AUTOMOTIF: AUTOMATION TOWARDS MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT AND INTEGRATION OF FREIGHT

The AUTOMOTIF project is at the forefront of advancing automation in multimodal transport systems across the intra-European network. Aiming to improve the interoperability and integration of automated transport systems, AUTOMOTIF seeks to transform the logistics supply chain, improving efficiency and sustainability through operational automation.

AUTOMOTIF is built around five S.M.A.R.T. objectives designed to address both the current challenges and future needs of freight transport:

  1. Operational automation requirements: Define and standardise the technological needs across different transport hubs to facilitate seamless freight movement, reducing environmental, social, and economic impacts.
  2. Simulation of automated systems: Execute comprehensive simulations in various settings (vessel calls, rail terminal operations, etc.) to validate the benefits and feasibility of automation in real-world scenarios.
  3. Impact assessment: Evaluate the economic, societal, and environmental impacts of integrating automated systems in multimodal transport.
  4. Investment and adoption strategies: Develop strategies to reduce the investment barriers and enhance the uptake of automated solutions within the logistics sector.
  5. Regulatory frameworks: Formulate and recommend policies to support the widespread adoption of automation technologies in multimodal freight transport.

By bridging the technological and regulatory gaps that currently hinder the integration of isolated automated systems, AUTOMOTIF will significantly increase the efficiency and coherence of multimodal logistics operations. The project’s inclusive approach ensures that advances in automation are aligned with the needs of users and society, promoting safer, cleaner and more efficient transport solutions.

AUTOMOTIF is set to expand upon the current state of the art through:

  • Advanced simulations of automated processes in critical transport nodes such as ports and rail terminals.
  • Enhanced digital integration enabling the seamless exchange of operational data between different modes of transport.
  • Development of intermodal logistics models that reduce manual intervention and streamline operations.

The project collaborates with key strategic partnerships including CCAM, Zero Emission Waterborne Transport, and EU Rail JU, ensuring that the solutions developed are robust, scalable, and in line with European transport policies.

Why ALICE is part of the AUTOMOTIF project and what is its role?

ALICE is part of the AUTOMOTIF project to foster interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder innovation essential for achieving zero-emissions in logistics. As a leader in setting European logistics and supply chain management strategies, ALICE supports the integration of advanced automated transport solutions that align with its mission for a net-zero emissions future, underpinned by the Physical Internet concept. This partnership also enhances ALICE’s role in guiding EU research initiatives towards sustainable logistics advances. With this project, ALICE expect to:
  • Find automation solutions that transportation companies, logistics providers, and goods owners can implement right away
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing and partnerships between projects, initiatives, and different players in the logistics industry.
  • Share the insights and best practices gained from the project with our members and the entire logistics community through workshops, webinars and events.
Moreover, being partner also in the sister project AutoSUP, ALICE will foster the collaboration and cross-fertilization between the two projects.

Additional information


Website: https://automotif-project.eu/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automotifeu/
X account (Twitter): https://x.com/AutoMoTIF_
Project Manager at ALICE:  Giuseppe Luppino

Consortium members

The project consortium is led by ICCS, involving 18 partners from 8 European countries. ALICE members in the consortium: ICCS, CIRCLE
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101147693. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.


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