Search results for ""Author Rob Konings""

This book explores the many challenges faced by the development and implementation of automated freight transport systems. It offers a unique overview of current applications, developments and future perspectives. The subject of automation is not covered extensively in the existing literature on freight transport and this book aims to fill the gap.In view of the increasing difficulties in coping with growing transport volumes in an efficient and sustainable way, the development of new automated freight applications could be a viable alternative. The first chapters of the book are devoted to an overview of concepts and current research developments in automated transport, outlining the opportunities, barriers and threats for further development paths for different transport modes. The authors then go on to focus on innovative tools to design and evaluate these new transport developments. The book closes with a detailed and critical analysis of what is, probably, the most critical part of system innovation; that is the implementation of automated systems.Written from a multi-disciplinary perspective, which reflects the diversity of the relevant issues needing consideration when designing, developing and implementing such systems, this book will be an invaluable source for scholars and researchers of innovation and transport studies. In addition, the book will be useful to policymakers and practitioners involved in the design, development and implementation of new technologies for freight transport. It may also appeal to wider readers with an interest in the future of freight transport systems.

Read more less

This book explores the great challenge of increasing the scope of intermodal freight transport. In view of the current dominant role of road transport and the increasing difficulties in coping with a growing number of vehicles in an efficient and sustainable way, intermodal freight transport could be considered a viable alternative. However, the book makes recognition of the fact that there is still a need to improve the performance of the intermodal transport system. The expert contributors provide an overview of the present role of intermodal freight transport, address opportunities to significantly improve current performance, and demonstrate design and modelling tools used to analyse and support this performance. Requirements for the implementation of intermodal innovations are also prescribed, and policies needed to improve competitiveness are outlined. Many factors contributing to the performance and competitiveness of intermodal freight transport are explored, from technological and organisational innovations through to institutional settings and policy frameworks. This comprehensive range of topics will attract a broad audience including academics, researchers, policymakers and practitioners involved in the design and development of freight transport systems. It will also strongly appeal to those with an interest in the future of freight transport.

Read more less