// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
Transportation
Transportation is the movement of goods or people from one location to another. In supply chains, it specifically refers to the movement of raw materials, components, and finished products.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Transportation is the physical movement of goods across the supply chain using various modes such as road, rail, air, and sea, involving carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
BACKGROUND
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as 4IR, Industry 4.0 or the Intelligence Age, is a neologism describing rapid technological advancement in the 21st century. It follows the Third Industrial Revolution. The term was popularized in 2016 by Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum founder and former executive chairman, who asserts that these developments represent a significant shift in industrial capitalism.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Shipping
- freight
- logistics
- carriage
- transit
USAGE NOTE
Choosing the right mode of transportation is critical for balancing speed, cost, and environmental impact.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Transportation.
A Swedish freight technology company that develops and provides transportation solutions based on electric and autonomous vehicles, known as 'Pods'. Their platform helps optimize logistics and reduce emissions for shippers.
A leading global provider of industrial trucks (like Linde and STILL) and supply chain solutions. Through its subsidiary Dematic, it offers a range of intelligent automation technology, including AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and software for optimizing material flow within factories and warehouses.
The trucking and goods delivery unit of Alphabet's self-driving technology company, Waymo. It focuses on applying the Waymo Driver autonomous system to long-haul trucking and local delivery services, aiming to make the movement of goods safer and more efficient.
An autonomous driving technology company that develops Level 4 self-driving solutions specifically for the trucking industry. They are building an Autonomous Freight Network (AFN) to enable driverless, long-haul freight transportation.
Provides a comprehensive portfolio of software and automation solutions for the entire industrial value chain. For transportation, their platforms like MindSphere (Industrial IoT) and logistics software help manage and optimize complex supply chains, fleet management, and in-plant logistics.
While also a consumer EV maker, Rivian has a dedicated commercial vehicle division that produces electric delivery vans (EDVs). These vehicles are a key part of the electrification of last-mile logistics for major partners like Amazon, contributing to more sustainable supply chains.
Specializes in technology used to sense, analyze, and act in real time. For transportation and logistics, they provide rugged mobile computers, barcode and RFID scanners, and software that improve visibility and efficiency in warehouses, distribution centers, and throughout the supply chain.
A location data and technology platform company that provides mapping, routing, and traffic services. Their solutions are critical for logistics and supply chain management, enabling fleet telematics, tour planning, and real-time shipment visibility for industrial and commercial transportation.