CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 30
COVER STORY
COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS EXCELLENCE
which further strengthens product safety
across the cold chain.”
On the subject of smart packaging,
Bellikatti iterates, “AI-integrated sensors
continuously monitor product conditions
such as temperature, while AI autonomously
adjusts storage and delivery parameters to
prevent deviations. This ensures product
integrity is maintained throughout the
logistics process.”
He further emphasises AI’s role in bolstering supply chain resilience, de昀椀ning, “AI
models help to predict and address potential
disruptions, ranging from equipment failures
to geopolitical challenges. By designing
more cost-e昀케cient logistics networks, AI
evaluates infrastructure, demand, and
risks to optimise the overall cold chain.”
Additionally, he highlights the environmental bene昀椀ts. “AI enhances sustainability
by optimising energy consumption in cold
storage facilities and reducing waste through
real-time tracking of goods. By adjusting delivery schedules to prioritise nearexpiration items, AI helps to signi昀椀cantly
cut down on food waste.”
Technological Innovations:
Robotics and AI in Cold
Chain
The future of cold chain logistics is heavily
in昀氀uenced by technological advancements,
especially in robotics and AI. AS/RS and
AI-driven predictive maintenance are already
reshaping the industry, signi昀椀cantly reducing
labour costs and increasing operational
e昀케ciency. Robotics is being used for precision
in sorting, loading, and unloading of products
in temperature-controlled environments,
while AI algorithms optimise everything
from temperature regulation to inventory
management. Companies investing in these
technologies see reductions in spoilage rates
and energy consumption, paving the way
for more sustainable cold chain operations.
While addressing the impact of technological advancements in cold chain logistics,
Jinali states, “Technological advancements
such as robotics and AI are set to revolutionise
cold chain logistics. At Gandhi Automations,
we lead the integration of these technologies
into our products, particularly in automating
door and loading bay systems. Our cold
storage solutions incorporate advanced
technologies designed to enhance both
performance and e昀케ciency. For example,
our High-Speed Doors utilise dual curtain
and blower systems for precise temperature
control, minimising convection and energy
loss with adjustable openings. These doors
30 | CARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2024
KARTIK JALAN
Founder and CEO,
Indicold
At Indicold, we prioritise
continuity and flexibility
by leveraging advanced
technology, robust
infrastructure, and strategic
partnerships. We use stateof-the-art monitoring systems
that provide real-time data
on temperature and humidity
levels across our storage
and transportation units.
This allows us to detect
and correct any deviation
from the set parameters
immediately, ensuring the
quality of our products. We’ve
invested in strategically
located warehouses and
transportation units, which
not only reduces the impact of
localised disruptions but also
gives us the ability to reroute
shipments swiftly in response
to unforeseen events.
operate quickly and feature a self-repairing
mechanism that resets the curtain after
impacts, ensuring safety for both personnel
and materials. Our design avoids rigid elements, prioritising protection, while sensor
technologies such as radars, photocells, and
magnetic loop detectors enhance automation
responsiveness and reliability.”
She further adds on the importance
of maintaining quality through innovation. “In our manufacturing processes, we
utilise robotic welding, CNC machines, and
advanced techniques to ensure the highest
standards of quality and safety. This not
only enhances product reliability but also
improves user-friendliness. We adhere to
strict standardisation protocols across all our
products, ensuring consistent performance
and reliability in every cold chain logistics
solution we provide.”
Shah expands on the transformative role
of AI and robotics in cold chain logistics. He
says, “Robotics and AI are set to signi昀椀cantly
enhance e昀케ciency and precision within the
cold chain. Automated systems, along with
robotic handlers, will be able to manage
the storage and movement of temperaturesensitive goods with remarkable accuracy
and speed. This level of automation ensures
that optimal conditions are maintained
consistently, minimising the risks of spoilage
or product damage. AI-powered predictive
maintenance will also play a crucial role
by monitoring equipment and predicting
potential failures before they happen, reducing downtime and ensuring refrigeration
units and other critical systems operate at
peak performance.”
Shah, further emphasising on the importance of AI in optimising logistics, adds, “AI
algorithms can optimise delivery routes,
ensuring that the most e昀케cient paths are
chosen, which not only cuts fuel consumption
but also ensures that products are delivered
within their required temperature ranges.
Additionally, the integration of AI with IoT
sensors allows for real-time monitoring and
data-driven decision-making throughout
the cold chain. This data-driven approach
enables performance insights and operational
improvements, making the supply chain
more resilient and responsive. Moreover,
robotics can take over physically demanding
tasks, allowing human workers to focus on
more strategic roles, ultimately boosting
both job satisfaction and productivity.”
Prasad takes a measured view on the
evolving role of AI in cold chain logistics.
He notes, “It’s still early to comment on the
signi昀椀cant impact of AI within the cold chain
industry, but I’m particularly interested
in seeing the integration of IoT with AI-
