Next-Generation Logistics – Improving Transport Mobility with Modular Cargo Trains and Autonomous Road Vehicles

Abstract

The focus on minimizing energy consumption per tonne-kilometer is pushing the mobility sector into new transportation strategies, demanding new and leading edge technologies in the fields of electrification and digitization. A promising solution to achieve better transport logistics while at the same time decrease traffic volume are new high speed modular cargo trains and modular autonomous road vehicles, enabling integrated and seamless door-to-door logistics. To achieve this, both transport modes need to be connected via a new type of logistics terminal, which loads and unloads a complete train within minutes. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate innovative solutions on how to improve transport mobility by developing and integrating new vehicle concepts on road and rail. A central feature of the road vehicle is a standardized autonomous electric drive board with integrated lifting device for holding various cargo containers. Central features of the double-decker train are individually driven cars with automatic loading capabilities. The intermodal Next Generation Logistics terminal will minimize throughput time of various goods significantly.