Enhancing Food Logistics: SISTERS Project Workshop on Smart Containers and IoT Technologies

On 5th March 2025, the SISTERS project team hosted a workshop at MTU Kerry, Ireland, to present key outcomes from Work Package 2 (WP2). The session focused on the development and application of smart containers—BulkBox and StoreBox—and advanced sensor technologies designed to optimize food logistics and minimize waste.

Bringing together faculty, researchers, students, and representatives from the Irish agri-food sector, the event provided a platform for knowledge exchange and potential collaboration. The workshop began with an introduction to the SISTERS project and its mission to reduce food loss and waste across the European food supply chain.

A key highlight was the in-depth presentation of WP2 innovations, emphasizing how BulkBox and StoreBox integrate real-time IoT sensors to monitor critical environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, CO₂, and O₂ levels. These technologies ensure optimal food quality throughout transport and storage, contributing to greater efficiency and sustainability in food logistics.

A live demonstration of the sensor kits and cloud platform, led by Senior Research Engineer Padraic Moriarty, allowed attendees to witness the technology in action. The interactive session showcased how real-time data collection and analysis support informed decision-making in logistics operations.

The workshop concluded with a dynamic panel discussion and Q&A session, addressing topics such as career pathways, student research opportunities, and the broader implications of the SISTERS project for the agri-food sector.

By fostering discussions on digital transformation, research collaboration, and industry engagement, the event reinforced MTU Kerry’s role in advancing EU-funded innovation and driving progress in sustainable food logistics.