Turns out that supply chains need the Semantic Web, too. The iCargo project, co-funded by the 7^th Framework Programme of the European Commission, was formally launched last year to help make global logistics across multiple modes of transport more sustainable, both in terms of lowered costs and greater energy efficiency.

The project is composed of multiple components, including technical tasks where semantic interoperability plays a key role in the goal of developing an open information architecture that lets real-world objects, existing systems and new apps to better cooperate with each other. Things have progressed to the point where the semantic capabilities it’s developed are to be included in prototypes debuting in May.

“Enabling interoperable supply chains could provide us better intermodal door-to-door services, and semantic technologies will provide the interoperability between services,” says Germán Herrero Cárcel, head of sector, Full Electric Vehicle & Supply Chain Sector, MRS Market, Research & Innovation at international IT services company Atos, which is coordinating the iCargo consortium of 29 organizations with experience in the field of logistics, supply chain management and ICT.

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A new article comments on the power of the semantic web to shape the future of intelligent transportation systems (ITS). The article states, “Web 3.0 technologies will enable ITS applications to automate data and information exchange and limit the need for human interaction. Context-aware and location-based services data linked to individual travelers will automatically interface with regional operating systems and regional traveler information systems, thus eliminating the need for human support on both the operator and end-users part. Real-time transportation data including vehicle, pedestrian and transit data will be automatically fused and processed with algorithms to establish new, next-gen regional operations platforms.” Read more