VITAL-5G: Innovative Network Applications (NetApps) Support over 5G Connectivity for the Transport & Logistics Vertical

Abstract

As 5G networks are being deployed across the world, more and more vertical industries are discovering the benefits of 5G connectivity and the novel business and innovation models that it has to offer. The Transport & Logistics (T&L) industry is expected to be one of the key adopters of 5G technology, where the 5G enterprise market for T&L is estimated to reach $2.9 trillion (€2.7 trillion) by 2026 and grow at a CAGR of 47.5% [1]. However, the adoption and penetration of 5G-based solutions in T&L may be hindered by the knowledge/expertise gap between the vertical industry, the telecommunication experts and the application developers. 5G based Network Applications (NetApps) represent a key enabler for the adoption of 5G solutions, as they can abstract the complexity of the underlying 5G infrastructure for T&L application developers, and significantly reduce the service creation and deployment times, as well as optimize the utilization of 5G resources. The European Innovation Action project VITAL-5G has the vision to advance the offered T&L services by showcasing the benefits of 5G-based NetApps via real-life trials over state of the art vertical (T&L) facilities (warehouse, hubs, ports) and advanced European 5Gtestbeds. To support both internal and 3 rd -party experimentation, VITAL-5G will create an elaborate experimentation service portal and online repository which will facilitate the creation, deployment, monitoring and (re)configuration of NetApps in the vertical environment.

Network Applications (NetApps) as a 5G booster for Transport & Logistics (T&L) Services: The VITAL-5G approach

“…Finally, in [14], Trichias et al presented a comprehensive overview of the Vital-5G project, thereby spanning the Vital-5G platform, the three trial sites and use cases (Antwerp sea port, Galati river port, and Athens warehouse/hub), as well as key innovation and commercialization aspects. On the other hand, the focus of our paper is particularly on the NetApps, detailing on the NetApp structure and packaging, their unique role in enabling T&L services to leverage 5G capabilities, followed by a few examples of real-life NetApps that are designed for improving the safety and efficiency of operations in the river port.…”

“…In this paper we define the concepts and modelling of 5Genabled NetApps, and categorize those NetApps depending on their specific features and vertical needs, as a work carried out in the scope of the VITAL-5G project [9]. Furthermore, we showcase the applicability of NetApps for providing faster and safer operations of vessels in the port of Galati [10], which is one of the trial sites in the VITAL-5G project.…”

5G-Enabled Automated Truck Platoons in Urban Areas

“…Although the 5G frequency bands have been assigned to European Member States, and standardization activities have yielded advanced features (with 3GPP Release 16/17), the number of 5G trials have not exploded, raising some concerns about the actual ability in monetizing the 5G-enabled applications. A possible problem could be the gap that exists between the knowledge of telecommunications experts and of applications' developers [Trichias et al, 2021].…”

UAV-Assisted Sensor Data Dissemination in mmWave Vehicular Networks Based on Network Coding

“…The combination of 5G and related technologies such as remote control, remote operation, and machine vision [1,2] will make digital workshops and smart factories a reality. 5G combined with unmanned vehicle transportation and intelligent robotics will enable unmanned monitoring and scheduling of the logistics process [3,4], which will greatly improve current urban logistics efficiency. Application of 5G in intelligent traffic control and autonomous driving makes road condition monitoring, congestion guidance, intelligent parking, high-precision positioning, and emergency accident handling more efficient and convenient [5,6].…”