Topic outline

  • Project Summary, Objectives and Expected Impacts


    PLANET is a project co-funded by the Horizon 2020 Program of the European Commission, starting on the 1st of June 2020, that goes beyond strategic transport studies and ICT for transport research, by demonstrating the emerging concepts (Physical Internet) and technologies (IoT, Blockchain) in three EU-global real-world corridors (China - EU- US). The project, which is scheduled to last 36 months, will focus in two key R&D pillars:

    •  A Geo-economics approach, modelling and specifying the dynamics of new trade routes and their impacts on logistics infrastructure and operations, with specific reference to TEN-T;
    • An EU-Global network enablement through demonstration of disruptive concepts and technologies (IoT, Blockchain and PI, 5G, 3D printing, autonomous vehicles /automation, hyperloop) which can shape its future and address its shortcomings.

    The project will liaise closely with the European Technology Platform ALICE and its developments and projects to join forces with all projects in this area. PLANET goes beyond strategic transport studies, and ICT for transport research, by rigorously modelling, analysing, demonstrating & assessing their interactions and dynamics thus, providing a more realistic view of the emerging transport and logistics environment.

    Three Living Labs will contribute to the strategic analysis of global flows, the analysis of corridor infrastructure issues, and the investigation of integration of the respective global corridor with the TEN-T. Furthermore, all Living Labs will investigate innovative ways to coordinate complex supply chains through multimodal corridors involving private and public stakeholders.

    List and short description of relevant pilots/living labs or test beds.

    Living Lab 1: Physical Internet and Blockchain for optimised door-to-door Asia-Europe corridors - Mediterranean Corridor

    LL1 will evaluate how new technologies (IoT, AI and blockchain) and concepts (Physical Internet) can improve processes, operations and efficiency along the door-to-door transport chains linking the Maritime Silk Road with EU internal corridors. LL1 will be divided in to two main use cases:

    1.  The first use case will focus on import/export door-to-door transport chain of containerized cargo between China and Spain and will evaluate how the combination of IoT (for real-time monitoring of logistics assets), AI (for better forecasts and intelligent decisions based on machine learning algorithms) and blockchain (for paperless transactions and the register of transport events), can contribute to a better management of the transport chain. The development of the PI paradigm will be investigated, where intelligent logistic nodes or hubs play a key role in transport decisions and are optimized based on real time events/information and historical data.

    2. The second use case will focus on warehouse operations and will explore how new IoT, AI, AR and automation technologies can contribute to the development of intelligent automated logistics nodes of the EGTN/PI network. This use case will complement Use Case 1, particularly on how to integrate smart Warehouse Nodes for EGTN routing decisions, ultimately creating PI Warehousing Nodes. The extended level of potential automation will be represented through simulation.


    LL2 will focus on dynamic and Synchromodal management of TEN-T & intercontinental flows promoting rail transport and utilising the Port of Rotterdam as the principal smart EGTN Node coordinating the rail focused transport chains linking China through Rotterdam to/from USA, and the Rhine-Alpine Corridor destinations. LL2 will include 3 main use cases:

    1.  The first use case will focus on Synchromodality in a Blockchain enabled Platform utilising advanced IoT, supporting PoR customers & communities to create the best multi-modal alternatives for logistics solutions within the LL2 corridors43.
    2. The second use case will focus on investigating Eurasian rail freight expansion in the LL2 corridor. LL2 will also utilize use case 1 tools to investigate freight flow synergies and Blockchain innovation to support integration with European RFCs.
    3. The third use case will analyse LL2 corridor flows and assess the implication for Port of Rotterdam and TEN-T infrastructure, extending results with data from EGTC and use cases 1 and 2. The use of the PLANET tools by Port of Rotterdam and “Interregional Alliance for the Rhine-Alpine Corridor EGTC’’ is directed at strategic corridor planning and in use by EGTC members in the context of use case1.

