Interview Doc Smart Mobility & Logistics IISc
Interview Doc Smart Mobility & Logistics IISc
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Smart Mobility & Logis cs IISc Bangalore
IISc Bangalore
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Interview Preparation Document
(Indian Ins tute of Science Bangalore)
Mid-April 2025 (Offline Interviews)
IISc Bangalore
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New Course on “Smart Mobility & Logistics”
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Interview Cut Off 2024
There is huge varia on in cut offs from year to year so please seek advise from YourPedia mentors before applying in
par cular course
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About the New MTech Program in Smart Mobility and Logistics Systems
Star ng August 2025, Centre for infrastructure, Sustainable Transporta on and Urban
Planning (CiSTUP) will be anchoring an MTech program in Smart Mobility and Logis cs
Systems. Mobility and logis cs systems are large-scale, interconnected socio-technical
systems that o en interact with various domains, such as energy, healthcare, and extreme
events. Most MTech programs are, however, in Uni-disciplinary departments, and UG
programs typically do not focus on mobility and logis cs systems.
The proposed MTech program aims to prepare graduates to address the complexi es of
modern transporta on through mul disciplinary coursework, industry-relevant skills, and
technology exposure.
The program is designed to equip graduates with knowledge and skills essen al for various
industries working in:
Participating Departments
This is an interdisciplinary program anchored in CiSTUP with par cipa ng faculty and courses
from the following divisions:
Inter-disciplinary Division: CiSTUP, Centre for Cyber Physical Systems, Centre for Data
Science, Management Studies
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: Computer Science and Automa on,
Electrical Engineering, Department of Electronic Systems Engineering
Mechanical Sciences: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Design and
Manufacturing
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Ongoing Research
(PROJECTS ON PUBLIC TRANSIT)
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Improving First- and Last-Mile Connec vity
This work aims to improve the first- and last-mile connec vity of public transit systems. We
develop an agent- and event-based model using the so ware AnyLogic to simulate passenger
arrival and the assignment of auto-rickshaws to first- and last-mile passengers. Auto-rickshaws
and passengers are modelled as agents and their behaviour is described using statecharts. We
analyse the entry and exit passenger demand data and metro train schedule of Bengaluru city
along with the land use data. We also propose an op miza on model to posi on auto-
rickshaws at metro sta ons to minimize the number of unserved trip requests. We evaluate
our model using various performance indicators including the percentage of lost demands,
auto-rickshaw u liza on, average round trip distance and the number of trips.
This study is among the first few a empts at developing comprehensive bus transit ridership
forecas ng models for Indian ci es. The novelty of the study lies in addressing the following
methodological and substan ve issues associated with modelling transit demand: (i)
endogeneity and non-linearity of the influence of service frequency with respect to ridership,
(ii) spa al disaggrega on of transit ridership from a fare-stage cluster level to individual stops
although ridership data is typically available only at the former aggrega on, (iii) rigorous
treatment of the inter-route rela onships in the transit network such as compe on for
passengers and complementarity among transit routes – both within the bus transit network
and with the metro network, and (iv) the use of Voronoi polygons to resolve the issue of
overlapping of bus-stop/metro-sta on catchment areas (as opposed to ad hoc subtrac on of
overlapping buffer areas). The proposed modelling framework, including the treatment of
inter-route rela onships, is general enough to be applicable to model transit ridership in ci es
of other countries as well.
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PROJECTS ON TRAFFIC OPERATIONS
Development of a Driving Simulator
An in-depth understanding of the nature of human driving is necessary to study traffic system
dynamics, causes for accidents, and traffic conges on etc. and to propose effec ve solu ons
to mobility related problems. This understanding is usually acquired through driver
behavioural studies that inves gate specific aspects of driving. With the advent of high-end
compu ng and virtual reality technologies, driving simulators are popularly being used for
conduc ng such studies and have several advantages. For example, driving situa ons are
controllable and reproducible, costs are lower, and there is no risk for subjects, all of which
allow studying the effects of sleep depriva on, distrac on, etc. on traffic. The simulator is an
interac ve system in which a ‘respondent’ drives an ‘animated vehicle’ in a computer-
generated ‘traffic environment’. Although several driving simulators exist, li le work has been
done in genera ng the traffic environments that are close to real world driving behaviours.
Moreover, most driving simulators are developed for evalua ng the behaviours of only car
drivers in lane-based environs. However, the traffic condi ons in developing countries like
India are characterised by mul ple vehicle types (two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, buses and
trucks) and absence of lane discipline. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop a driving
simulator capable of represen ng realis c traffic environs based on robust driver behaviour
models and while handling mul ple vehicle types and disordered traffic movements that is
observed in Indian condi ons.
