Partners

Inlecom1. Inlecom

INLECOM Innovation is a non-profit entity, based in Athens, which undertakes end-to-end life cycle of Research & Innovation projects (from concept to implementation to IPR protection) in the areas of information technology as it applies to transport, logistics, security, agriculture, telecommunications & smart cities. The core competencies include designing and building innovative technical prototypes across multiple domains and exploring their adoption potential; INLECOM also organises Living Labs and industrial pilots that facilitate experimentation with new ideas in real life settings. 

Role

INLECOM Innovation is the coordinator of AUTOSUP project and therefore responsible for overseeing the successful fulfillment of all project objectives, with the contractual timeframe and budget, and materialize tangible and measurable benefits to the involved logistic hubs.

Beyond project coordination, INLECOM Innovation drives the activities regarding the classification of automation across the supply chain network and the liaison actions with other projects.

ESC2. ESC

"Established in 1963, the European Shippers' Council is a non-profit European organisation representing cargo owners i.e. freight transport interests of many companies throughout Europe, including manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers (import and export, intercontinental). Collectively they are referred to as ‘shippers’ as neutral user of transport (all modes: air; road, rail, waterborne). The global ESC network consists of national shippers’ associations, European commodity trade associations, and corporate members among which well-known multinational brands. The ESC aims at creating a level playing field in Europe and between continents. Internationally, the ESC works closely with the Asian Shippers’ Association (ASA) and the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI), together forming the Global Shippers Alliance (GSA). "
Role

The ESC´s main task will be to lead T4.2 by developing AUTOSUP´s “policy package” comprising of recommendations for regulatory and policy actions to support automated solutions, whilst considering outcomes of the project and the forum of stakeholders.

This will lead to the preparation of 2 policy briefs - of around 5 pages each - with recommendations focusing on: (a) policies that encourage collaboration and data sharing among transport modes; b) regulatory framework gaps and mitigation suggestions.

Furthermore, the ESC will contribute to project activities related to the identification and definition of operational automation requirements (WP1), development and validation of new operational models (WP3), and finally the dissemination, communication, and outreach of project outcomes (WP4).

FIT3. FIT

"Fit was founded in 1997, thanks to the synergistic work of a group of experts working in the field of Sustainable Mobility. Dynamic and professional, over time we have managed to build a network of more than 300 partners in Europe, Asia and the USA, becoming members of the main European thematic networks. We have never stopped renewing ourselves, convinced as we are that the worst obstacle to growth is the rigidity and routine of customs. The specialization has been the gateway to wider international visibility, for all the different components of the business structures with which we work (Research and Development, Business and Market, training and enhancement of human capital). We are recognized and appreciated in Europe in the field of Sustainable Mobility. We were born with a strong pioneering vocation and our history is distinguished by the commitment and responsibility of those who have always interpreted leadership with inspiration."
Role
FIT will be responsible to lead the validation methodology to identify and elicit strategic innovations and solutions and to guide the innovation selection for the AUTOSUP pilots in WP1. In addition FIT will lead the WP3, aimed at outlining new operational models for automation-driven Multimodal Freight Transport, specifically by elaborating Business Models and PI Governance for Living Hubs. FIt will also be responibile for Quality and Risk management for the whole project

ALICE4. ALICE

The Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe (ALICE) is a European Technology Platform focused on advancing research, innovation, and market deployment in logistics and supply chain management. ALICE aims to transition towards net-zero emissions in transport and logistics affordably through interdisciplinary collaboration. It supports EU research programs like Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe and was established in 2013. ALICE promotes collaboration between shippers and logistics service providers for efficiency, aiming for a 30% improvement in logistics performance by 2030. It contributes by defining research strategies, fostering innovation adoption, promoting new technologies, aligning innovation programs, and facilitating interdisciplinary research.

Role

ALICE leads Work Package 1, focusing on Operational Automation Requirements. The goals are:

  • To study automation technology in different parts of intermodal transport, evaluate automation plans for various transportation methods, and categorize logistics automation.
  • To set automation needs for intermodal logistics, considering strategy, business, functionality, digital, and social aspects. This involves understanding user viewpoints to achieve seamless automation throughout logistics operations.
  • To create use case scenarios and a validation method with performance indicators, based on gathered requirements and automation plans.

