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AUTOSUP
Preparing the ground for AUTonomous Multimodal SUPply Chains
AUTOSUP is a Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action that aims to accelerate the transition towards seamless multimodal automated freight transport and strengthen the role of logistics hubs as interconnected nodes within a Physical Internet logistics network
Project information
Status
Ongoing
Duration
June 2024 - May 2027 (36 months)
Project type
Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action
Grant Agreement Number
101147468
ALICE Project Manager
Factsheet
Related ALICE Thematic Groups
Keywords
- Freight and logistics
- Sustainable transport
- Physical Internet
- Digital Twin
- Autonomous Supply Chains
Project overview
The logistics sector is entering a new era driven by automation, artificial intelligence, digitalisation and connectivity. While significant progress has been made in automated transport solutions, developments often remain fragmented across transport modes, limiting interoperability and slowing deployment at scale.
AUTOSUP addresses this challenge by preparing the foundations for autonomous multimodal supply chains. The project supports the transition from isolated automation initiatives towards integrated logistics networks in which ports, rail terminals, inland waterways, road transport and airports operate as connected Physical Internet nodes.
Through collaborative research, modelling, demonstrations and stakeholder engagement, AUTOSUP develops the frameworks, tools and governance models needed to enable seamless automated freight transport across Europe while ensuring sustainability, safety and social acceptance.
Objectives and expected outcomes
Objectives
AUTOSUP pursues six strategic objectives:
01
Define automation requirements and opportunities for seamless multimodal freight transport.
02
Develop an open, data-driven Decision Support System (DSS) to support investment and operational decisions related to automation.
03
Support automation transition pathways through two Living Hubs located in the ports of Antwerp-Bruges and Trieste.
04
Design innovative operational, governance and organisational models for autonomous logistics.
05
Validate automation solutions through feasibility analysis, impact assessment and stakeholder engagement.
06
Establish a strategic alliance and thematic working group supporting harmonised automation roadmaps across transport modes.
Expected outcomes
AUTOSUP will deliver:
01
A comprehensive knowledge base on freight transport automation.
02
An open Decision Support System enabling simulation-based assessment of automated logistics solutions.
03
Transition pathways for automation deployment in multimodal logistics hubs.
04
Governance and business models supporting cross-modal collaboration.
05
Capacity-building activities, guidelines and policy recommendations.
06
Recommendations to reduce barriers to automation adoption across Europe.
Demonstrations, pilots and validation
AUTOSUP validates its concepts through two Living Hubs:
LIVING HUB 01
Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium)
The Living Hub explores how automation can improve operations and connectivity between one of Europe's largest ports and surrounding transport corridors.
LIVING HUB 02
Port of Trieste (Italy)
The Living Hub investigates automation opportunities in complex multimodal logistics environments, linking maritime transport with rail, road and other transport modes.
Validation across the two Living Hubs
Across the two hubs, AUTOSUP analyses six representative use cases covering freight flows, intermodal operations and hub-to-hub logistics processes. Validation activities combine simulation, stakeholder assessment, feasibility studies and impact analysis to demonstrate operational, environmental and economic benefits.
Innovative solutions
Decision Support System for Autonomous Vehicles and Rail Wagons in Ports
This solution supports the assessment and deployment of autonomous transport operations within port environments. It helps stakeholders evaluate automation opportunities and operational scenarios involving autonomous vehicles and rail wagons.
Digital Twin-Based Planning Multimodal Corridor Automation
This solution uses Digital Twin technology to support the planning and evaluation of automation scenarios across multimodal transport corridors, enabling stakeholders to analyse impacts, optimise operations and assess investment strategies.
Decision Support System for Predictive Wagon Maintenance
This solution applies data-driven decision support capabilities to predict wagon maintenance needs, helping improve rail freight reliability, operational efficiency and asset management.
ALICE's role
ALICE participates in AUTOSUP to ensure that project outcomes contribute to the transition towards efficient, low-emission and interconnected logistics networks in Europe.
Through AUTOSUP, ALICE:
- Supports stakeholder engagement and community building across the European logistics ecosystem.
- Facilitates knowledge transfer between the project and ALICE members.
- Promotes cross-fertilisation with related European projects, partnerships and initiatives.
- Contributes to dissemination, communication and exploitation activities.
- Supports the development of automation roadmaps, standardisation recommendations and policy recommendations.
- Promotes the adoption of Physical Internet principles within automated multimodal supply chains.
AUTOSUP also enables ALICE to strengthen its knowledge base on automation technologies, identify adoption barriers and opportunities, and support the development of future logistics innovation strategies.
Project resources
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Video: Watch the video
- Flyer: AUTOSUP flyer
- Website: http://www.autosup-project.eu/
- LinkedIn: AUTOSUP on LinkedIn
Consortium
The AUTOSUP consortium is coordinated by INLECOM Innovation and brings together 16 partners from 5 European countries, representing research organisations, logistics operators, industry, technology providers, universities and stakeholder associations.
Coordinator
INLECOM Innovation (Greece)
ALICE members in the consortium
INLECOM, ESC, FIT Consulting, Procter & Gamble, VIL, Gruber Logistics & VLTN
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EU funding
AUTOSUP has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101147468. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.