Bringing Physical Internet to life

The 5th International Physical Internet Conference (#IPIC2018) takes place from 18-22 June 2018 in Groningen, The Netherlands. The University of Groningen organizes this large international conference on Physical Internet together with the Dutch logistics sector. We are looking forward to welcoming over 250 guests from industry, academia and governmental organizations. Specifically, the conference focuses on insights for implementation steps of the Physical Internet in the coming five years.

The Physical Internet is a strategic vision on the logistics of the future. The principle focuses on a sustainable self-organizing logistics system for cleaner and more efficient logistics. In the future, transport and storage space are freely and easily shared and goods and parcels move through fully open and connected networks.

Professor Iris Vis: “IPIC 2018 aims to provide an open forum for researchers, industry representatives, government officials and citizens to together explore, discuss, introduce leading edge concepts, methodologies, recent projects, technological advancements, start-up initiatives, for current and future Physical Internet implementation. Conference topics include interconnected logistics, PI fundamentals, business models, governance and implementation, cross-chain control, synchromodal transportation, IT systems, stakeholders and their roles.”

In addition to lectures, workshops and discussion panels, IPIC 2018 has a number of special components where the connection with the Northern Netherlands will be demonstrated. On Monday, June 18 in the afternoon, the seminar "5G in healthcare logistics" will take place, where healthcare directors and other stakeholders are invited to discuss the possibilities of using fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G) in healthcare-logistics processes. On Tuesday morning, June 19, pupils from various public schools from Groningen will present the results of their research project Webexpeditie Groningen. The pupils of De Starter presented their results last week to Benjamin Derksen, CEO of Frank and asked him questions about the logistics operations of Frank. During the Meet the CEO session on Thursday afternoon, June 21, participants at IPIC will hear more about Frank and we will show the movie made of the conversation between Benjamin Derksen and the pupils.

Tuesday afternoon, June 19, the IPIC start-up event takes place in collaboration with Founded in Groningen, where start-ups get the chance to present their innovative solutions for sustainable logistics. On Wednesday afternoon, June 20, the smart city goods hub Groningen Eelde will be opened. Participants can get an impression of campus Groningen on Wednesday afternoon, June 20th during Groningen Experience. On Friday 22 June, two company visits in the region will be on the program for the participants: a visit to Groningen Seaports and the Shared smart factory in Emmen including a presentation of Oldenburger Fritom.

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