What is the Physical Internet?

The Physical Internet (PI) is a global logistics framework that emphasizes openness and connectivity through physical, digital, and operational means, using encapsulation, interfaces, and protocols. It takes inspiration from the 'Digital Internet' (DI) and applies similar principles to the handling and storage of physical goods. PI seeks to tackle problems such as transportation inefficiencies, environmental impact, supply chain resilience, asset utilization, standardization and interoperability, last-mile delivery issues, and urban logistics challenges.

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Benoit Montreuil

Professor - Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Benoit Montreuil is the Coca-Cola Material Handling & Distribution Chair and Professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech. He leads the International Physical Internet Initiative and directs the Physical Internet Center, focusing on smart, hyperconnected, and sustainable logistics. Dr. Montreuil's research spans optimization modeling, simulation, and systems design, with significant contributions to business and supply chain innovation. A globally recognized expert, he has authored over 250 scientific publications and recently received DC Velocity's Rainmaker of the Year award.

Dr. Benoit Montreuil will be giving his talk via video.

Dr. Fernando Liesa

Secretary General - ALICE

Dr. Fernando Liesa is the Secretary General of ALICE (Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe), a Brussels-based, non-profit organization with over 160 members focused on logistics and supply chain innovation. Since 2013, he has led ALICE in promoting sustainable, zero-emissions logistics. Fernando holds a PhD from the University of Zaragoza and has over 20 years of experience in European research management, particularly in logistics, supply chain, and environmental engineering. He has also served on several expert groups, including the European Commission's Digital Transport and Logistics Forum.

Dr. Fernando Liesa will be giving his talk via video.

Russell Thompson

Professor - University of Melbourne

Russell Thompson is a leading expert in Sustainable Logistics at the University of Melbourne, where he heads the PI@Melbourne Research Group. With over 25 years of experience in freight research, he has directed significant projects such as the EU's BESTUFS and the OECD report on urban distribution. Russell is a founding Director and Vice President of the Institute for City Logistics in Tokyo and a Team Leader at the Volvo Research and Education Foundation'’'s Global Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Urban Freight Systems. He has authored over 15 books and 250 peer-reviewed publications, including the recent title "Urban Freight Analytics - Big Data, Models and Artificial Intelligence," and is currently focused on developing digital twins and AI solutions for the Physical Internet.