Centre for Research on Physical Internet PIPE§NET
Research, infrastructures and technologies for the next generation of sustainable logistics.
CRPP promotes research, development and industrial valorisation in the fields of the Physical Internet, innovative logistics infrastructures and digital systems supporting the energy and environmental transition.
A research centre to rethink the physical movement of goods
Contemporary logistics is facing a profound transformation. Growing flows, network congestion, the environmental impact of transport and the need for more resilient infrastructures require a change of paradigm.
CRPP was created to contribute to this evolution by developing an integrated vision combining scientific research, infrastructure innovation, digitalisation and sustainability.
Our work focuses on the Physical Internet: a model in which goods, logistics nodes, data, infrastructures and digital platforms can interact through shared standards, interoperable systems and high-efficiency solutions.
Our vision
CRPP sees logistics as one of the great strategic infrastructures of the future: not only transport, but an intelligent, sustainable and connected network.
Smart infrastructures
We study infrastructure models capable of integrating automation, digitalisation, monitoring and environmental sustainability.
Interoperability
We promote a vision of logistics based on standards, open networks, connected nodes and systems capable of communicating with each other.
Measurable sustainability
We develop research paths aimed at reducing environmental impact, validating data and measuring the real effects of innovation.
A new architecture for global logistics
The Physical Internet is an evolutionary vision of logistics inspired by the principles of openness, standardisation and interconnection that made the development of the digital Internet possible.
Applied to the physical world, this paradigm imagines a more efficient, modular and interoperable logistics network in which goods, containers, nodes, infrastructures and information systems can operate in a coordinated way.
For CRPP, the Physical Internet is the conceptual framework for rethinking the future of freight transport: less fragmentation, greater efficiency, better traceability and lower environmental pressure.
An infrastructure vision for automated transport
Pipe§Net is CRPP’s flagship project: an infrastructure vision focused on the study of a system dedicated to the automated transport of light and standardised goods.
The model imagines a network of ducts, smart capsules and automated logistics nodes, capable of integrating physical movement, digital traceability, energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Pipe§Net is not designed to replace existing infrastructures, but to integrate them. Its ambition is to help build a physical backbone for the Physical Internet, easing pressure on traditional networks and opening new perspectives for urban, interurban and territorial logistics.
Research and innovation areas
CRPP develops analysis, research and design activities across integrated fields, with the aim of transforming innovative ideas into concrete paths of development, validation and collaboration.
Sustainable logistics
Study of logistics models capable of reducing waste, congestion, emissions and operational inefficiencies.
Smart infrastructures
Research on physical and digital systems able to integrate automation, monitoring and flow management.
Physical Internet
In-depth study of interoperable models, open networks, logistics standards and connected architectures.
Sensors and monitoring
Analysis of technologies for collecting, validating and interpreting environmental, infrastructure and operational data.
ESG Data Validation
Development of tools and models to measure, verify and make sustainability-related data more reliable.
Energy and environment
Study of the energy and environmental impact of new infrastructures and advanced logistics systems.
Strategic projects
CRPP operates as a platform for research, development and connection between scientific, technological, industrial and institutional expertise.
Pipe§Net
CRPP’s main project to explore a new infrastructure model dedicated to automated, continuous and sustainable transport of light and standardised goods.
Learn more →Albedo / RF-Meter
A research line dedicated to measuring, validating and enhancing environmental data, with particular attention to monitoring technologies and certification models.
Learn more →ESG Data Validation
A project area focused on the quality, traceability and verifiability of environmental data used in decision-making, industrial and institutional processes.
Learn more →Physical Internet Corridors
Study of possible innovative, interoperable and sustainable logistics corridors, consistent with the Physical Internet vision and the evolution of European infrastructures.
Learn more →From concept to validation
CRPP works to transform technological and infrastructure visions into structured paths of research, dialogue and development.
Analysis
Identification of needs, application contexts and infrastructure, environmental and operational criticalities.
Research
Scientific, technological and methodological investigation of possible solutions.
Validation
Construction of models, scenarios, data and metrics to assess sustainability, feasibility and impact.
Development
Activation of partnerships, projects, pilots and industrial valorisation paths.
An open network between research, business and institutions
CRPP acts as a meeting point for different forms of expertise: universities, research centres, technology companies, industrial operators, public stakeholders and organisations involved in the energy and environmental transition.
The complexity of future infrastructures requires a multidisciplinary approach. For this reason, CRPP promotes collaborations based on scientific rigour, industrial vision and institutional dialogue.
Scientific research
Universities, laboratories, competence centres and study groups.
Industry and technology
Companies, developers, infrastructure operators and innovative organisations.
Institutions and territories
Bodies, administrations, foundations and public or private stakeholders.
News and insights
Updates, analyses and contributions on the Physical Internet, sustainable infrastructures, innovative logistics and projects promoted by CRPP.
Physical Internet
A new vision for more open, interoperable and sustainable logistics networks.
Pipe§Net
CRPP research on infrastructures dedicated to the automated transport of light goods.
ESG Data Validation
Measuring, verifying and making environmental data more reliable to support decision-making.
Let us build the next generation of sustainable logistics together
CRPP is open to dialogue with universities, companies, research centres, institutions and organisations interested in developing innovative projects in the fields of the Physical Internet, smart infrastructures and measurable sustainability.