the next big thing: the physical internet

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Lessons from the Internet

What is the Internet?– large scale and very heterogeneous– a neural network of the society– never anticipated, nor we yet fully

understand why it works– fully distributed control

Structure of the Internet– simple but fast core with complexity at the edges– constant evolution, solving problems on the go– adding new features (e.g. security, flexibility)– faster, cheaper, easier to use, new applications– reaching new spaces (e.g. remote areas and vehicles)– embedding computing, sensing, physical systems


Economy evolution

Primary sector– processing natural resources

Secondary sector– industrial manufacturing

Tertiary sector– services

Quaternary sector– information revolution &

knowledge based economy– Digital/Shared/Network economy


Mechanics of Digital Economy

Computing– clouds and edge/fog computing– distributed ledgers and blockchains– electronic messaging– platforms, APIs, ecosystems– AI and machine learning– Big Data + data models Connectivity

– connected consumer products

– connected citizens/users– connected healthcare– Internet of Everything (IoE)

Environments– Smart Cities/Buildings– Smart Spaces– Immersive Reality

Processes– virtualization– softwarization– XaaS (X as a Service)– intelligence


Albert Bartlett©s 21 sustainability laws

Law #13

The benefits of large efforts to preserve the environment are easily canceled by subsequent small increases in population.

Law #14

When pollution rates exceed natural cleansing capacity of environment, it is easier to pollute than to clean up.

Law #17

If, for whatever reason, humans fail to stop population growth, the Nature will stop this growth.

Law #18

Locally, creating jobs increases the number of people who are out of work.

Law #19

Starving people don't care about sustainability.

Law #21

Extinction is forever.


Growth limits

In the sense of capacity

Growth dimensions and laws

1. There has to be close to equilibrium between in and out flows.

2. Constraining any dimension willimpose the limit on the growth.

3. The complete set of dimensions thathave to be considered is never known.

4. Exceeding the growth limits leads torandom unpredictable consequences.

1. Do(es) the growth limit(s) exist?

2. Is the speed of growth limited?

3. How big are these limits ?


Reality of innovations

Issues– priorities– standardization– opinions– competition– ªliquid realityº (Z. Bauman)

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Thank you!

the next big thing: the physical internet

Engineering