Objective

The logistics industry is subject to constant change and faces complex challenges. The driving and rest periods stipulated for road freight transport lead to a considerable increase in transport times and an increased need for parking spaces, especially on long-distance routes. A shortage of over 30,000 designated truck parking spaces on German freeways alone leads to CO2-intensive parking search traffic, driving time overruns.

The STAFFEL project is meeting these challenges by developing an AI-supported internet platform for secure, data-based and cross-carrier “relay traffic”. To implement this, AI algorithms are used to break down long distances into partial routes, which are then brokered between freight forwarders and carriers via a driving time marketplace.

Following a detailed requirements analysis, the platform and the anti-theft system were developed as prototypes and validated in two field trials. First, regional transport companies were networked with each other via a driving time marketplace. Then, changing stations were established along a main traffic route and the relay traffic was tested in practice. The aim was to identify the effects, potential and challenges for road freight transport and to prepare for Europe-wide implementation. Standardization also played an important role here.

DIN, as a partner in this project, has supported the project consortium in all matters relating to standardization. This included a standards research and the provision of relevant standards on topics such as AI, IT security and data management, as well as the organisation of standardisation activities.

Project results

To establish a smooth handover process at the meeting points of the sections the project partners developed DIN SPEC 91503:2024-12 Procedure for the asynchronous handover of semi-trailers in relay traffic.

During the asynchronous handover of the semi-trailer, drivers are sometimes absent. An IoT lock is therefore used to prevent theft. The DIN SPEC 91507:2024-12 Communication interface for anti-theft devices on semi-trailers developed in the project enables wireless control of this IoT lock by defining a standardized communication interface.

Project duration

12/2021 - 5/2024, extended until 11/2024

Project coordinator

FIR e.V. at RWTH Aachen University

Project partners

• PEM Motion GmbH (Aachen) - Spin-off
• RWTH AachenMANSIO GmbH (Aachen) - Start-up
• DIN German Institute for Standardization e. V. (Berlin)

For further information please see: FIR Website

Projekt funding

The STAFFEL project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) as part of the mFUND innovation initiative under the funding code: 19FS2019D