The SENATOR project has achieved the technological maturity that allows it to start the most operational phase of pilots in 2024 and test its advanced technology, based on artificial intelligence, to improve city logistics in two Urban Living Labs, in Zaragoza (ES) and Dublin (IE). SENATOR is led by Correos and aims to make last-mile delivery more efficient and sustainable.
The route optimization algorithm is operational and at the heart of the SENATOR platform. Most of the interface’s visuals, where information generated by the algorithm is displayed for users, are also functional. This advancement results from joint work by the Technological Institute of Deusto (DeustoTech) and DOTGIS.
The level of technological maturity achieved by the project makes it possible to advance to the final phase of the pilots, where the operation of the SENATOR platform will be tested in various simulations and controlled tests related to the daily distribution operations in Dublin and Zaragoza.
“This advance not only represents a significant achievement in the development of SENATOR technology, but also an essential step towards the practical implementation of optimization in urban goods distribution,” points out Ángela Núñez, European sustainability project manager at Correos and SENATOR project coordinator.
An integrated solution for urban logistics
If it reaches the market, the incorporation of this algorithm would distinguish the SENATOR platform as the most comprehensive solution in urban logistics currently available. The tool’s goal is to facilitate strategic decision-making and provide participating partners with unprecedented control over their logistics operations.
In contrast to other existing tools, “SENATOR offers an unprecedented integration of various functionalities into a single platform, which simplifies logistics management and maximizes operational efficiency,” explains Pilar Elejoste, technical director at DeustoTech.
Another aspect to highlight is the algorithm’s ability to operate in real time. In addition to proposing the most suitable routes each day based on the parameterization performed at the beginning of the day, adjusting to the variables entered by the operator, it also enables immediate adjustments to adapt to unforeseen changes and dynamically improve efficiency in the last mile.
The interface or dashboard of the platform is in a very advanced design stage, as the last visuals are being finalized. “The information generated by the algorithm will be presented comprehensibly through an intuitive and comprehensive interface,” adds Elejoste, thus allowing for real-time management of goods distribution.
Overcoming barriers in the pursuit of innovation
The platform’s development has posed a series of significant technical and technological challenges, resulting in unavoidable delays in some project milestones. SENATOR has successfully addressed some of these challenges, including those linked to the complexity of fostering collaboration among competing companies in pursuit of innovation.
Núñez highlights another crucial challenge: “Innovation, especially in digitalization, is always a challenge, especially when facing urban goods distribution from such a disruptive perspective as in SENATOR, but great challenges prepare us for the future. Working on these projects is always an opportunity and an exciting challenge.”
Source: Senator