## 2 State of the Art
Additive manufacturing: this technology can be used to produce tailored infrastructure for urban logistics, such as temporary micro-depots or modular lockers near UVAR zones, reducing the setup time and cost of last-mile delivery systems;
3. Augmented Reality (AR): AR can support delivery route planning and operator training, for example, by providing real-time digital overlays to aid navigation in restricted or dynamically regulated urban areas, improving operational accuracy; it may also serve to route parcel carriers to their final drop destination, enhancing efficiency in the last-mile delivery process;
4. Simulation: dynamic or agent-based simulations are essential for evaluating the impact of UVAR on freight flows, delivery times, emissions, and public space saturation. These models allow optimization of regulatory parameters before real-world implementation; this may apply to analyze specific sectors, e.g., urban transport of construction materials and other time-sensitive or logistically complex deliveries;
5. Horizontal and vertical integration: horizontal integration among urban logistics operators supports shared use of micro-hubs and low-impact vehicles, reducing redundant delivery routes. In this context, urban freight consolidation centers represent a strategic infrastructure, facilitating operator integration and the efficient use of low-emission vehicles. Vertical integration between suppliers, carriers, and public authorities enables real-time coordinated management of permits and access through interoperable digital systems;
6. Internet and Internet of Things (IoT): IoT sensors on vehicles and infrastructure allow real-time monitoring of logistics flows and compliance with UVAR, enhancing efficiency and traceability. These devices can also trigger automatic corrective actions in cases of congestion or rule violations;
7. Cloud computing: cloud platforms centralize data on access permits, delivery time slots, logistics flows, and environmental reporting, facilitating interaction among stakeholders (authorities, operators, citizens) and enabling flexible, data-driven access policies;Cybersecurity and Business Continuity: securing the digital infrastructure that governs access to urban centers is crucial to ensure operational continuity and protection in automated authorization and control systems, preventing disruptions and misuse in urban delivery systems;
* Big Data and Analytics: analysis of big data from GPS, IoT sensors, digital permits, and environmental records helps assess the effectiveness of UVAR, identify congestion patterns, and plan more efficient, adaptive, and sustainable access policies over time. Building upon the foundations laid by Industry 4.0, the transition towards Industry 5.0 introduces a more human-centric, sustainable, and resilient approach to Smart Urban Logistics (SUL). This paradigm shift emphasizes the synergy between advanced technology and human agency. In SUL, this evolution manifests, for instance, through the following:
* Floating Car Data (FCD) that significantly contributes to the resilience of urban logistics systems enabling adaptive management and rapid response to disruptions or changing traffic conditions [25];
* Digital twins for real-time simulation of delivery corridors and management of loading zones [26], enabling planners to evaluate UVAR scenarios before deployment;
* Collaborative AI systems that dynamically allocate curb-side slots and optimize last-mile routing in response to live traffic and demand data;
* Human-machine interfaces (e.g., wearable AR devices) that enhance courier ergonomics, safety, and decision support during complex urban deliveries;
* Nature-inspired materials and bio-inspired designs for sustainable packaging and adaptive infrastructure elements that reduce environmental impact and support circular-economy goals.