Intralogistics solutions provider Lucas Systems has announced a new partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to research software solutions, among other technological advancements, to reduce the environmental footprint of the logistics industry.
Some of the technologies that will be used as part of the research include 3D visualisation frameworks, mobile applications, Core CS and web/Angular/JS environments and will be conducted in partnership with Lucas Systems’ data scientists and software engineers.
A key focus of the study will be how to reduce waste from transportation and distribution centres by optimising packaging processes.
During the past 60 years, global consumption of paper and cardboard has increased about seven percent year-on-year, according to a March 2023 report by Statista.
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Lucas Systems highlighted that this is five times more paper and cardboard than in 1960.
Master’s level students in CMU’s Software and Societal Systems Department (S3D) in the School of Computer Science will work with Lucas Systems’ team on the architecture, user interfaces and optimisation best suited for solving supply-chain challenges.
The joint project forms part of the company’s broader ongoing development of smart software to support warehouse workers to pick products and fulfil orders sustainably and in a cost-efficient way.
“The entire distribution industry has numerous opportunities to reduce waste and improve sustainability,” said Mark McCleary, CTO, Lucas Systems.
“Consumers already recognize the increased amount of material they throw away with each shipment they receive. Consumers are paying for a lot of that waste – and so is our environment.”
What’s more, more than 90% of items shipped in the US are packaged with cardboard. The pair hope that this collaborative work could lead to large economic benefits for the distribution industry.
“CMU and S3D are excited to work with Lucas Systems on this critical challenge,” added Travis Breaux, director of the Master of Software Engineering programmes and associate professor of computer science.
“Improving the sustainability of packaging using the latest technologies is an area that we’re excited to contribute to.”
