SENATOR logistics platform reaches technological maturity
Image by Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
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, in an effort to allow for better urban distribution of goods in two Urban Living Labs, namely in Zaragoza (ES) and Dublin (IE). SENATOR is led by Correos, and aims at making the operation of last-mile delivery more efficient and sustainable.
The route optimisation algorithm, which constitutes the heart of the SENATOR platform, is currently operational. Most of the visuals of the interface, where information generated by the algorithm is displayed for users, are also functional. This advancement is the result of 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 optimisation in urban goods distribution,” points out Ángela Núñez, European sustainability project manager at Correos and SENATOR project coordinator.
An integrated solution for urban logistics
The incorporation of this algorithm would distinguish the SENATOR platform, if it reaches the market, as the most comprehensive solution in urban logistics that is currently available. The goal is for the tool not only to facilitate strategic decision-making, but also to 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 maximises 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 parameterisation 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 stage of design, as the last visuals are being finalised. “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 pursuit of innovation
The development of the platform has posed a series of significant technical and technological challenges, which have resulted in some project milestones experiencing unavoidable delays. Thanks to continuous effort, 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 digitalisation, 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.”
Authors: Ana Lumbreras Martínez, Mónica Pérez
