Objective

The logistics industry is subject to constant change and faces complex challenges. The driving and rest periods stipulated in road freight transport lead to a considerable extension of transport times and an increased need for parking spaces, especially on long-distance routes. Meanwhile, a shortage of more than 30,000 designated truck parking spaces on German highways alone leads to CO2-intensive parking search traffic, driving time violations and frustration among drivers; in addition, wildly parked trucks cause accidents, bother local residents, and encourage cargo robberies.

The STAFFEL project aims to meet these challenges by developing an AI-supported Internet platform. This platform is intended to enable a secure, data-based and cross-carrier “relay traffic” and thus increase the effectiveness of road freight transport. For this purpose, long-distance routes are broken down into partial routes with the help of AI algorithms, which are then brokered between freight forwarders and carriers via a driving time marketplace using real-time data with telematics (e.g., traffic, infrastructure). Smart anti-theft technologies (IoT lock) ensure safe handover of the trailers to rested drivers at the end of the driving period. In addition to a higher vehicle utilization, reduced transport times and need for parking space, increased regional partial routes enable attractive, self-determined work models for truck drivers by allowing them to stay in their hometown more often.

After a detailed requirements analysis, the platform and the anti-theft system will be prototyped and validated in two field tests to achieve the goal. First, regional transport companies will be networked via a driving time marketplace. Subsequently, exchange stations will be established along a main traffic route and staggered traffic will be tested in practice. The aim is to identify effects, potentials and challenges for truck freight transport and to prepare for Europe-wide implementation. Standardization will play an important role in this process.

DIN, as a partner in this project, will support the project consortium in all matters relating to standardization. This includes standards research and provision on topics such as AI, IT security and data management, as well as the organisation of standardization activities. The development and publication of new DIN SPECs will support the dissemination of project results.

Project duration

12/2021 - 5/2024

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