MODALSHIFT at LOGISTOP 2026: Exploring Digital Twins for Smarter Intermodal Transport

On 6 and 7 October 2026, MODALSHIFT participated in the 1^stLOGISTOP Scientific and Technological Congress in Valencia, Spain. David Ciprés, from ITA, presented the project’s approach to using digital twins to support more efficient and sustainable intermodal transport. 

The congress brought together researchers, industry representatives, technology experts and public authorities to discuss the future of logistics. Under the theme “Logistics that connects, adapts and transforms”, the event focused on major challenges facing the sector, including sustainability, resilience and digital innovation. 

Testing intermodal transport solutions through digital twins 

During the conference, David Ciprés presented the contribution “Digital twins for the validation of intermodal transport solutions: use cases from the MODALSHIFT project”, developed jointly by researchers from ITA and KEDGE Business School. 

The presentation explored how digital twins can help transport operators and public authorities assess new intermodal solutions before implementing them in real conditions. By creating virtual models of transport networks, including public transport services and logistics operations, MODALSHIFT aims to simulate different scenarios and evaluate their potential impact on operational efficiency and sustainability. 

This approach is being developed across the project’s three case studies: 

• Madrid, Spain: Exploring multimodal passenger and freight transport. 

• Trieste, Italy: Focusing on freight transport and port logistics. 

• Varna, Bulgaria: Investigating urban logistics and multimodal transport solutions. 

For each case study, a conceptual model defines the objectives, required data, simulation scenarios and performance indicators. 

The preliminary findings presented at LOGISTOP suggest that digital twins can help reduce uncertainty when planning intermodal transport solutions. They allow stakeholders to compare different configurations, anticipate potential challenges and make more informed decisions before deployment. 

Supporting the transition towards sustainable mobility 

The participation in LOGISTOP provided an opportunity to share MODALSHIFT’s ongoing research with the wider logistics and transport innovation community. 

By combining simulation, data sharing and advanced optimisation tools, MODALSHIFT aims to support the transition towards more efficient, connected and low carbon transport systems. 

Stay tuned for further updates on MODALSHIFT’s research, upcoming conference presentations and progress across its three case studies!