Autonomous control autonomous control and the internet of things internet of things smart objects: Increasing robustness, scalability and agility agility in logistics in logistic networks

Abstract

The Internet of ThingsInternet of Things and Autonomous Control are considered key concepts to enhance logistic processes in supply networks. Here the question that often comes up is about how both concepts relate to each other. The principal aim of this article is to evaluate, whether the Internet of Things and the paradigm of Autonomous Control in logistics can complement each other's capabilities. There are numerous different architectural approaches towards an Internet of Things. In this article, the EPCglobal Network is chosen, as it provides a standardised and well accepted approach based on open interfaces. A state of the art analysis is performed, concerning the existing technologies and research on Autonomous Control and the EPCglobal Network. In an integrative approach both concepts are merged. In this context, the EPCglobal Network is used as an information broker for Autonomous Logistic Objectsautonomous logistic objects. One possible application of this integrative approach is described based on an intelligent truck to illustrate the potential of the extended EPCglobal framework through means of Autonomous Control. © 2011 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.