Researchers Use Artificial Intelligence To Optimize Parcel Delivery
In the “GreenPickUp” project, headed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO), the Institute for Enterprise System (InES) of the University of Mannheim develops an innovative distribution concept for parcel deliveries. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).
In the collaborative project “GreenPickUp”, researchers are developing a system in which parcels are mainly delivered to mobile parcel collection points, so-called “GreenPickUps”. The collection points are controlled and positioned via a newly developed data platform so that parcel delivery vehicles have to drive as little as possible and thus emit fewer pollutants. The researchers are using data on population structure, number of parcels delivered or public transportation stations to have intelligent algorithms calculate the best spot for each day. This way, people can receive the goods they ordered near the places they regularly visit.
The mobile parcel delivery stations are only the first step towards sustainable city logistics. The next step is to add the feature of a cross-sectional freight market to the data platform to make better use of the vehicles in town.
As part of the #mobilwandel2035 competition, “GreenPickUp” has been honored as particular innovative project for a sustainable mobility in 2035 by Steffi Lemke, federal minister of the environment, at a BMUV conference. Together with four other projects, “GreenPickUp” is part of the second funding phase of the competition. The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection funds the five project with a total of 3.75 million euros in the next two years.
In addition to the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO) and the Institute for Enterprise Systems, the Institute of Human Factors and Technology Management (IAT) of the University of Stuttgart and the software company Exxeta AG are part of the project.