 

ALICE collaborates with partners such as CFLI, FRONTIER, P1G, ARS, PoAB, VIL and TUM to define requirements at the project's outset. With active member involvement, ALICE focuses on defining and assessing prerequisites for uninterrupted automation in multimodal cargo transport.

In the later stages, ALICE will outline a roadmap for automated intermodal logistics, supported by robust capacity building in Work Package 4.

 

PGBS5. PGBS

PGBS performs key activities for holistic product innovation for Fabric and Home Care products both internally and externally via our INQBET Campus and C+D team
Role
FIT will be responsible to lead the validation methodology to identify and elicit strategic innovations and solutions and to guide the innovation selection for the AUTOSUP pilots in WP1. In addition FIT will lead the WP3, aimed at outlining new operational models for automation-driven Multimodal Freight Transport, specifically by elaborating Business Models and PI Governance for Living Hubs. FIt will also be responibile for Quality and Risk management for the whole project

PGPOL6. PGPOL

The P&G PSC in Warsaw leads procurement and planning of prodution and transportation for Europe

Role

Assist in meshing AUTOSUP demonstration into live operation by orchestrating procurement

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ARS7. ARS

Adriafer Rail Services (ARS) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adriafer and was founded in 2022 with the aim of expanding the range of services available to logistics and rail operators, increasing their competitiveness in terms of both integration and efficiency. From spare parts logistics or a wagonset to be used even for a single day, to an operations team specialising in wagon maintenance. ARS is able to provide a comprehensive range of services and products designed to make the choice of rail transport more competitive and open to all regional and Central European players. The objective of ARS is to support, through the provision of innovative services, the development of the railway mode as a vital element for the growth and expansion of the catchment area of the port of Trieste.
Role
"ARS will lead activity 2.1 Trieste Node & Network Digital Twin where it will coordinate the evaluation of automation scenarios for rail, road, and port/sea and IWT transport modes, addressing challenges deriving from increased port/freight traffic and dependence on manual work. The use cases focus on automation in rail wagon maintenance, multimodal route management and roll-on/roll-off transhipments. ARS will also be in charge of deploying a system consisting of sensor networks, data analytics, and automation solutions to enable automated maintenance management of intermodal rail wagons at Trieste port."

VIL8. VIL

"VIL, Flanders Spearhead Cluster for Logistics is appointed by the Flemish government as the single point of contact for the logistics sector. Our goal is to create economic and social value for companies. VIL represents almost 700 companies and to achieve its mission commits to intensive transdisciplinary collaboration with strategic partners and a network in Flanders and abroad, taking on an active role in regional and European projects and strategic partnerships. VIL aims to enhance the competitiveness of Flemish companies in the logistics sector by implementing sustainable and innovative concepts and technologies. To this extent, VIL focuses on 4 thematic domains that align with the larger objectives of both the region of Flanders and Europe: digital transformation, green supply chains, hinterland connection, and last-mile logistics. VIL is also increasing its international efforts and focuses on co-ordination and collaboration with international cluster organizations and coaching its cluster members while participating in European projects itself or support its members by directly joining various consortia. "

Role

VIL will take the lead in WP4 and develop the communication and dissemination plan for the project results with the focus on stakeholder engagement . VIL will also contribute to the living lab in the port of Antwerp.

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FRONTIER9. FRONTIER

FRONTIER is an Information Technology solutions SME, with the mission of pushing the frontier of technology innovation, while having an impact on its customers. FRONTIER has an extensive expertise in EU funded projects and brings in AUTOSUP expertise, knowledge and specialization in key areas required to realize the project concept such as DSS and Transport modelling.
Role
FRONTIER leads work related to the (i) creation of a common comprehensive framework of the level of automation of transportation means across modes like roads, rails, air, inland waterways, and sea, including autonomous vehicle and vessel technologies; (ii) Modeling of transport nodes, network, routes and freight flows (considering autonomous vehicles, rolling stock, vessels etc.) as part of the Trieste and Antwerp – Bruges, Node & Network Digital Twins.

