated distribution in urban areas independent of transport providers.
In remote areas, cost-efficient solutions are needed for the local population to stay mobile and connected. In contrast, urban areas need shared, on-demand, electric, connected, autonomous, and multimodal solutions. Planning and providing services is complex and traditional automotive, public and private transport models are being challenged by new services and solutions.
Cities need up-to-date information and research to plan new electric infrastructure, manage multiple vehicle streams and transportation systems, as well as monitoring emissions and contributing to efficient and sustainable planning.
Smart traffic systems can be crucial in managing roads and vehicles in real-time, including speed and traffic density, tolling, parking and congestion charging, as well as identifying the optimal mix of public and private transport in an area.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms are an example of innovation which integrates various forms of transport into a single service: from micro-mobility to on-demand-shuttles.
Smart mobility and smart logistics are reliant on connectivity, including vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity. On-board and external sensors, such as on-vehicle cameras, low resolution radar or ultrasonic sensors, create large volumes of data which need to be quickly and securely transferred.
As transport systems become increasingly automated, leading ultimately to Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) and Autonomous Aeronautical Vehicles (UAVs), the need for satellite connectivity and precise, reliable navigation services is ever more vital.
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