Autonomous transport vehicles were also among the topics focused on at the Supply Chain Innovation Day of the University of St. Gallen, which featured prominent figures such as logistics division head Rolf André Siegenthaler, under the auspices of ISCM-HSG head Thomas Friedli, and numerous start-ups.
Driverless transport systems are an emerging solution at the heart of discussions surrounding logistics. Technological advancements promise to make freight transport more efficient and solve the problem of driver shortages. Vehicles capable of autonomous driving already exist today.
In a separate session at noon, Christian Clauss (Traveco), Tilo Hergarten (Emons Digital), Marcus Schriefers (Graf von Westphalen law firm), Gabriele D`Achille (PricewaterhouseCoopers) and Thomas Haiz (Swiss Transit Lab), moderated by Carsten Leuters, discussed opportunities and challenges
From an economic perspective, the introduction of autonomous vehicles is seen as having great potential for increasing productivity, cost efficiency, and sustainability. However, it remains to be seen whether autonomous freight transport will soon become a reality on Swiss roads. After all, the environment surrounding autonomous vehicles encompasses a multitude of elements. In addition to cyber risks and regulatory considerations, technological innovations such as sensors and algorithms must also be sufficiently mature.
Photos: ISCM-HSG
During the morning's Startup Speed Presentation session, selected startups presented their business models. The focus was on content and added value for corporations. Together with the renowned Silicon Valley accelerator "plugandplay," the session explored the innovations startups can offer and the roles accelerators and supply chain corporations can play. Financing for young companies has become a major challenge, particularly since the COVID-19 crisis.
Aside from the session with the short presentations, numerous stands were represented in the foyer with young companies and business models from «Heliblick», digitalization experts from «iiotPro», master data management with «LogBook», solutions from «CargoCube», Value Chain Resilience and Mercanis.
