Workshop on optimizing intermodal transport with AI

An expert workshop was held by DLR and 4PL Intermodal at the Institute for Transport Research of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Berlin Adlershof on September 23, 2024. As part of the HEGEL research project, the companies met to discuss new ideas and advances in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transport.

The workshop had two parts. In the first part, previous projects from DLR and 4PL Intermodal were discussed. It was about tracking trains and using AI to plan train traffic. Both organizations are motivated to increasingly use artificial intelligence in intermodal transportation research. The meeting was an opportunity to talk about past projects and develop new ideas.

The second part was about optimizing transport with AI. 4PL Intermodal, a growing company in the field of IT solutions for intermodal transport, presented new approaches and models. These models help predict delays and wait times, improving transportation journeys for those involved in the intermodal supply chain.

The DLR researchers were particularly interested in the practical experiences of the 4PL team. Expert knowledge from the field ofintermodal combined transportis then very useful in making the models resilient. 4PL Intermodal, on the other hand, benefits from the comprehensive theoretical knowledge of the DLR research institute and its experts. One of the biggest challenges is collecting the right data to further improve AI algorithms. In the end, the discussions essentially focused on this.

Both sides agreed that they will continue to share data, ideas and knowledge in the future. The workshop was successful, but these considerations are only at the beginning and the follow-up date for November has been agreed. Then the limits of AI in intermodal transport should be pushed further.

This workshop was a further step in the collaboration between DLR and 4PL Intermodal and lays the foundation for future innovations in the field of transport research.