The EU project MODI will demonstrate automated heavy transport without safety drivers on the motorway corridor from Rotterdam to Moss in Norway, cross four national borders and demonstrate terminal operations at four different ports.

TØI's role in the project

TØI researchers will lead the work to look at barriers and drivers for adopting automated transport for logistics, as well as develop business models. TØI researchers will also carry out risk analyzes of traffic safety and security, as well as lead the analysis of societal impacts, where, among other things, the interaction between the vehicles and other road user groups, the environment and the economy will be looked at.

Automation can lead to many positive societal effects, such as zero-emission transport, safer and more efficient transport and logistics everywhere and for everyone.

The logistics sector is special due to the scarcity of drivers, the pressure to reduce costs and demands for high utilization of vehicles compared to passenger cars. There is an expectation that automated vehicles will contribute to profitable business models within the logistics sector.

- We look forward to contributing expertise on societal impacts and safeguarding the user perspective of the logistics players, says research leader Marianne Stølan Rostoft.

TØI one of a total of 29 partners

Through the framework program Horizon Europe, the EU has allocated 23 million euros to the project.

The consortium consists of 29 partners. The 7 Norwegian partners are in addition to TØI, ITS Norway, Q-Free, the Swedish Road Administration, the Mapping Authority, SINTEF, and Viken County Municipality. In total, the 29 partners represent the entire value chain within logistics.