IoT, blockchain, AI, and robotics are examples of cutting-edge technologies that are rapidly evolving and finding new applications in the logistics and transportation industries. Here are some new ones to keep an eye on in 2021:
V2C Communication
While IoT technology has been around for a while now, recent advancements have accelerated the evolution of associated technologies such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X). V2X technology enables vehicles to communicate with entities on the road and anything in the environment which may affect it. One category of V2X is vehicle-to-cloud (V2C). V2C improves security by enabling security authentication in applications and tracking devices for truck drivers and companies. Based on traffic patterns and real-time traffic monitoring, this feature can also help determine the most efficient route.
5G Solutions
Despite all of the benefits that IoT and V2X technologies provide, there has been one major hurdle preventing widespread adoption in the transportation industry: limited network capabilities. Fortunately, the advent of the fifth generation of cellular technology (5G) addresses this issue and has exciting implications for the world of transportation and supply chain management. The incorporation of 5G into existing network architecture significantly improves IoT connectivity and can facilitate V2X and V2C integration. This enables drivers, infrastructure, and supply chain managers to communicate in real-time, allowing shipments to be tracked, routes to be easily managed, and services to be improved.
Self-Driving Trucks
Self-driving trucks and cars utilize similar technology to operate their AI systems for autonomous driving. Autonomous trucks have been making quite some progress toward commercial deployment. In fact, some OEMs around the world are already testing semi-automated vehicles, which may soon have a strong impact on the transportation of goods.
Alternative Fuels
When talking about emerging innovations in logistics and transportation, it’s important to mention innovations in fuel and energy. Alternative fuels are a critical component in reducing the negative environmental impacts of both passenger and freight transport. While transport electrification could be a solution for road transport, alternative liquid and gaseous fuels like biofuels, renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuels, e-fuels, and green ammonia will be required for sea and air transport.
Internet of Logistics (IoL)
Moving forward, we will likely see a transition from a world of informational silos using legacy technologies to a comprehensive and interactive ecosystem. The emerging Internet of Logistics (IoL) will provide a secure, flexible, and interoperable data exchange infrastructure to all participants along the supply chain. IoL’s expected impact on improving the supply chain is massive, with the potential to enhance customer experience and innovate business models and processes. IoL can even overcome the limitations of traditional supply chain communication systems, such as EDI, along with the complexity associated with ad hoc IT system implementations.
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