Applications of smart technologies in logistics and transport : a review

Abstract

The emergence of smart technologies (STs) is inducing significant transformation in logistics and transport nowadays. STs refer to the applications of artificial intelligence and data science technologies, such as machine learning, big data, to create cognitive awareness (autonomous) of an object with the support of information and communication technologies such as IoT and Blockchain. Currently, many applications of STs have demonstrated potential promise in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness in various logistics operations and transportation systems. Further, these new advanced technologies create huge modelling challenges to traditional optimization approaches and thus create rich new research opportunities for developing new optimization methodologies in the field of logistics and transport studies. As such, our aim is to conduct a comprehensive review on noteworthy contributions made in the applications of STs in improving logistics operations and transportation network efficiency. More importantly, we explore and discuss the technical difficulties encountered by researchers in the development of optimization methodologies caused by the applications of STs. Finally, we conclude the studies with suggestions for future research.