     Living Lab 3: IoT for Silk Road Route – reliable, transparent and fully connected corridor from China to the EU

     LL3 will focus on streamlining logistic processes in flows from China to Europe along the Silk Road by implementing IoT technologies (based on the EPCIS platform) and GS1 standards that facilitate transmission of data between the partners involved in the e-commerce operations. LL3 aims at:

     Standardising information flows and digitalising interactions between actors within the network (Alibaba, China Post, Polish National Post);

    1. Providing access to real time information on cargo coming from China to Poland along the entire supply chain through application of IoT and EPCIS to monitor supply chain events and support operational optimisation;
    2. Facilitating effective co-modal end-to end transport within EU’s internal rail network.

    www.planetproject.eu 



  • ALICE members as partners of PLANET

  • Presentations, Documents & Leaflets

  • Key Exploitable Results 

    PLANET has worked on 9 key exploitable results listed below. Only public ones are available, if you want more information on any of them, contact  Jeanett Bolther from PNO who is in charge of PLANET exploitation.



    • PLANET KERs - KER2 Hyperloop File

      Hardt is developing a new innovative solution for moving small and medium, standardized, and configurable shipment units and passengers - the hyperloop, which within PLANET, Hardt seeks to identify how hyperloop services could be shaped to best address these challenges. More specifically, hyperloop aims to:

      1) Radically improving agility and efficiency of logistics operations for just-in-time and on-demand deliveries of small and medium sized shipments and packages 

      2) Unlocking new market opportunities and economies of scale for time-sensitive and demand-sensitive products,

      3) Enabling cost-effective transition to digital and automated logistics operations to increase responsiveness to demand volatility and changing customer requirements.

    • PLANET KERs - KER3 Intelligent Decision Support Algorithm for JIT rail shuttle service File

      Artificial Intelligence (AI) based algorithm designed to support the decision-making process needed for offering a JIT rail shuttle service between the port of Valencia and other logistics facilities located in Madrid and Zaragoza. The JIT rail shuttle service is proposed as a potential solution managed by a railway operator focused on offering periodic trips by train for exchanging cargo between the port and logistics facilities in the hinterland. The objective of the algorithm is to recommend the best transportation mean option relying on the synchronization between the arrival of goods in the maritime segment and the departure of goods in the terrestrial segment.

    • PLANET KERs - KER4 Track Trace Monitoring Services File

      Nowadays, the track and trace solutions usually monitor pieces of iron (container, trucks), without having the knowledge of the goods consolidated on those. 

      It is proposed an innovative IoT solution capable to identify, characterise, track, trace and monitor your goods from the sender facility toward the receiver. Such a solution is capable to enable the visibility of the whole supply chain, considering both first/last mile logistics leg, as well as cargo. On the other hand, Track One with its specialised monitoring can be essential for guaranteeing an improved security on transporting perishable goods (e.g., fruit and food), enabling a trusted and standardised data sharing with all the stakeholders involved in the supply chain, thus improving customer satisfaction.

    • PLANET KERs - KER6 New distributed ledger technology for smart contract blockchain interop File

      The EGTN Platform blockchain interoperability service aims to connect different blockchain systems/partners and support interorganizational trade workflows. Smart contracts facilitate automated and paperless negotiations, improving customs control, increasing trust and confidentiality, and ensuring data authenticity/integrity. It serves as a universal front end, facilitating objectives like sharing of master data as a single, jointly agreed and undisputed source of reference. It also supports sharing transport events and supports T&L standards such as GS1.

    • PLANET KERs - KER9 Smart and Collaborative Platform File

      A cloud-based platform offered as a service (SaaS) to T&L users that want to leverage the EGTN platform functions along with complimentary Services for Integration and Support. The platform aims at empowering T&L stakeholders by offering them services and guidelines for shipping, routing and PI node optimization as well as to collaborate with other actors of the supply chain, within and across borders in a self-determined and secure way.

  • Whitepapers published

  • Project Deliverables

  • Deliverables published

    • PLANET_D1.1 EGTN Foundational Position Papers and Simulation Scenarios File

      It contains the description of the main aspects of the 4 foundational Position Papers of the PLANET project and the design of scenarios intended to assess their potential impact. The primary objective is to analyse, understand and assimilate the global, geopolitical, commercial, and economic imperatives of the main European trade routes.

