About the project
The SyntheSis research project is developing a tool-supported, simulation-based platform for the synthesis, simulation, analysis, and transfer of urban freight transport and logistics concepts. The background to the project is that while numerous innovative logistics approaches—such as micro-depots, cargo bikes, autonomous delivery vehicles, or nighttime logistics—are being tested in pilot projects, they often fail to make the transition to widespread practical application. Reasons for this include the lack of comparability among the concepts, high implementation costs, and uncertainties regarding their environmental and economic impacts. Added to this are complex interactions between transportation, infrastructure, the environment, and economic conditions, as well as the involvement of many different stakeholders, such as those from logistics, local governments, vehicle development, and politics.
SyntheSis addresses these challenges through a model-based description of logistics scenarios, the integration of vehicle, infrastructure, and municipal data, and a simulation-based evaluation of relevant key performance indicators. The expansion of the existing MobileCity simulation environment enables realistic analyses under varying urban conditions. In this way, SyntheSis supports cities, companies, and other stakeholders in thoroughly evaluating sustainable and economically viable logistics concepts and implementing them in a targeted manner.
