Through a combination of large-scale pilots, the project will validate the following key use cases:
- Enhanced Passenger Experience through eMBB Services: High-speed, low-latency 5G connectivity enabling seamless work, streaming, gaming, and communication for passengers onboard vessels and trains. Ensures uninterrupted access to cloud-based applications, video conferencing, and entertainment platforms, significantly improving travel convenience and user satisfaction.
- Multimodal Transport Management and Optimisation via end-to-end monitoring: Real-time data sharing and coordination across maritime, rail, and road networks for seamless transport chains.
- Infrastructure Monitoring: Automated and predictive maintenance of rail and maritime systems for enhanced safety and reliability. Leverages 5G-enabled IoT sensors and AI-driven analytics to continuously monitor rail tracks and maritime systems, signaling systems, and rolling stock, enabling real-time fault detection, minimizing downtime, and optimizing maintenance schedules to ensure seamless and safe rail operations.
- Health and Emergency Services Monitoring: Real-time monitoring of passengers, drivers, and crew, coupled with emergency response mechanisms along maritime, rail and/or road transport corridors.
- Energy / emissions tracking towards sustainable transportation: real-time energy consumption monitoring across transport modes to optimize resource use and minimize carbon footprint. Use of 5G-enabled sensors to track emissions from vehicles and vessels, supporting environmental compliance and sustainability goals.
By integrating 5G SA networks, IoT technologies, and AI-driven analytics, Multimodal-5G aims to enable seamless multimodal transport and logistics operations. These efforts address critical challenges in connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability across maritime, rail, and road transport modes, fostering economic growth and environmental impact reduction. The project aligns fully with the objectives of the CEF-DIG-2024-5GLSP-CORRIDORS-WORKS call, ensuring scalable solutions and strategic collaboration for long-term societal benefits:
Rail Transport
Multimodal-5G will revolutionize rail operations by introducing real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automation to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency. Use cases include:
- Train passenger eMBB services (4K video streaming, HD teleconferencing, real-time gaming)
- Rail Infrastructure Monitoring: Continuous inspection and maintenance of rail tracks and infrastructure using 5G-enabled IoT sensors and cameras.
- Predictive Maintenance: AI-powered systems to identify and address faults proactively, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
- Passenger Safety and Experience: Real-time monitoring of passenger conditions and seamless smart ticketing systems for improved safety and convenience.
Maritime Transport
The project will enhance coastal and maritime operations, integrating maritime transport into multimodal supply chains. Use cases include:
- Boat passenger eMBB services (4K video streaming, HD teleconferencing, real-time gaming)
- Vessel Monitoring: Real-time tracking and diagnostics of vessels (engine/fuel system diagnostics, structural health monitoring, cargo condition, crew/passenger safety) to improve operational efficiency and safety.
- Port Logistics Automation: Streamlined cargo handling and logistics operations through IoT-enabled infrastructure.
- Environmental Monitoring: 5G-enabled sensors for tracking water quality and emissions, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Public Safety
As also discussed earlier in the context of Rail and Maritime transport, Multimodal-5G will enhance the operational safety and reliability of transport systems along the entire multimodal corridor. Use cases include health monitoring for transport means, as well as predictive maintenance.
Multimodal Logistics
By connecting maritime, rail, and urban transport systems, Multimodal-5G will enable seamless coordination across transport modes, creating a resilient logistics network. The key use case comprises Dynamic Multimodal Transport Management, involving real-time coordination of shipments to ensure seamless transitions, minimize delays, and optimize operations across transport modes.
Environmental Sustainability
The project prioritizes reducing the climate footprint of transport and logistics through advanced monitoring and automation. Use cases include:
- Energy Monitoring: IoT-based systems to optimize energy consumption across transport operations.
- Emission Tracking: Real-time monitoring of CO₂ and other emissions from vehicles and infrastructure.
- Smart Recycling Solutions: Automated systems at ports and stations to improve waste management and reduce environmental impact.
By building on cutting-edge 5G SA technologies, Multimodal-5G will deliver strategic insights and solutions that strengthen cross-border transport corridors, enhance logistics and supply chain operations, and ensure that European transport infrastructure remains at the forefront of innovation.