Resources

This document outlines five key innovative AI-driven models and services developed in the scope of URBANE: Demand Prediction, Collaborative Delivery, Dynamic Parcel Reshuffling, Automatic Delivery Vehicle (ADV) Routing Simulator, and Cost Benefit Analysis Tool aimed at greening last mile logistics.

EC Approval Pending

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The context of the URBANE project is given by the need to reduce the negative effects of the recent strong increase in urban freight transport, due to e-commerce and the ensuring growth of parcel delivery services. The final stage in the parcel delivery process, known as the last-mile, involves delivering the package to the ultimate recipient. The service requirements will depend on the type of product and type of transaction, business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), or consumer-to-consumer (C2C). Last-mile logistics usually encompasses a large network of interrelated participants, each with numerous
interactions and mutual dependencies.

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The URBANE project’s approach to last mile delivery operations is based on the Physical Internet (PI) framework. This framework, drawing upon similarities in the movement of freight to the movement of data packets over the Internet, assumes that logistics service providers collaborate and share assets to generate the greatest efficiencies and effectiveness in the delivery of freight for their customers. Because of the commercial nature of freight operations, it is an absolute requirement of these service providers that they can trust their collaboration partners and that any system used in their operations is secure and trustworthy. In addition, these service providers require visibility to the services that their partners execute on their behalf to ensure that service levels are met and, should problems arise, pro-active corrective actions can be taken. To provide the strict security, privacy, and trust services demanded by these actors requires an infrastructure that is as secure as possible, transparent, configurable for contract monitoring, and non-reputable.

Given the technological landscape available today, this means that a blockchain infrastructure, deploying dynamic and configurable Smart Contracts, and accessible through Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) and Verifiable Credentials (VC) is the most appropriate approach to addressing this requirement.

This document covers the blockchain infrastructure developed under Task 3.3: Collaboration Governance Ledger, consensus protocols and Smart Contracts of the URBANE project. This task is responsible for building the blockchain infrastructure composed of a scalable blockchain service (Hyperledger Fabric), blockchain based security for the URBANE platform (DIDs and VCs), and smart contract services to support Living Lab last mile delivery event monitoring and non-repudiation. The sections of the report discuss each of these developments. In addition, the deliverable describes the process requirements for each Living Lab associated with the utilization of the smart contracting services.

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This deliverable showcases the integration and assessment of innovative logistics solutions within the urban environment of Thessaloniki aligning with the city’s ambition to become a zero-emission city by 2030. The project conducted extensive data collection and analysis, encompassing operational data from local logistics partners and socioeconomic data from the Region of Central Macedonia. The work involved demonstrating two key use cases: the installation of micro-hubs in public spaces and the simulation of Physical Internet (PI)-inspired green last-mile solutions utilizing digital twin (DT) technology. 

EC Approval Pending

Deliverable D2.5

The document describes the actions conducted in the Valladolid LL, which aim to solve the problems derived from the distribution of goods in the city and the externalities that are connected with this in both environmental and operational terms. With this view, the report is structured around three use cases: (i) monitoring of loading and unloading (L/U) areas using artificial intelligence; (ii) implementation of an innovative and sustainable solution of contactless parcel delivery; and (iii) techno-economic comparison of the use of combustion vehicles and I-FEVS prototype vehicles in delivery services.

EC Approval Pending

Deliverable D2.4

This document outlines the set up and operation of Bologna LL that consists in the realization of the Nearby Delivery Area (NDA), a measure included in the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) and in the Sustainable Urban Logistics Plan (SULP) of the Municipality and Metropolitan City of Bologna, combined with a collaborative approach between logistics operators and with the utilisation of zero emission vehicles. By fostering this collaboration, the Bologna LL aims to create a dedicated area for logistics activities in close proximity to delivery destinations within Bologna city center Limited Traffic Zone (LTZ). Specifically, the NDA functions as a microhub where freight is transferred from conventional vans to light electric delivery vehicles.

EC Approval Pending

Deliverable D2.3

This document outlines the set up and operation of Helsinki LL that consists of the three piloting sprints designed iteratively based on the previous lessons learned. The pilots were aiming at demonstrating the feasibility of autonomous delivery vehicles in urban logistics by implementing various service models for businesses and residents in Helsinki. Moreover, Helsinki LL was demonstrating the use of cargo bikes and consolidation between multiple logistics service providers to see whether it would be financially sustainable model for the companies to fasten their shift towards emission-free deliveries. These operations were supported by the carbon-neutral goals of Helsinki city.

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This deliverable documents the work performed in “Task 2.1 LLs Management and Validation” that foresees the definition of the management process and a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the implemented solutions to evaluate and validate the operational effectiveness, as well as the environmental, economic and societal sustainability of the innovative measures within the LLs. It also contributes to identify the barriers to uptake and means to maximize the transferability potential of the developed last mile solutions. Based on their unique visions and challenges, each Lighthouse Living Lab defined specific goals and real-world use cases to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders in developing innovative solutions.

EC Approval Pending

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The URBANE newsletter updates subscribers on the project’s progress, the Living Labs implementation, significant results, and opportunities to get involved. Are you not subscribed? We invite you to do so here.

This deliverable describes the principles and prerequisites of a Physical Internet inspired urban logistics operational model and establishes the strategic priorities and direction of the URBANE project.

The document defines how the Physical Internet (PI) operates, how this approach to conducting logistics operations can be applied to urban and last mile logistics operations, the challenges faced when attempting to implement the Physical Internet given existing commercial and regulatory constraints, and how cities can overcome these challenges to improve the environmental, social, and commercial aspects of last mile delivery operations. The document also identifies innovative approaches to the physical operation of last mile delivery services, documents successful collaborative models for these services and provides guidance for the other work packages in the project.

EC Approval Pending

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This deliverable lays down a strategy to steer, harmonise and set out URBANE’s stakeholder engagement, communication, dissemination and exploitation (SE/C/D/E) activities throughout the project’s lifetime.

The key objectives of this plan are to identify communication, dissemination and exploitation goals, key messages and target groups; define the stakeholder engagement and network opportunities and activities; lay out the project’s identity, channels and tools; identify events, journals, academic papers and further opportunities; establish the planning, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. This plan is not set in stone: it is a living document that should be adapted throughout the project’s progress and development according to needs.

EC Approval Pending

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Introducing URBANE, a new Horizon Europe project on last-mile deliveries.

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