Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2

Routeique Inc. offers a cloud-based logistics and delivery management platform consisting of specialized software and hardware components and works with a variety of vendors including Nestle, Coca-Cola and Parmalat. Additionally, they work closely with their sister company Birkby Food Services, which provides commercial food delivery for the aforementioned companies. In an effort to meet industry demands for vehicle tracking, automated systems monitoring, and integration with electronics currently used in the delivery process, Routeique is developing an in-vehicle "brain" that can interface with a transport vehicle and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to provide a level of tracking beyond what currently exists in the industry. SAIT has assisted Routeique with their first prototype through an NSERC Engage grant in 2017, which supported live reporting of vehicle statistics such as speed and fuel levels, GPS locations, and cargo temperatures. This project will assist Routeique Inc. in the refinement and expansion of their prototype, with a major new feature of on-vehicle radio-frequency identification (RFID) scanning of assets as they enter and leave the vehicle, allowing Routeique to automatically track deliveries without requiring destination warehouses to install an RFID system. Year 1 of the proposed project will focus on adding new functionality, including accelerometers, door contact sensors, battery power for the primary "brain" device, built-in mobile data connectivity, and an in-lab RFID rig for testing asset scanning on SAIT grounds. Year 2 will focus on the creation of a second RFID rig which will be mounted inside of a shipping truck for testing in real-world environments, encrypting mesh network communications, and miniaturization of custom electronics to reduce final production costs. The improved prototype will enable increased efficiencies and reduced costs and losses while ensuring food safety.