Autonomous logistics

Abstract: Purpose The Physical Internet (PI) is an emerging concept that applies the Digital Internet as a design metaphor for the development of sustainable, interoperable and collaborative freight transport. With the aim of aiding researchers and policy makers in their future efforts to develop efficient logistics systems, the purpose of this paper is to present a review of the existing literature on the PI, to critically discuss the concept and to outline a research agenda. Design/methodology/approach The literature review investigates scientific papers, project reports, specifications and other publications related to PI. In total, 46 publications were finally analyzed. The approach used in this paper is technology adoption by firms. The authors examine the PI based on four factors: organizational readiness (technological blueprints), external pressure (promised effects), perceived benefits (business model) and adoption. Findings A growing number of strategies, blueprints and specifications have been developed for PI, yet there are no currently developed models that illustrate how the move from the entrenched logistics business models to the PI could ensue. There is a lack of understanding of the business models needed that can involve critical actors and promote the adoption of the PI concept. Research limitations/implications While using the internet as a metaphor for reimagining physical transports is certainly exciting, this review and analysis suggest that several research questions need to be addressed before further PI blueprint work is carried out. Practical implications The “grand challenge” of sustainability in logistics needs to be addressed and improved, but the authors’ analysis suggests that, to some extent, it is uncertain how the PI will contribute to improving sustainability, and why logistics service providers should engage in PI. Policy makers and practitioners are provided with critical issues to consider in the practical development and adoption of the concept. Originality/value This paper provides an outsider and technology-adoption perspective of PI research, as well as important implications for policy makers and researchers.

Abstract: Over the past years an increase in complexity of production and logistics systems regarding organisational, time-related and systemic aspects could be observed (Philipp et al. 2006). As a result, it is often impossible to make all necessary information available to a central entity in real time and to perform appropriate measures of control in terms of a defined target system. This development is caused by diverse changes, for example, short product life cycles as well as a decreasing number of lots with a simultaneously rising number of product variants and higher product complexity (Scherer 1998). Hence, new demands were placed on competitive companies, which cannot be fulfilled with conventional control methods. Conventional production systems are characterized by central planning and control processes, which do not allow fast and flexible adaptation to changing environmental influences. Establishing autonomous control seems to be an appropriate method to meet these requirements. The major aim of establishing autonomous logistics processes is to improve the logistics system’s performance. The basis for achievement of this objective is a comprehensive understanding of the term autonomy in the context of logistics processes. The idea of autonomous control is to develop decentralised and heterarchical planning and controlling methods in contrast to existing central and hierarchical planning and controlling approaches (Scholz-Reiter et al. 2006).