The study proposes a mul -vehicle an cipa on-based discrete-con nuous choice modelling
framework to describe driver behaviour in heterogeneous disordered traffic streams. To
incorporate mul -vehicle an cipa on, the concept of an influence zone around a vehicle is
introduced and assumed that vehicles within the influence zone poten ally influence driving
behaviour. The theore cal posi on of the study is confirmed through empirical applica on
and simula on experiments.
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PROJECTS ON SHARED MOBILITY
Cab Alloca on and Rou ng
Cab aggregators commonly face the issue of matching ride requests to vehicles in near real-
me. In addi on to cab-hailing services such as Ola and Uber, this problem is also relevant to
opera ons of popular food-delivery services such as Zomato and Swiggy. This topic can be
addressed op mally in offline se ngs at least when the number of customers and cabs are
reasonably small using a variety of pre-processing algorithms and integer programming.
However, in prac ce, such decisions are made online when drivers are searching for
passengers or are in the process of serving one or more customers. In this project, we address
the problem of developing alloca on and rou ng strategies that are adapta ve and u lize
future an cipated demand. The problem is currently addressed by minimizing the supply of
cabs required with a penalty for lost trips and will be expanded to model other objec ves.
Several visualiza on tools for understanding the performance of the proposed models are also
being developed using the New York City taxi data set.
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PROJECTS ON TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
Using real- me feedback to enhance driver safety performance
Road traffic crashes are responsible for about 1.35 million fatali es and a minimum of 20
million injuries each year, draining about 3% of the world’s GDP as per WHO. About 93% of
the road fatali es occur in low to middle-income countries with India at the top among 199
countries. Undoubtedly, India is facing enormous challenges in road safety. Driver error is one
of the major causes of road crashes in India. We at CiSTUP aim to significantly reduce driver
errors and fundamentally transform road safety management prac ce in India by making it
proac ve. To achieve this aim, the research team at CiSTUP is working on understanding the
impact of real- me feedback provided using a driver assistance system on the driving behavior
of bus drivers.
SITIS: Safe and Secure Transport Corridors in India
The pla orm called the Swedish Indian Transport Innova on and Safety Partnership (SITIS)
was inaugurated at the 3rd UN Road Safety Conference in Stockholm. It comprises companies
such as Volvo Group, Autoliv, SAAB, Tech Mahindra, Manipal Hospitals, and Altair; research
ins tutes such as Chalmers, RISE, VTI, IIT-TRIPP, and IISc; and authori es such as ARAI and
Swedish Administra on Authority. They have all commi ed to working together in the next
five years on improving traffic safety and efficiency in India through various projects. The
objec ves for the first pilot project are: to iden fy safety characteris cs of intercity coach
transporta on for the given corridors; to explore methods to collect, store, and analyze
relevant data in a cost-efficient manner; and to examine suitable services related to efficient
transport solu ons, security, and safety of passengers and drivers.
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What is SMART MOBILITY
Smart mobility is an innova ve approach to transporta on that leverages technology and data
to op mize the movement of people and goods, aiming for efficiency, sustainability, and
convenience. It encompasses various modes of transporta on, including public transit, ride-
sharing, and electric vehicles, along with intelligent traffic management systems and real- me
data analysis.
Key Concepts:
Technology-Driven: Smart mobility relies heavily on technology, including the Internet of
Things (IoT), mobile applica ons, and data analy cs, to improve transporta on systems.
Sustainability: Smart mobility seeks to reduce environmental impact by promo ng the use of
electric vehicles, improving public transport, and op mizing traffic flow.
Data-Driven Insights: Smart mobility u lizes real- me data collec on and analysis to iden fy
bo lenecks, op mize traffic flow, and improve the overall transporta on experience.
Smart City Integra on: Smart mobility is o en seen as a key component of smart ci es, which
aim to use technology to improve the quality of life for residents.
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Examples of Smart Mobility Solu ons:
Intelligent Traffic Management Systems: These systems use sensors and real- me data
to op mize traffic flow and reduce conges on.
Real- me Public Transport Informa on: Apps and websites provide commuters with
real- me informa on about bus and train schedules, delays, and route op ons.
Ride-Sharing and Car-Sharing Services: These services offer convenient and affordable
alterna ves to private car ownership.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Smart mobility ini a ves o en include the
development of electric vehicle charging sta ons and other infrastructure to support
the transi on to electric vehicles.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS): This approach integrates various transporta on modes
into a single pla orm, allowing users to plan and pay for their journeys seamlessly.
