Digital Twins and Physical Internet solutions
The rise of on-demand logistics has introduced new challenges for last-mile delivery systems, making innovative solutions essential.
The Physical Internet (PI) concept envisions city infrastructure as a shared, on-demand resource, similar to cloud computing models like 'Infrastructure as a Service' (IaaS). PI focuses on pooling logistics resources in open, connected, and synchronized networks, enhancing collaboration across city systems. It calls for consistent policies supporting data-sharing ecosystems, encouraging cities to adopt collaborative, data-centric approaches to urban planning.
Digital Twins exemplify this approach, creating adaptable models that simulate city logistics. These digital replicas support public-private programs by providing insights that help optimize logistics under varying urban conditions.
POLIS involvement
Projects like DISCO and URBANE exemplify POLIS’s commitment to these smart logistics frameworks.
- DISCO leverages digital twins to create adaptive, data-driven urban freight solutions across multiple European Living Labs. By deploying a 'Physical Internet' model that treats city infrastructure as an open, shared network, the project supports data-sharing and connectivity for seamless logistics planning. This approach enables cities Copenhagen and Ghent to model logistics needs dynamically, promoting greener, more efficient last-mile networks.
- URBANE implements digital twin tools within its Innovation Transferability Platform, supporting cities in scaling sustainable last-mile solutions. As the leader of the project’s Upscaling and Policy activities, POLIS facilitates the development of digital models that cities can use to simulate and replicate innovative logistics solutions, aligning with European climate goals. Through its role, POLIS strengthens city-level capacity for logistics data exchange, promoting a collaborative approach to urban freight.