Hyperconnected Logistic Platform for Heavy-Duty Machinery: Leveraging Physical Internet Principles to Drive the Composting Industry

The Physical Internet (PI) envisions a global logistics system that integrates physical, digital and operational connections. This study aims to develop a hyperconnected logistic platform for heavy-duty machinery (HDM) in the composting industry by utilizing a systematic methodology. The proposed architecture consists of four layers: the Domain Model, the MBSE Model, the Information Sharing Model and the Agent-based Simulation Platform. The Domain Model analyzes the current situation and investigates stakeholder viewpoints, and the MBSE Model reduces complexity and describes mutual interactions between requirements and needs. The Information Sharing Model focuses on the information exchange among the main components, and the Agent-based Simulation Platform implements the proposed platform. The feasibility of the proposed architecture is demonstrated through a use case in Styria, Austria. Three simulation-based scenarios are analyzed, starting from the semi-hyperconnected approach up to the hyperconnected approach with PI vision integration. The results indicate that the hyperconnected platform is successful in serving all composting facilities, leveraging underutilized resources and promoting high-quality compost production. Thus, the platform provides support in a local, communal setting, resulting in enhancing the circular economy within the composting sector. Our efforts aim to contribute to the realization of the Physical Internet vision and promote composting to ultimately achieve a more sustainable future.