Virtual reality in transportation and logistics: A clustering analysis of studies from 2010 to 2023 and future directions

Abstract

Numerous studies have examined the utility of virtual reality (VR) technologies in the transportation and logistics sector. However, no systematic and comprehensive review of this research area has been performed. This need is addressed in this paper by reviewing publications on the development and applications of VR technologies in the four main categories of transportation and logistics: air, maritime, railway, and road. A clustering analysis of 200 papers on VR in transport and logistics published from 2010 to 2023 has been performed. It identifies six clusters of research: operator training in routine procedures, operator training in incident handling, simulation of carriers, design of traffic infrastructure and carriers, psychological studies on transportation and logistics operators or associated parties, and treatment of illness related to transportation and logistics. Based on the review and the clustering analysis, the paper proposes directions for future research on the development of VR and its applications in transportation and logistics.