Smart Chains, Fresh Gains
Abstract
High post-harvest losses, significant greenhouse gas emissions, and system inefficiencies in conventional refrigeration and monitoring systems all provide major problems for the worldwide cold chain for perishable items. This chapter looks at how Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, digital twins, blockchain, and edge computing are changing sustainable food delivery by themselves and in combination. It discusses restrictions of conventional cold chains, such isolated data, reactive decision-making, and regional differences in losses, and describes sophisticated technical designs such layered IoT networks, AI-driven anomaly detection, predictive analytics, and self-optimizing digital twins. Real-world uses by companies including Maersk and Walmart together with benefits for SMEs in developing nations prove these advances. It examines the significant challenges like high costs, interoperability issues, cybersecurity threats, and skill shortages and offers solutions using open standards, legislation incentives, phased implementation, and ethical guidelines.