      Responsible Author: David Cipres & Miriam García (ITAINNOVA)

    • PLANET_D1.3 Modelling Simulation Capability File

      It presents the currently available models for representing freight transport processes in the intercontinental corridors, their enhancements performed during the project in relation to their key characteristics and functionalities, in order to fulfil modelling and decision-making support needs to the Living Labs’ use cases. It also contains the description of the adaptation of the simulation models by the different partners, as well as the requirements gathered from the living labs’ use cases.

      Responsible Author: David Cipres (ITAINNOVA)

    • PLANET_D1.5 Simulation based impact of new trade routes on TEN T and disadvantaged regions File

      It discusses in more detail the potential impact of the BRI on TEN-T using several model simulations. This deliverable builds on work done in D1.4 by discussing the results of future simulations for 2030 and 2050 and two scenario simulations, namely the impact on disadvantaged regions and that of improved rail freight corridors. Based on these scenarios, the potential impact of TEN-T has been identified. Some ideas of leveraging the role of intermodal nodes, in particular the inland ones covering comprehensive logistic activities supporting local developments, are elaborated as well.

    • PLANET_D1.7 Legislation EU Policy to impact EGTN File

      It is the updated version of D1.6. The main subject of this deliverable is to evaluate the potential impacts of various legislative and policy initiatives on the EGTN layers, attributes and development and to assess the key implementation barriers. In addition, scenarios for 2030 and 2050 per transport mode were developed in order to evaluate the impacts of prioritized legal and policy initiatives on the simulation input parameters.

    • PLANET_D1.9 Simulation-based analysis of T&L and ICT innovation technologies File

      It tests the PLANET integrated modelling capability developed in D1.8 through its application in various contextual scenarios based on the viewpoints of various modelling partners and foundational position papers. In sum, this deliverable demonstrates the concept of ‘whole is greater than the sum of its parts’ by highlighting the enhanced effect of integrating the features and potential of individual models developed across the PLANET project to model a range of operational contexts, emerging technologies, and future scenario logics.

    • PLANET_D1.10 EGTN Reference Specification File

      It provides a detailed description of the main components of the vision of the EGTN. The approach is made to define the EGTN specifications, considering the WP1 the analysis and bringing together the opinions and considerations of the consortium regarding the definition and components of the EGTN.

      Responsible Author: Georgia Ayfadopoulou & Orestis Tsolakis (CERTH)

    • PLANET_D2.2 Open EGTN Platform Architecture Final Version File

      It explains the reasoning behind the development of the features provided, by mapping the requirements presented in the previous version with the final functionalities offered by the EGTN Platform. It materialises the platform specification defined in WP1 to an integrated architecture and a cloud-based instantiation of it on the cloud. A description of the components of the platform is presented together with detailed deployment strategies aiming to ensure that the platform can be easily adopted by any interested T&L party. The governance model of the platform defines processes for data ingestion and processing, integration and management of PI services and onboarding of users.

    • PLANET_D2.8 EGTN Transport Data and Knowledge models final version File

      This deliverable is part of task T2.2 EGTN IoT and Connectivity Infrastructure Components. The objective of the task is to identify, collect and integrate T&L data and models to be used in creating T&L services. The task will identify, collect and curate such models adhering to the Project’s Data Management Plan.

    • PLANET_D2.9 EGTN Support Services based on Big Data analytics models File

      It describes the preliminary results of experimentation on AI based predictive models, using data made available in the project, to forecast the in-flow of pallets and containers to warehouses.

    • PLANET_D2.12 Multi-Actor Multi-Criteria Analysis final version File

      This report addresses the challenges associated to multi-stakeholder decision making in the context of Transport and Logistics (T&L). A Multi-actor multi-criteria analysis is undertaken considering the unique supply chain contexts of intercontinental corridors, warehouse and hinterland transport and last mile delivery. Operators with activity in all three supply chain sectors are found to have unique operational criteria and priorities, that indicate the need for separate instantiations of MACMA in each context.

      Responsible Author: Kostas Zavitsas

    • PLANET_D2.14 Intelligent PI Nodes and PI Network services final version File

      It is the updated version of deliverable 2.13 and proposes methods and algorithms, that adapt legacy T&L practices to the operational principles of the Physical Internet. These methods have been identified based on the challenges identified in the Living Labs but have been developed in a Living Lab agnostic way into services, as part of a more generalized framework of T&L solutions. The deliverable focuses both on the algorithms and their performance, as well as the EGTN platform that embodies the algorithms, their interactions with other EGTN services and where applicable with the interaction with the user.

