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Machine Learning and the Internet of Things for Optimisation of the Last Mile Delivery

Project description

New tools to help logistics experts navigate the last mile challenge

In the world of logistics, the last-mile delivery (LMD) problem is one of the most significant challenges, creating bottlenecks that drive up costs and inefficiencies. Traditional route optimisation methods falter in the face of real-time disruptions, leaving logistics experts grappling with an age-old dilemma. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SmartDelivery project will leverage the synergy of Machine Learning (ML) and IoT to tackle LMD. Specifically, it introduces a novel hardware/software architecture, utilising real-time vehicle data to continuously enhance routing algorithms. Additionally, an innovative IoT-based approach dynamically assigns routes to drivers, guided by a unique ‘sixth sense’ parameter. A ML module predicts the optimal heuristic/metaheuristic algorithm to perfect the route.

Objective

Scientific advances in recent years have brought to light a series of potentially disruptive technologies in the ICT landscape. They are becoming, and will increasingly become, key enabling technologies for the development of applications and services designed to improve the quality of life of citizens and make processes more efficient. Among these, we can identify some which research has recently focused on with particular attention: Machine Learning and Internet of Things. In this project we propose a combined use of these two technological enablers to solve one of the main issues which all logistics experts have to face: the problem of optimising the last mile delivery (LMD). LMD is a crucial step of the entire delivery process, as it causes bottlenecks and is typically the most costly, problematic and inefficient part. Improving the LMD process in terms of route optimisation using classic approaches is difficult: static algorithms are not suitable, and even heuristic algorithms do not find high-quality solutions, as they do not consider several factors such as unpredictable real-time events which may occur. To address these challenges, a novel hardware/software architecture which exploits real-time vehicles’ positions to continuously improve performances of the routing algorithms is proposed, together with a new IoT-based methodology to automatically/dynamically assign routes to drivers based on the values of a defined “sixth sense”parameter. A ML module will predict the best among a chosen portfolio of different heuristics/metaheuristics algorithms to optimise the route.

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSIDAD DE SALAMANCA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 206 641,20
Address
CALLE PATIO DE ESCUELAS 1
37008 SALAMANCA
Spain

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Region
Centro (ES) Castilla y León Salamanca
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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Partners (3)

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