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Next Generation of Freight Planning and Operation Models to Incorporate Emerging Innovative Technologies
Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Florida Atlantic University
ekaisar@fau.edu
Mihalis M. Golias, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
University of Memphis
mgkolias@memphis.edu
Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Portland State University
figliozzi@pdx.edu
Sabyasachee Mishra, Ph.D., P.E.
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
University of Memphis
smishra3@memphis.edu
Proposal Summary and Objectives
This project leverages expertise from three universities (FAU, PSU, UoM) and attempts to accomplish the project objectives to (1) quantify adoption of connected and autonomous trucks by freight organizations, (2) incorporate truck platooning in transportation planning and operation models, (3) analyze the emissions impacts of last mile deliveries by delivery robots, (4) study how disruptive technologies are affecting intermodal transportation, and (5) outline future research necessary to address the opportunities and challenges created by disruptive technologies.
Recent rapid explosion of new technologies have created opportunities to address critical freight transportation challenges across all modes in urban, suburban and rural areas. Some examples of new technologies include expansion of e-commerce, last mile deliveries by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or delivery robots, and potential applications of automated and connected vehicles in freight transportation (e.g. truck platooning). These new technologies are also influencing consumer behavior and thereby reshaping freight supply chains at the urban, regional, and international level. First, the project will develop diffusion of innovation based models to predict how the adoption of autonomous trucks will be in the future by freight organizations. Second, we will address how truck platooning will be incorporated in transportation planning models such as how many trucks will be allowed in a platoon, platoon speed, platooning hours, freeway platooning zones, etc. Third, we will model the potential emissions impacts of last mile delivery robots. Fourth, assess the role and feasibility of technological innovations in intermodal transportation. Finally, the project will summarize the findings, challenges, and scope for future research.
Funding Amount: $209,984
Status: Complete
Duration: Nov. 12, 2018 - Nov. 6, 2019