Integrated Transport Research Lab (ITRL)

Integrated Transport Research Lab

Welcome to ITRL, a transdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder research and demonstration arena, responding to global environmental transport challenges.

About ITRL

Integrated System Approach to Road Transport

Transport is not an isolated sector; it interacts with energy, urban planning, logistics, policy, and society.
ITRL takes a system-of-systems perspective, capturing interdependencies and rebound effects in mobility.
Collaboration is key: We integrate perspectives from industry, academia, government, and civil society.
Our research looks at how automation, electrification, and digitalization transform entire mobility ecosystems.

Road Transport at the Heart of Society

Everything and everyone relies on transport—whether moving people, goods, or services, even in a digital world.
The transport sector faces major grand challenges, including:

Reducing environmental impact.
Enhancing accessibility, safety, and mobility.
Strengthening efficiencies in transport.
Enabling systemic integration.

ITRL is dedicated to shaping the future of transport by addressing these challenges through multidisciplinary research and real-world testing.

Science-Driven, Impact-Oriented Research

ITRL’s work spans:

Transition Towards Sustainable Mobility.
Automation and AI.
Electrification and Sustainability.
Digitalization and Connectivity.

Research is conducted through:

Experimental platforms (e.g., Research Concept Vehicles, Smart Mobility Labs).
Transdisciplinary projects with multiple stakeholders.

The goal: Develop actionable insights that inform policy, industry, and society.

A Lab for Innovation and Collaboration

ITRL is a testbed for ideas, technologies, and policy experimentation.
Four-helix approach: We bring together academia, industry, public authorities, and civil society to co-create solutions.
A neutral platform: We foster open collaboration among stakeholders to test, validate, and scale innovations.
Recognized internationally, engaging policymakers and industry leaders.
Hosting discussions that shape national and global transport strategies.

In the spotlight

GlobalDrive 2026/27: Ecosystem of Logistics

How can trucks, charging and energy infrastructure, logistics operations and digital systems work together as one transport ecosystem? This question lies at the core of GlobalDrive 2026/27: Ecosystem ...

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Anna Pernestål from KTH featuring guest editor on Nature Portfolio journal

Collection call for papers system thinking and systems dynamics for sustainable mobility transition. As part of springer nature group SDG Programme supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Winter testing insights for autonomous vehicles

The AllDrive project, which recently concluded after four years, investigated how autonomous heavy-duty vehicles could safely operate in challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow.

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