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A fast and powerful 3D cargo space usage optimization service for logistics industry

Project description

Cloud-based solution helps optimise parcel-shipping capacity

Package deliveries are on the rise owing to the booming e-commerce sector. However, a large amount of freight capacity in vehicles such as vans or ships is underutilised. Around 40 % is actually empty space as there is no efficient technology to optimise cargo space. Reducing the empty space by just 10 % could save the logistics industry millions of euros and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EU-funded BOXBOT project plans to develop the first-of-its-kind cloud-based solution for optimising space usage. The proposed solution will allow the handling of complex packing and loading in a short amount of time, offering a 30 % increase in the cargo fill rate.

Objective

Even though more packages than ever before are today being shipped due the boom in e-commerce, no efficient technology has been developed to optimize cargo space in vehicles such as vans or ships. On average, 40% of the transportation capacity is empty space due to the well-known 3D packing problem in the transportation and logistics industry. Reducing the empty space with just 10% saves millions of euros in the logistics industry and greenhouse gas emissions in the environment. Some optimization space software exists in the market but none is really effective being usually too slow and/or handling only few basic cargo parameters. Thus, end-users opt for manual packing/loading plans often using excel which take a lot of time and underuse space capacity.
At BOXBOT, we have developed a multi-objective meta-heuristic algorithm to do fast calculations in seconds using over 30 cargo parameters of mixed loads, operational rules and loading and discharging sequences. Our cloud-based solution is the first effective 3D cargo space optimization service for logistic industry which is able to handle complex packing and loading challenges in short time offering an increasing freight fill rate up to 30% more in vehicles. In 2017, we were selected as one of the top five startups in a global innovation competition organized by Mercedes-Benz Vans for the Startup adVANce program to co-develop our prototype in vans (€120,000). We address customers in the logistic industry from General Cargo Ship owners to Last Mile Delivery operators. We have built a solid ecosystem of partners and stakeholders for the rapid growth of our unique business (e.g. University of Turku, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Cargotec Ltd, Royal Wagenborg). Our mission is to be the leading logistics solutions provider and make our solutions globally available and widely used. Now we are applying to the SME Instrument Phase 1 to carry out a Feasibility Study.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020

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Coordinator

KINE ROBOT SOLUTIONS OY
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 50 000,00
Address
TOINEN LINJA 1
20100 TURKU
Finland

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Manner-Suomi Etelä-Suomi Varsinais-Suomi
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 71 429,00
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