POAB10. PoAB

"The Antwerp Bruges Port Authority plays an important role in the day-to-day operation of Europe’s second largest port. The Port Authority manages and maintains the docks, bridges, locks, quay walls and land. It is also responsible for the efficient passage and safety of the shipping traffic in the Antwerp Bruges port area. It provides tugs and cranes, carries out dredging work and promotes the port in Belgium and abroad. The around 1600 employees of the Antwerp Bruges Port Authority make sure the port is able to function and work on a sustainable future for the Port of Antwerp to ensure it can continue playing a leading role as an international seaport. It is our mission to offer a safe home port and to act as a lever for stakeholders that spot opportunities and wish to engage in the face of numerous challenges. The Port Authority’s operations are not segregated from the rest of the world. We should engage with all of our diverse stakeholders more actively in order to initiate and realise concrete solutions. In addition as community builder we – the Port Authority – aim to be pioneer smoothening the path for innovation while investing in those areas in which the market has not developed yet. Even if this implies committing to initiatives without a clear earnings model. As such, in the coming years an increasing number of investments will be directed towards future-oriented solutions, not simply hard infrastructure. "

Role

"PoAB will lead living hub 1.2.3.2. Consisting of 3 use cases with focus on enhancing port operations and logistics efficiency. In Use Case 1, the Port of Antwerp Bruges (PoAB) conducts a strategic study on port automation to facilitate modal shift. This initiative involves engaging various internal and external stakeholders to address opportunities and challenges related to automation, with a focus on digitalization and automation projects. Use Case 2 focuses on port-shipper collaboration to increase modal shift, particularly targeting emissions reduction. By partnering with Procter & Gamble, PoAB aims to enhance intermodal transport efficiency and sustainability, aligning with PGBS's goal to reduce CO2 emissions. In Use Case 3, PoAB and VIL explore the integration of transport mode automation systems into port operations. This feasibility study evaluates various technologies such as AGVs and Hyperloop for their potential to enhance terminal and port efficiency. The assessment covers scenarios like automated transhipment, intra-terminal feeder systems, and port-to-inland distribution center links "

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KNT11. KNT

"Konnecta is an IT Consultancy and Solutions SME with a strong experience in EU funded projects, that specialises in the field of Connected Intelligence Application Systems. Konnecta's core competencies include connectivity infrastructure, IoT platforms, AI & artificial neural networks, event-driven architectures, Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies, data integration, and Digital Twins."
Role
Konnecta will develop the Digital Twins of the two Living Hubs, as well ass the Decision Support System (WP2 Leader and T2.3 Leader). Moreover, Konnecta is responsible for AUTOSUP Data Management (T5.3), while it will contribute to the dissemination and exploitation of the project outcomes.

GRUBER12. GRUBER

"Founded in 1936 by Josef Gruber, the company has had a great evolution along the years from a transport company till a digital lead logistics provider. The company operates in the market through six different business areas which cover all needs of a B2B logistics chain and transport needs. Gruber Logistics has reached in 2022 a turnover of 720 million of euro which qualifies the company as one of the major Italian transport and logistics company. The company operates in all Europe counting on 60 branches located in 14 different countries. Gruber Logistics directly owns 2350 vehicles (truck & trailers) and manage constant relations with more than 7.000 carriers acting as freight forwarder. Digital innovation and sustainability are key aspects of the company development. Gruber Logistics currently cooperates at institutional and in associations to enhance a general development of the logistics market. Key structured cooperation are based through 2ZERO, co-programmed Partnership funded under the Horizon Europe programme and aiming at accelerating the transition towards zero tailpipe emission road mobility across Europe, and ALICE, a European Technology Platform set-up to develop a comprehensive strategy for research, innovation and market deployment of logistics and supply chain management innovation in Europe. Gruber Logistics is also participating to the DTLF Digital Transport Logistics Forum directly managed by the European Commission as supporting working group for policy development. "

Role

GRUBER LOGISTICS will act as a multimodal transport operator, since it handles goods with all the modes of transport (by rail, by sea, by inland waterways and by road). This will be useful in the Trieste Living Lab, where the seamless transport between more modes of transport is required (rail, road). Gruber will also play the role of a Industrial partner, being private operator that can share market insights relating to the freight sector.

