AI has brought about ground-breaking changes in many sectors, and the food and transport supply chain is no exception. As the technology continues to advance, AI is set to revolutionise the way we produce, distribute and consume food, as well as optimise the logistics of transporting goods.  

In the last decade, the number of UK AI companies has grown by a staggering 688%.. As public awareness grows, consumers are becoming more curious about the benefits AI can bring to their lives.

In this post, we will explore the ways AI could transform the food and transport industries – especially the cold chain – bringing increased efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. 

What is AI and how is it different from automation? 

Artificial Intelligence is different to automation, but due to its many forms and uses, can be hard to define. 

Generally speaking, AI mimics human cognitive processes, using data to make decisions and carry out tasks. By comparison, automation replaces a manual task within pre-defined parameters. This makes AI more adaptable than automation, as it can perform new functions beyond those contemplated by its human programmers. Some AI systems can make decisions without even interacting with a human.

The most common reasons businesses currently use AI are improving cybersecurity (35%) and creating efficiencies (35%).   

How could AI transform the cold chain? 

Precision agriculture

One of the most significant impacts of AI on the food supply chain is in precision agriculture. AI-powered tools and technologies, such as drones and sensors, enable farmers to collect and analyse vast amounts of data.This data, including information on soil health, weather patterns, and crop conditions, allows for precise decision-making. This means farmers can optimise irrigation, fertiliser usage, and crop harvesting, leading to increased yields and reduced environmental impact. 

Predictive analytics for supply chain management

AI’s predictive analytics are a revolutionary tool for supply chain management in the food industry. By analysing historical data, market trends, and external factors, AI algorithms can forecast demand, identify potential disruptions and optimise inventory levels.

Using AI, companies can analyse individual preferences, evolving dietary restrictions, and health data to cater to the changing tastes of consumers. This enables suppliers and distributors to make informed decisions, preventing food waste, minimising the risk of running out of stock, and ensuring a more resilient supply chain. 

Autonomous vehicles and smart logistics

In the transport sector, AI could improve efficiency through autonomous vehicles and smart logistics. Self-driving trucks and drones equipped with AI algorithms can optimise delivery routes, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance overall transportation efficiency.

AI can also be used to control temperatures in chilled and frozen food transport and storage, as well as with pharmaceutical and medical deliveries. This not only lowers operational costs but also reduces carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport system. 

Temperature reporting and control

Unlike manual temperature checks which can be inefficient and prone to human error, AI technology integrated with specialised sensors can eliminate those issues by continuously monitoring temperatures. This means that carriers and customers have real-time visibility, without the need for drivers to stop periodically to check products.

Managing operational conflicts

AI provides carriers with the tools to manage unanticipated conflicts. This can include anticipating the most efficient routing and fleet management, as well as reducing the loss of temperature control by requiring trailers to be opened less often.

Predictive analytics supplied by AI can monitor vehicle and equipment components to improve fleet health and maintenance. This may extend to predicting when a part is likely to fail, allowing for pre-emptive repairs and leading to reduced chances of breakdowns. 

What does the future hold for AI in the cold chain? 

AI is already helping the cold chain industry to make sense of a vast amount of data, empowering them to make better operational decisions. In the future, it is likely that AI will put that data to practical use in decision-making, for tasks such as pre-cooling trailers, making responsive temperature adjustments during a journey, and predicting maintenance requirements. 

There is also scope for AI to help ease major challenges that the industry faces, such as supply issues, workforce shortages, and rising fuel costs.

The integration of AI into the food and transport industry promises to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. From precision agriculture to smart logistics and predictive analytics, AI is capable of transforming the cold chain.

As AI technologies continue to evolve, the industry can work towards a food supply chain that is more resilient, responsive, sustainable, and better equipped to meet the needs of a growing population.