Contributions to Conferences

An Internet of Things for Transport Logistics - An Approach to Connecting the Information and Material Flows in Autonomous Cooperating Logistics Processes

Abstract

This paper presents a standards-based approach to connecting the information and material flows in autonomous cooperating logistics processes. The information flow is represented by a multi-agent system (MAS) with capabilities for the autonomous control of transport logistics processes. The material flow consists of the actual physical logistics objects participating in these processes. By creating a connection between the two flows, an Internet of Things (IoT) for transport logistics may be created in which the logistics objects or “things” are capable of processing information, communicating with each other and taking their own decisions. The proposed solution concepts for connecting the flows are based on the EPCglobal Framework Architecture and consequently lends themselves to practical implementation in existing transport logistics infrastructures, suggesting the feasibility of an Internet of Things for Transport Logistics.