CFLI13. CFLI

"CFLI Intermodal Logistics Training Center is the training institution of the Venice Port Authority. Established in 1993, CFLI offers training and consulting services to companies operating in the Port and the broader logistics and transportation sector. It trains port workers and all operators in the logistics chain, from operational figures to managerial professions. It is involved in logistics courses, supply chain manager training, shipping house personnel and shipping agents, ship brokers and customs officers. CFLI is an recognized institution in the Veneto Region for higher and continuing education and employment services. Thanks to these accreditations, it offers young people, unemployed and outplacement/re-training workers job placement paths and free training courses for employees and logistics courses for companies. It is a founding member of the Technical High School ""MARCO POLO""-Foundation for Sustainable Mobility in the Port and Airport System , under which it directly manages a course in Venice, the THS for Sustainable Mobility in Malpensa and the Sea Academy in Genoa. It has been running the Logistics Academy since 2011. The academy offers catalog and on-demand courses and specialized consultancy with high added value to logistics management in the following areas: logistics outsourcing, the design of the logistics network: from ""As is"" to ""To Be"" analysis, Customs strategies and AEO certification, purchasing sourcing, Positioning, layout and sizing of warehouses, legal advice on transportation contracts and insurance."
Role
"CFLI will lead the Task 1.1 Classification of automation per mode, node and the network as a whole and contributes to many deliverables of the project WPs "

PAVE14. PAVE

"PAVE Europe is a not-for-profit association dedicated to communicating and educating on the benefits of automated vehicle technologies. Mission of PAVE Europe is helping to create an automated vehicle future that increases road safety, sustainability, inclusive mobility, and cost efficiency, by stimulating and improving the communication about fully automated mobility solutions to the public and policy-makers. "

Role

"PAVE Europe will be involved in Stakeholder Engagement, Dissemination & Communications, development of Policy Package and Adoption Roadmap and Capacity Building."

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VLTN15. VLTN

VLTN is an innovation management and consulting SME that uses data-driven insight, and research & development of innovative solutions that harness knowledge and technology potential, to transform and optimise supply chain processes. We help our clients act on their future, to achieve ambitious economic, environmental, and social targets in the supply chain and logistics industry.
Role
VLTN will be leading the cost-benefit analysis for the multimodal hub use cases, to evaluate the potential costs and benefits associated with establishing and operating automated hubs and Supply Chains.

TUM16. TUM

The Technical University of Munich participates in AUTOSUP through the chair of Transportation Systems Engineering, which focuses on performing transportation research surrounding aspects of modelling and simulation of transportation systems, implementation of data science and data analytics in transport and human factors analysis, including the development of technology acceptance models of various mobility systems. Focal research points include multimodal and unimodal freight and passenger transport demand and supply modelling, allowing for contributions on optimisation, calibration and validation of transport models.

Role

TUM will lead ST1.1.4, focusing on the development of a standardised framework for the automation of information flows in the context of multimodal freight transport, as well as the resulting information flow mapping, which would be adapted to different use cases (in ST2.1.2). Additionally, TUM will develop technology acceptance models for freight automation (in task ST3.3.4). Within this sub-task, TUM will lead the impact assessment of automation on streamlining processes, increasing  efficiency, and reducing errors.

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GFRPS17. GRPS

The Chair has been very successful in its engagement with national, European, and international collaborations as part of German, EU and multilateral funded projects, tackling topics ranging from road safety, to automation, and resilience, among others.
Role
"Will evaluate the solutions developed in WP2. GRPS supports a detailed market analysis of the potential services supported by the DSS, initiating a new service design for automation solution providers and Industry 4.0 operations planning companies interested in multi-modal freight transport logistics. Will support the exploitation planning in course of T3.2."