SKT launches cloud-based fresh food logistics system

By Yoon Sung-won

SK Telecom released its fresh groceries logistics service based on cloud technology, Thursday.

The nation’s largest telecom company said it will test operate the service, named Smart FreshX, for Home plus’ online shopping delivery trucks. It also pledged to improve Smart FreshX as an integrated groceries logistics management system by adding delivery navigation and cold storage control functions.

“Amid social and environmental problems caused by ultrafine dust, Smart FreshX will provide an eco-friendly service that complies with the government’s drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Kwon Song, executive vice president of SK Telecom’s IoT service division, in a statement. “We plan to expand the application of Smart FreshX from groceries to more diverse sensitive logistics items such as medicine.”

Whereas ordinary cold storage trucks cause environmental damage because they operate coolers using their engines, Smart FreshX taps into a technology called phase change materials (PCM) for cold storage that stores cheaper midnight-rate electricity to run coolers.

In particular, the PCM technology has boosted cooling capacity by over 50 percent and thus can reduce engine idle stress in vehicles by 30 percent, the company said.

SK Telecom also said Smart FreshX is connected to cloud servers and provides data including cold storage temperature, car location and alarm signs in real time to users.