Luggage is often the main reasons why people prefer to use their own car for travel or everyday mobility. To support active and sustainable forms of mobility it is essential to develop innovative luggage-logistics systems to uncouple the transport of passengers and baggage.

Conversely, luggage often leads to difficulties when using more sustainable forms of mobility, which reduces the appeal of these systems. Particularly for the large group of mobility-restricted people it is difficult or even impossible to take luggage with them. This often results in trips not being taken which in turn leads to heightened immobility. Particularly elderly people are affected – and the situation will only worsen since in 30 years from now it is expected that about 40% of the population will be over 60.

With the goal of boosting and promoting active and sustainable forms of mobility for all groups of travellers it is essential to develop a comprehensive luggage logistics system that fulfils all customer requirements. It is expected that once such novel storage systems can offer similar comfort as a car alternative methods of transport will increase in demand. 

GepäckLos is only the first step for achieving such a change since an intermodal luggage logistics system - ideally one that works in parallel and simultaneously with passenger transport - is extremely complex. To minimize the development risks for future projects all requirements were clearly defined, different concepts ranked regarding acceptance, efficiency and feasibility and all challenges clearly outlined. This was achieved through extensive interviews with potential users (on trains, at airports, in shopping streets and shops and online) as well as expert interviews and workshops. 

The goal was to extensively record and describe the requirements of users as well as the technical and logistical challenges. From this a catalogue of requirements for future research and development projects concerning luggage logistics was developed.