InterLog

Integrated logistics concepts for sustainable and flexible urban logistics networks

January 2022

Technical requirements

Technical requirements of micro-depots - A list of requirements for material flow and technologies used for the micro-depots was drawn up.

February 2022

Business models

Business models - Various business models have been designed and are being tested in a simulation environment.

March 2022

Algorithm requirements

Workshop on algorithm requirements - In a joint workshop, the requirements of the various project partners for the optimization algorithm to be developed were developed and specified.

December 2022

Optimization model

Optimization model - The mathematical formulation of the optimization model has been completed.

December 2022

Dimensioning

Dimensioning of micro-depots and consolidation centers - The methods for determining the dimensioning were created and adapted.

December 2022

Flow of goods model

Goods flow model and route planning - The required parameters of the goods flow model were determined and the optimization model for route planning was revised.

What did we do?

We tested how cargo bikes can improve the delivery of parcels. In small distribution centers within the city - so-called micro-depots - parcels were distributed from delivery vehicles to cargo bikes and then delivered. Does this make delivery faster, more flexible and more sustainable than using large delivery vehicles directly?

How did we do it?

In cooperation with the logistics start-up "Business forBikes" (B4B), we analyzed the daily delivery of 1.5 tons of general cargo. The goods were picked up daily in the east of Munich and later delivered using cargo bikes.
At the same time, we researched business models and evaluation methods in delivery traffic, algorithms for distribution and route planning, as well as logistics processing within distribution centers.

Why did we do it?

Current parcel deliveries in cities like Munich take up too much space, take too much time and are not sustainable due to their high emissions. Small cargo bikes can solve these problems.