Award for Martin Dobler

As part of his doctoral studies in collaboration with the RUN-EU partner Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Martin Dobler is working on the Internet of Things (IoT) in connection with frameworks for intelligent cargo. Dobler, who works at the Business Informatics Research Centre and is a lecturer at the UAS, recently received the ‘Most Impactful Research Project’ award for his work as part of RUN-EU Plus. The initiative focuses on promoting research within the European university alliance RUN-EU (Region University Netwerk - European University). Dobler is being supervised in his doctoral studies by John Cosgrove, Head of Electrical Engineering at TUS.

Intelligent Cargo: The future of logistics

Dobler is dedicated to the concept of Intelligent Cargo, which stands for an innovative approach to logistics. It combines modern technologies to equip loads with ‘intelligent’ behaviour. ‘We create an awareness of goods, so to speak, that enables them to react independently to unforeseen challenges in the supply chain,’ says Dobler. His award-winning research combines IoT technologies with situational and contextual awareness for freight goods, enabling them to make intelligent decisions on their own. ‘With the help of mobile software solutions, we make it possible for goods to react to problems in the supply chain according to the situation. This allows us to increase efficiency, safety and transparency in the transport sector,’ explains Dobler.

Increasing competitiveness

‘Martin Dobler's research emphasises the UAS's commitment to practice-oriented research with real added value. It is a prime example of cross-border innovation and cooperation within the RUN-EU community,’ says Markus Preißinger, Head of UAS Research. Global supply chains are the backbone of the European economy. ‘Today, logistics account for 10 to 15 per cent of the cost of a product. Reducing logistics and transport costs is an important goal for companies in order to increase their competitiveness in a globalised economy,’ emphasises Dobler. Nevertheless, planning global supply chains is still a major hurdle. A high level of complexity and unforeseen disruptions make it difficult to adhere to logistics windows in a globally distributed production environment. ‘Even though Intelligent Cargo is currently still a prototype, we are working on convincing logistics companies of its practical feasibility. Our aim is to establish this approach as a viable solution for modern business interests,’ summarises Dobler.

▷ Read more about RUN-EU and the FHV Business Informatics Research Centre.