Thursday, October 20, 2011

Top Story

DHL launches "Open Innovation" for "city logistics"

The international express shipping provider, DHL, announced it has launched its "Open Innovation" competition that focuses on what it terms "city logistics," where entrants can showcase ways to optimize logistical and transport innovations within urban areas.

The Open Innovation competition will judge solutions such as traffic environment, congestion and energy consumption within the framework of a market economy, and is open to businesses, academics, politicians, public authorities and citizens to share ideas and recommendations for the implementation of sustainable logistics solutions in populated, urban areas, DHL said in a statement.

DHL’s solutions and innovations division says it is seeking ideas that will help reduce traffic congestion, promote "green" urban living, improve urban logistics and deliver efficient transport solutions.

"With growing cities all over the world, the challenges of city logistics and urban living are becoming more and more demanding," said Steffen Frankenberg, vice president at DSI.

"Solutions for decreasing traffic and getting cities greener are crucial for the future. DHL knows that the logistics industry plays a significant role and we want to broaden our approach to city logistics by also inviting people outside the company to contribute their perspective. With the views of others we can better identify the challenges and generate ideas for new logistics solutions. We are asking participants to really think outside of the box," Frankenberg said.

The DHL Open Innovation competition focuses on the following categories:

  • Logistics efficiency in urban areas: How can logistics flows of goods and services be improved in and out of urban environments? What future logistical challenges can be anticipated and what kinds of solutions can be developed to respond to these challenges?
  • Green city and urban living: What defines a truly green city and what does it take to become one? What are the key challenges a city faces in the coming decades, and what kinds of regulations must be adopted to face these challenges?
  • Digital logistics: Which IT solutions could improve logistics with respect to traffic management, traffic prediction, warehouse management, etc.? What are the innovative criteria behind these potential solutions? What are smart next-generation IT solutions?
Submissions can be entered at: www.dhl.com from now through November 28, 2011. DHL says a jury of experts from different fields and backgrounds will evaluate the submissions in December and name the winners of the contest in the first quarter of 2012. Contest participants are eligible to win flight and travel accommodations to DHL Solutions and Innovations City Logistics locations in Europe, Asia and the Americas as well as gift cards and internships with DHL.

 

 

More Techwire stories

Cargotec wins big contract for automated equipment at TraPac’s L.A. terminal

CN adds 200 "eco" containers to fleet

Port of Houston taps APS for automated products

U.S. solar manufacturers want duties placed on over $1 bil of Chinese imports

Today's Cargo News Archives

 

The Port Handbook



Click to browse past stories on these topics:

Logistics

Ports & Infrastructure

Economic Outlook

Environmental Impact

Technology