Autonomous transport systems
Smart mobility services in freight and logis cs
Drones and low-al tude aerial mobility
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical objects, or "things," embedded
with sensors, so ware, and connec vity technologies that allow them to collect and exchange
data with other devices and systems over the internet.
Connected Devices: IoT encompasses a wide range of devices, from everyday objects
like smartwatches and smart home appliances to industrial equipment and vehicles.
Data Collec on and Exchange: These devices are equipped with sensors and other
technologies that enable them to gather data from their surroundings and transmit it
to other devices, systems, or the cloud.
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Real-time data collection and analysis for Smart Mobility
Real- me data collec on and analysis are fundamental to the concept of smart mobility, which
aims to create more efficient, sustainable, and convenient transporta on systems. By
gathering and processing data as it happens, authori es, businesses, and individuals can make
informed decisions and op mize their mobility choices.
Key Aspects
Sources of Data:
Sensors: These can be embedded in roads, traffic lights, parking spaces, and public
transport vehicles to collect data on traffic flow, vehicle speed, occupancy, and
environmental condi ons.
Cameras: Video cameras with AI-powered analy cs can monitor traffic pa erns,
iden fy incidents, and even classify different types of vehicles and pedestrians.
GPS and Telema cs: Data from smartphones, connected vehicles, and fleet
management systems provide real- me loca on, speed, and opera onal informa on.
Public Transport Systems: Real- me data on the loca on and schedules of buses,
trains, and trams, o en accessible through mobile apps.
Mobile Applica ons: User-generated data from naviga on apps, ride-sharing services,
and public transport apps can provide insights into travel demand and condi ons.
Social media: Analyzing social media feeds can some mes offer early indica ons of
traffic incidents or disrup ons.
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Key Aspects of Real-Time Data Analysis for Smart Mobility:
Traffic Management:
Dynamic Traffic Light Control: Adjus ng traffic light mings in real- me based on
current traffic flow to reduce conges on.
Incident Detec on and Management
Real-Time Traffic Informa on: Providing drivers with up-to-the-minute informa on on
traffic condi ons, road closures, and alterna ve routes through naviga on apps and
variable message signs.
Smart Parking: Guiding drivers to available parking spaces in real- me, reducing
search mes and conges on.
Real-Time Passenger Informa on: Providing accurate arrival and departure mes, as
well as poten al delays, to passengers.
Dynamic Route Adjustments: Modifying bus or train routes and schedules based on
real- me demand and traffic condi ons.
Fleet Management: Op mizing the deployment and opera on of public transport
vehicles.
Demand-Responsive Transport:
Environmental Sustainability:
Op mized Traffic Flow: Reducing idling and conges on, which lowers emissions.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Real- me informa on on the availability and
status of charging sta ons.
Promo ng Sustainable Modes: Providing real- me data and incen ves for using
public transport, cycling, and walking.
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SaaS for Smart Mobility
SaaS for Smart Mobility refers to the delivery of smart mobility solu ons and services through
the So ware as a Service (SaaS) model. Instead of organiza ons or individuals developing and
hos ng their own smart mobility pla orms and applica ons, they subscribe to and access
these services over the internet from a third-party provider.
Think of it as ren ng the so ware and infrastructure needed for smart mobility, rather than
buying and managing it yourself.
Ride-Sharing and Ride-Hailing Pla orms: Companies like Uber and Ola u lize SaaS pla orms
to manage their driver networks, passenger bookings, payments, and dispatch systems. Users
access these services through mobile apps that connect to the provider's cloud infrastructure.
Smart Parking Solu ons: SaaS pla orms enable drivers to find and reserve parking spaces,
process payments, and provide real- me parking availability informa on through mobile
apps. Parking operators use these pla orms to manage their lots and pricing dynamically.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Management: SaaS solu ons manage networks
of EV charging sta ons, providing real- me availability, pricing, and payment processing. They
also help op mize charging schedules and grid integra on.
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Traffic Management and Op miza on:
Real- me Traffic Monitoring and Analy cs: SaaS pla orms collect and analyze data
from sensors and cameras to provide insights into traffic flow and conges on.
Adap ve Traffic Signal Control: Cloud-based systems can adjust traffic light mings
dynamically based on real- me traffic condi ons.
Incident Management Systems: SaaS pla orms used by transporta on authori es to
manage and respond to traffic incidents.
Micro-Mobility Services (Bike and Scooter Sharing): Companies offering shared bikes and
scooters use SaaS pla orms for user management, vehicle tracking, booking, payment, and
opera onal management.
Logis cs and Fleet Management: Businesses managing fleets of vehicles use SaaS solu ons
for route op miza on, vehicle tracking, driver management, and fuel efficiency monitoring.
Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) Pla orms: These pla orms integrate various transporta on
op ons (public transport, ride-sharing, bike-sharing, etc.) into a single interface, o en relying
on SaaS for data aggrega on, trip planning, and payment processing.
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Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) in smart mobility represents a paradigm shi in how people
access and u lize transporta on. Instead of relying on personally owned vehicles, MaaS offers
users a variety of transport op ons accessible through a unified digital pla orm. This pla orm
allows individuals to plan, book, and pay for mul modal journeys, combining public transport,
ride-sharing, bike-sharing, car-sharing, and other mobility services.
Think of it as an "all-in-one" solu on for your transporta on needs, accessible through a single
app or interface. The core idea is to provide seamless, convenient, and o en more sustainable
alterna ves to private car ownership.
User-Centricity: MaaS pla orms priori ze individual mobility needs and preferences,
offering tailored solu ons.
Integra on: It combines various modes of transport from different providers into a
single pla orm.
Flexibility: Users can choose the most suitable transport op ons for each leg of their
journey based on factors like me, cost, and convenience.
Sustainability: By promo ng the use of shared and public transport, MaaS aims to
reduce reliance on private cars, leading to less conges on and lower emissions.
Digital Pla orm: Typically accessed through a mobile app, providing a seamless
experience for planning, booking, and payment.
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Logistics System
In simpler terms, it's the en re process and infrastructure involved in ge ng the right product,
in the right quan ty, in the right condi on, at the right place, at the right me, for the right
cost.
Transporta on: This involves the movement of goods between different points in the
supply chain. It includes various modes such as road, rail, air, and water transport, as
well as the infrastructure and management of these movements.
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Warehousing and Storage: This involves the holding and management of inventory in
storage facili es. It includes decisions about warehouse loca on, design, layout, and
the processes for receiving, storing, and retrieving goods.
Inventory Management: This focuses on planning and controlling the levels of
inventory to meet demand while minimizing costs. It involves forecas ng demand,
determining op mal order quan es, and managing stock levels.
Order Processing: This encompasses the ac vi es involved in receiving, fulfilling, and
shipping customer orders. It includes order entry, verifica on, picking, packing, and
documenta on.
Material Handling: This involves the movement and storage of goods within a facility,
such as a warehouse or manufacturing plant. It includes the equipment and
procedures used for loading, unloading, and moving materials.
Packaging: This involves protec ng goods during transporta on and storage. It
includes decisions about the type of packaging materials, methods, and labeling.
Informa on and Control: This is a crucial component that oversees and coordinates
all other logis cs ac vi es. It involves the use of technology and systems to track
inventory, monitor shipments, manage orders, and make informed decisions. This
includes so ware, data analysis, and communica on networks.
Customer Service: Logis cs directly impacts customer sa sfac on through mely and
accurate delivery. Customer service involves managing inquiries, addressing issues,
and ensuring a posi ve delivery experience.
Reverse Logis cs: This deals with the return of goods for repair, recycling, or disposal.
It involves managing the flow of returned products efficiently and cost-effec vely.
Procurement Logis cs: This focuses on the acquisi on of raw materials and
components needed for produc on, ensuring mely and cost-effec ve supply.
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Smart mobility and Logistics
Smart mobility and logis cs are increasingly intertwined, with technology ac ng as the crucial
link to create more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly systems. Here's how they connect:
How Smart Mobility Enhances Logis cs:
Real- me Tracking and Visibility: Smart mobility technologies like GPS, IoT sensors,
and telema cs provide real- me data on the loca on and status of goods, vehicles,
and drivers. This allows logis cs companies to monitor their opera ons closely, predict
delays, and op mize routes dynamically.
Route Op miza on and Naviga on: AI-powered algorithms analyze real- me traffic
data, weather condi ons, and delivery schedules to plan the most efficient routes for
delivery vehicles, reducing fuel consump on, travel me, and costs.
Predic ve Maintenance: Sensors on vehicles and AI-powered analy cs can predict
poten al maintenance issues before they occur, allowing for proac ve maintenance
and minimizing down me in logis cs opera ons.
Autonomous Delivery Vehicles and Drones: The development of autonomous
vehicles and drones offers the poten al for more efficient and cost-effec ve last-mile
delivery in urban environments, a cri cal aspect of logis cs.
Smart Warehousing: AI and robo cs, key components of smart mobility concepts
applied to warehouses, automate tasks like picking, packing, and sor ng, improving
efficiency and accuracy in logis cs centers.
Demand Forecas ng: AI and ML algorithms analyze various data points to predict
future demand for goods, enabling logis cs companies to op mize inventory levels
and plan their transporta on capacity accordingly.
