Logistic control for fully automated large scale freight transport systems; event based control for the underground logistic system Schiphol

Abstract

This paper provides new concepts for logistic control of highly automated transport systems. Furthermore, some novel characteristics of logistic control are described. The concepts are illustrated by examples from a large research project on a highly automated transport system, the underground logistic system Schiphol (OLS). The most important aspects of the OLS logistic control are decentralization, distribution, and an event-based information exchange between hierarchical control layers. The logistic control developed for the OLS was tested and evaluated by using a combination of simulation and real (scale) models and prototypes of the equipment that will be used within the OLS. It proves to work very well. In current studies the control concepts of the OLS are introduced for other complex transport systems as well. The first results are very positive.