Work

Automating Logistics Operations: Qualitative Insights from Four European Sites

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Automated vehicles are increasingly entering logistics operations, driven by factors like controllability, standardization, and reduced risk. However, successful automation requires understanding the diverse perspectives of logistics stakeholders. Method: This paper investigates these perspectives through 28 interviews with representatives from five key stakeholder groups within the European Project AWARD’s four pilot sites. Results: Key findings highlight positive expectations for efficiency, safety, and reliability, but also identify critical prerequisites still to be met: further technological advancements, shifts in logistics roles and working conditions, regulatory improvements, and careful narrative building around technology. Conclusions: A deeper analysis of individual stakeholder groups and pilot site representatives reveals nuanced needs and concerns, emphasizing the importance of considering different perspectives and need for further research involving a wider range of stakeholder groups to fully capture the complexities of this emerging field.

Source: Logistics

DOI: 10.3390/logistics8040114

Authors: Guglielmo Papagni, Setareh Zafari, Johann Schrammel, Manfred Tscheligi

Institutions: AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, University of Salzburg

Language: English

Topic: Transport and Logistics Innovations

Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,591