Enhanced Communica on and Coordina on: Smart mobility pla orms facilitate
be er communica on between dispatchers, drivers, and customers, leading to
improved coordina on and transparency in the delivery process.
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Application of AI/ML in Smart Mobility & Logistics
Ar ficial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolu onizing both smart mobility
and logis cs by enabling more efficient, safe, sustainable, and convenient transporta on and
supply chain systems. Here's a breakdown of their key applica ons:
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Public Transporta on:
Route Op miza on and Scheduling: AI analyzes passenger demand and traffic
pa erns to op mize public transport routes and schedules, reducing wait mes and
improving efficiency.
Real- me Passenger Informa on: AI-powered systems provide accurate arrival and
departure mes and predict delays.
Demand-Responsive Transport: AI algorithms match riders with shared vehicles or
buses in real- me based on demand.
AI and ML in Logistics:
Demand Forecas ng: ML algorithms analyze historical data, market trends, and
external factors to predict future demand, enabling be er inventory management and
produc on planning.
Route Op miza on: AI algorithms consider factors like traffic, weather, delivery
windows, and vehicle capacity to plan the most efficient delivery routes, reducing fuel
consump on and delivery mes.
Warehouse Op miza on: AI-powered robots and automated systems streamline
warehouse opera ons like picking, sor ng, and packing, improving efficiency and
reducing errors.
Predic ve Maintenance: ML algorithms analyze sensor data from vehicles and
equipment to predict poten al failures before they occur, enabling proac ve
maintenance and reducing down me and costs.
Supply Chain Visibility: AI helps track goods in real- me, providing be er visibility into
the supply chain and enabling proac ve management of disrup ons.
Inventory Management: AI op mizes inventory levels, reducing stockouts and
overstocking, and improving overall efficiency.
Last-Mile Delivery: AI-powered robots and drones are being explored to automate
last-mile delivery, making it faster and more efficient.
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Interview QUESTIONS
What is your understanding of "smart mobility"? Can you provide a few examples of
smart mobility solu ons you are familiar with?
How would you define a logis cs system? What are the key elements that make a
logis cs system efficient and effec ve?
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges currently facing the transporta on
and logis cs industries?
How do you see technology impac ng the future of mobility and logis cs?
Can you discuss the rela onship between smart mobility and sustainability?
What are some of the key performance indicators (KPIs) you would use to measure the
success of a smart mobility or logis cs ini a ve?
Describe a me when you had to solve a complex problem related to transporta on
or the movement of goods or people. What was your approach?
Describe your experience with data analysis. How can data be leveraged to improve
decision-making in smart mobility and logis cs?
Are you familiar with any specific so ware or pla orms used in transporta on
management, warehouse management, or route op miza on? Please elaborate.
How comfortable are you with working with real- me data streams? Can you give an
example of how real- me data can be used in this field?
Discuss your understanding of IoT (Internet of Things) and its applica ons in smart
mobility and logis cs.
Have you worked with any AI or ML technologies? If so, how were they applied to solve
problems in transporta on or logis cs?
How do you approach ensuring data accuracy and integrity in a complex system
involving mul ple data sources?
Imagine a new smart mobility service is being launched in a city. What are some
poten al challenges you an cipate, and how would you address them?
How do you stay updated with the rapidly evolving technologies and trends in smart
mobility and logis cs?
Describe a me when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or process
related to transporta on or logis cs. How did you handle it?
How do you approach troubleshoo ng issues that arise in a real- me opera onal
environment within smart mobility or logis cs?
How do you effec vely communicate complex technical informa on to non-technical
stakeholders?
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Describe a me when you had to collaborate with mul ple teams or stakeholders to
achieve a goal in a transporta on or logis cs project. What were the key factors for
success?
How do you handle disagreements or conflic ng priori es within a team working on a
smart mobility or logis cs solu on?
A city is experiencing increasing traffic conges on. What smart mobility solu ons
would you propose to address this issue?
A logis cs company is looking to reduce its delivery mes and fuel costs. What
technologies and strategies would you recommend?
How would you approach the implementa on of a new electric vehicle charging
infrastructure for a fleet of delivery vans in a specific region?
Imagine you are tasked with designing a system for real- me tracking of public buses
in a city with varying levels of internet connec vity. What are some key
considera ons?
Tell me about a me you took ini a ve on a project related to efficiency or
op miza on. What was the outcome?
Describe a situa on where you had to make a cri cal decision under pressure in a
transporta on or logis cs context.
How do you priori ze tasks when working on mul ple projects with deadlines?
What mo vates you to work in the field of smart mobility and logis cs?
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