SENATOR, the EU-funded SENATOR project, taps Ardor blockchain to develop new urban planning policies

The SENATOR project is a European initiative that is using blockchain technology to address the challenges of urban freight logistics. The project is backed by the European Commission and is being coordinated by Correos, a Spanish postal service.

The EU-funded SENATOR project has recently tapped the Ardor blockchain to develop new urban planning policies that are more efficient, transparent, and sustainable.

The goal of the SENATOR project, which stands for “Smart Network Operator Platform enabling Shared, Integrated and more Sustainable Urban Freight Logistics,” is to develop a smart network operator that will use blockchain to optimize freight delivery services in urban areas.

At the heart of SENATOR is a smart network operator powered by an ICT platform, facilitating integrated logistics operations. By optimizing freight delivery services in urban areas, the project aims to reduce delivery distances and routes, leading to improved real-time information, planning, and predictions for these tasks. This initiative is set to have a positive impact on urban freight logistics, a pressing topic within the European Union.

Jelurida, a Swiss blockchain software development startup incorporated in the Netherlands in 2016, is actively involved in the SENATOR project, collaborating with the company that won the public tender issued by Correos. Through this partnership, Jelurida brings its expertise in blockchain technology to make a significant impact on the project.

The SENATOR project aims to integrate freight delivery services and collection points into urban planning, addressing the negative impacts of freight distribution in urban environments. By fostering agent collaboration and innovative solutions, the project seeks to benefit all stakeholders involved.

At the core of the SENATOR solution lies the Ardor blockchain, developed by Jelurida. This technology offers bridging solutions to other blockchains and ensures the traceability of crucial transactions, like freight interchanges and cold chain variables. The proof-of-concept phase will use a SENATOR Ardor Node, facilitating data handling and transactions between SENATOR services and the public Ardor blockchain.

To ensure real-world applicability, transaction throughput, and efficiency are of utmost importance. Scalability and flexibility are key considerations, enabling the system to function optimally in practical use cases.

SENATOR also incorporates a digital identity solution called SENATOR ID, catering to individual users, entities (including IoT objects and vehicles), and legal entities. This multi-faceted approach ensures adaptability to various present and future use cases.

The project’s first trial will take place in Zaragoza, Spain, and Dublin, Ireland, using Urban Living Labs for real-world testing. Users in these regions can access the services through a dedicated mobile app and web interface, while third-party platforms and developers can utilize a native API to access these innovative solutions.