Smart mobility and logistics

Our goal is to contribute to a seamlessly connected logistics system that is more efficient, creates new business opportunities and significantly reduces the output of CO₂. We are doing this by facilitating, applying and stimulating logistics concepts. Our work focuses on three themes: self-organizing logistics, data-driven logistics and the transition to CO₂-neutral logistics.

Self-organizing logistics

The logistics system of the future will be much more self-organizing. We are helping to shape this future and we are providing the sector with frameworks for action to help them prepare for it. We conduct experiments together with businesses to demonstrate how automation and self-organization might work. Examples are autonomous ports and truck platooning. We apply our knowledge to help logistics stakeholders take the right steps towards a better future.

Data-driven logistics

Research by TNO has demonstrated the value of sharing data throughout the entire logistics chain. By combining and enriching all available data on a particular freight, and the availability of trucks, airplanes, trains and ships to carry it, we can make transports of goods much more efficient and allow logistics chains to function more optimally. We are sharing our knowledge of such systems through demonstrator projects at the freight corridor level and the operational management level of the individual logistics stakeholders.

Transition to CO2-neutral logistics

We provide industries and government agencies with insights that lead to frameworks for action for lowering CO₂ emissions in the logistics chain based on feasible business cases. Technological measures alone will not be sufficient to achieve the climate targets. We are accelerating the development of innovative logistics solutions by facilitating cooperation in the chain, including increasing the load factor through synchromodal planning, reduction of vehicle kilometres through innovations in construction logistics and the use of zero-emissions vehicles in urban logistics.