Physical Internet Lab

The logistics industry is currently facing challenges due to high greenhouse gas emissions and inefficiencies in logistics operations. Physical Internet (PI) is seen as one of the most efficient solutions to address these challenges while achieving sustainability and resilience in global logistics.

PI is a global logistics system based on the interconnection of logistics networks through a standardized set of collaboration protocols, modular containers, and intelligent interfaces for increased efficiency and sustainability.

Our PI lab was founded in 2022. Based on the concept of PI, our PI Lab conducts research to revolutionize existing freight transportation methods. This includes applying interdisciplinary research methods such as operations research, machine learning, economics, and business administration to construct an optimization methodology based on the combination of PI containers and transportation optimization.

Our mission is to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society and a circular economy by solving global logistics problems, effectively utilizing resources, reducing environmental impact, building collaborative networks, and achieving long-term sustainability in shipping and logistics.

(Members of our lab appear in bold)

Naganawa H., Hirata E., Thompson R. G. (2025).  A sustainable crowd shipping model using public transport for low-carbon urban logistics. Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain, 100276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clscn.2025.100276.

Hirata, E., Sunio, V., Thompson, R. G., & Foliente, G. (2025). Toward greener logistics: uncovering key enablers of the physical internet using AI-powered theme analysis. Cleaner Logistics and Supply Chain, 100263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clscn.2025.100263 

Fahreza, M. I., Hirata, E. (2025). The Physical Internet: Research Trend Analysis Through Natural Language Processing. The Proceedings of the 10th International Physical Internet Conference (IPIC2025).

Naganawa H., Hirata E.,Thompson T.G, Yamada A.  (2025). Advancing the Physical Internet with GraphRAG: A New Way to Review and Integrate Existing Research. The Proceedings of the 10th International Physical Internet Conference (IPIC2025).

Hirata, E., Firdausiyah, N., Kusumaningdyah, W. (2024). Handling modular containers in a physical internet environment. Maritime Economics & Logistics . https://doi.org/10.1057/s41278-024-00307-y

Naganawa H., Hirata E. (2024). Reinforcement Learning-Based Optimization of Logistical Hubs and Routing in the Context of the Physical Internet - A Case Study from Japan. The Proceedings of the 10th International Physical Internet Conference (IPIC2024). Savannah. https://doi.org/10.35090/gatech/11084 

Naganawa, H., Hirata, E., Firdausiyah, N., Thompson, R.G. (2024). Logistics Hub and Route Optimization in the Physical Internet Paradigm. Logistics 2024, 8, 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics8020037 

Naganawa H., Hirata E. (2023).  Identifying the best location of logistics hubs and optimization of distribution routes in the context of physical internet, 68th JSCE Annual Meeting. Nov 2023, Yokohama. In Japanese.

Hirata, E., Watanabe, D. & Lambrou, "Shipping Digitalization and Automation for the Smart Port." in Supply Chain- Recent Advances and New Perspectives in the Industry 4.0 Era (eds. Bányai, T., Bányai, Á. & Kaczmar, I.) (IntechOpen, Rijeka, 2022). doi:10.5772/intechopen.102015.

Hirata, E. (2021). "A Study on Applicability of Blockchain Technology in Physical Internet", Maritime Transport Research, 70, 67-77. In Japanese.

• Physical Internet Center at Georgia Tech

• Physical Internet Lab at the University of Melbourne 

• PhysicalInternetPH