      Responsible Author: Kostas Zavitsas

    • PLANET_D2.16 Integration and Interoperability of proprietary Blockchain Systems for Seamless Global Trade Workflows final version File

      It is the second and final report on the integration and interoperability of proprietary Blockchain systems as part of the PLANET project. The report aspires to inform any stakeholder or consortium of stakeholders involved or interested in the design of innovative, cross-organisational EU-Global T&L networks, but also any stakeholders interested in the deployment of Blockchain interoperability solutions in T&L or any other field in which the use of smart contracts can be applied.

    • PLANET_D2.18 EGTN smart contracts and associated PI motivated workflows in the context of SLA management final version File

      It is the final version of deliverable 2.17 and focuses on the design and structure of the Blockchain-enabled smart contracts which are called to facilitate, verify, or enforce the negotiation or performance of a contract or an aspect of the SLA. The report aims to inform any stakeholder or consortium of stakeholders involved or interested in the design of innovative, cross-organisational EU-Global T&L networks, but also any stakeholders interested in the deployment of Blockchain interoperability solutions in T&L or any other field where the use of smart contracts can be applied by replacing existing paper-based contracts.

    • PLANET_D3.1 LL1 Specifications and baseline measurements.pdf File

      It provides a detailed description of LL1’s specifications and the implementation plan for optimising door-to-door logistics in the connection between Asia and the Mediterranean corridor by using technologies such as blockchain, AI or IoT, as well as the PI concept. It also includes an overview of the assessment plan for the infrastructure corridor analysis and the simulation-based designs underdeveloped, and to be integrated as part of PLANET EGTN infrastructure.

    • PLANET_D3.3 LL2 Specifications and baseline measurements File

      It introduces the work carried out during the first steps of this LL: Synchro modal dynamic management of TEN-T & intercontinental flows promoting rail transport: China – Rotterdam, USA/UK focusing on the role of rail transport. It includes detailed problem and goal definition, approach design, operationalization of impact assessment, and initial implementation.

    • PLANET_D3.5 LL3 Specifications and baseline measurements File

      It provides an analysis of the current situation on the examined Asian-European transport corridor was made together with a detailed analysis of the logistic processes performed by the business partners Rohlig Suus and Polish Post. Based on the complete state-of-the-art picture the objectives for the Polish LL were proposed, which through the implementation of modern technologies and process innovations will positively influence the described operational, economic and environmental KPI's, as well as EGTN network.

      Responsible Author: Lukasiewicz - ILiM (Martyna Zielińska, Adam Koliński, Tomasz Markowski, Witold Statkiewicz, Malgorzata Kirchner)

    • PLANET_D3.7 EGTN Generic Use Case v.1 File

      It sets up and specifies the parameters of an EGTN Generic Use Case. It brings together elements from the 3 PLANET LLs under a common EGTN framework and employs the analysis of the effects of the new trade routes in the TEN-T network.

      Responsible Author: Teresa de la Cruz  (ZLC)

    • PLANET_D4.1 Recommendations for TEN-T interfacing to Global Trade Routes File

      It identifies which funding mechanisms (HE and CE) can be applied to further develop the disruptive technologies or to fund the necessary infrastructural developments. It also synthesizes the funding and proposes new CEF and HE call topics that can serve as guidelines for the 2030 review of the programs aiming at contributing to the transition of TEN-Ts the next generation of PI enabling EGTNs.

      Responsible Author: Ioanna Kourounioti

    • PLANET_D4.2 Policy guide, Briefing sheets and case study on freight transport for policymakers in emerging economies File

      It provides information and tools for logistics and policymakers stakeholders policymakers. More specifically, the policy guide aims to promote technology and policy transfer from the experiences of the PLANET project in the EU to emerging economies by increasing decision-makers’ awareness.

    • PLANET_D5.1 Stakeholder Analysis Report File

      It provides a stakeholder analysis, identifying important European stakeholders that are considered relevant for PLANET and gathering information used to mobilise them to support the project’s exploitation objectives.

