REMOVING THE PILLARS OF LOGISTICS: THE PHYSICAL INTERNET

Abstract

The term Physical Internet (PI or ?-I) was born in 2006. Despite more than ten years old, this term is practically unknown and unfrequently used among engineers, economists, computer scientists as well as legislators. In recent years, its usage has increased and the European Union has targeted its implementation by 2050. This article proposes an approach to this emerging new reality, as well as a review of the literature on this topic. Some prestigious universities around the world, as well as technical research institutes, have realized this potential and are already developing research to develop the basics of the aspects surrounding the so-called logistics of the future. Among them, the Georgia Institute of Technology in the United States, Kühne Logistics University in Germany, Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden or the Technical University of Graz in Austria (currently organizer of the 4th International Physical Internet Congress - 4th IPIC 2017). The European Union's (European Commission) has included PI in the 2020 Horizon programs, and has set the implementation of the PI for the 2050. Europe Commission is funding projects of all areas to investigate this concept. This article proposes an approach to this new reality that is approaching us, as well as facilitate a review of the literature of this topic, making it familiar among researchers and seeking motivation among other interest groups in the development and evolution of the concept. Finally, we aim to raise awareness of the need for an evolution of the current logistical method, which is one of the great causes of the global dependence on fossil resources and CO2 emissions