      Responsible Author: Jeanett Bolther (PNO)

    • PLANET_D5.2 Observations and Recommendations of the Advisory Board v1 File

      It summarises the observations and recommendations of the Advisory Board members on the project. This version focusses on 3 key topics developed under PLANET: the Stakeholder analysis, the PLANET vision and EGTN; the modelling and simulation capabilities.

  • Living Labs

    • PLANET Living Lab 1 PI and Blockchain for optimised door-to-door Asia-Europe Corridors – Mediterranean Corridor File

      PLANET LL1 evaluates how novel technologies and concepts such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning (ML) or Physical Internet (PI) can enhance the efficiency of the processes and operations performed along the door-to-door (D2D) transport and logistics in the link between the Maritime Silk Road and EU internal corridors.

    • PLANET Living Lab 2 Synchromodal dynamic management of TEN-T & intercontinental flows promoting rail transport File

      LL2 focuses on dynamic and synchro modal management (achieving synergies between) of TEN-T & intercontinental rail freight flows, utilising the Port of Rotterdam (PoR) as the principal smart EGTN node centering rail focused transport chains. This will focus on intercontinental rail freight between China and the EU, but also on linking China and Russia through Rotterdam to/from USA and the UK (shortsea and ocean freight).

      Specifically, this LL addresses improvements and growth in the transportation of rail freight between China-USA and the UK with the PoR as transshipment and modality shift point. Other close central transhipment nodes (e.g., Germany/Poland) located on a TEN-T or Rail Freight Corridors (RFCs) - in particular on the RFC8 – North Sea-Baltic corridor- will be also taken into account.

    • PLANET Living Lab 3 IoT for Silk Road Route: reliable, transparent and fully connected corridor China-EU File

      PLANET LL3 focuses on streamlining logistic processes in flows from China to Europe along the Silk Road by implementing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies (based on the Electronic Product Code Information Services, EPCIS, platform) and GS1 standards that facilitate transmission of data between the partners involved in the e-commerce operations.

  • Work packages


    • PLANET WP1 EU-Global T&L Networks [EGTN] File

      CERTH leads the first Work Package of the project with the objective of providing a Simulation Capability for assessing the impacts of emerging trade routes, national strategies and technological concepts on the TEN-T corridors and the Principal Entry Nodes (PENs) interfacing TEN-T to global trade.

    • PLANET WP2 Cloud-based Open EGTN Infrastructure File

      WP2 PLANET Cloud-based Open EGTN Infrastructure, where it is concerned with the design and implementation of the EGTN platform by developing new Physical Internet (PI) inspired Predictive & Optimization based analytical algorithms for route planning and PI node optimization.

    • PLANET WP3 Living Labs File

      WP3 PLANET Living Labs. ZLC coordinates the WP devoted to PLANET Living Labs, designed to provide both an experimentation/innovation environment and testbed for EGTN solutions along three global corridors.

    • PLANET WP4 Steering innovation & building capacity towards EGTN File

      WP4 Steering innovation & building capacity towards EGTN. It will provide Open Source Libraries as part of the Transferability Framework and Capacity Building Programme.

    • PLANET WP5 Dissemination Commercialisation Policy recommendations File

      WP5 Dissemination Commercialisation Policy recommendations. Main activities: To develop and implement a Communication and Dissemination plan; The development of strategies for commercializing the results of the project; To provide policy recommendations.

  • Annual reports

    • PLANET_ 1ST Annual Report File

      In the first year of the project, several deliverables have been realised, most of them dealing with the first aspects of the project on which to establish common ground for the integrated simulation and modelling capability of the project and realising the EGTN. At a public level deliverables D1.2, D5.1, D6.1 and D6.3 set out the first steps of the project, while D6.2, D7.1, D7.2, D7.3 and D7.4 have made up a large part of the first deliverables in this first year of the project at a private dissemination level.

    • PLANET_ 2ND Annual Report File

      In the second year of the project, several deliverables have been realised, most of them focusing on the EGTN and LLs definition, approach design and initial implementation.

    • PLANET_ 3RD Annual Report File

      In the third year of the project, several deliverables have been realised, most of them focusing on the gathering of the results and reports obtained in the LLs as well as in EGTN platform and services.

  • Communication materials for download

  • Project Q&A: Ask Your questions here!