'The Logistics Sector Must Balance AI and Sustainability'

'The Logistics Sector Must Balance AI and Sustainability'

11/21/2024 - 13:56

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents significant opportunities for the logistics industry, particularly in streamlining operations and improving efficiency. However, this progress comes with challenges, such as increasing energy demands and societal concerns, raising questions about whether AI is truly sustainable and ethically sound. According to the DHL Trend Radar, AI and sustainability are the top trends in logistics. The sector faces growing pressure to operate sustainably while meeting increasing demand. The rise of AI technologies, such as generative AI, offers substantial potential for optimising logistics processes.
Data Science & AI
  • Expertise

A Ticking Time Bomb

Yet, the energy consumption required for AI applications is rising exponentially, creating an environmental footprint that some describe as a ticking time bomb. At the same time, societal and ethical issues are becoming more pronounced.

At Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas), research is being conducted into how AI can contribute to sustainability without disrupting ecological and social equilibrium. AI ethics plays a crucial role here, ensuring that technology is not only efficient but also responsibly applied.
 

Finding Balance Together

Collaboration is key. Governments, logistics companies, educational institutions, AI developers, and social organisations must work together to strike a balance between technological innovation and sustainability. Businesses that ignore the broader societal impacts of AI risk not only environmental damage but also a loss of public trust in technology.

The future of logistics is closely tied to technological and sustainable innovation. However, companies that adopt AI in a responsible and sustainable manner will gain a long-term competitive edge in an increasingly demanding market.
 


Disclaimer: The header image was created using AI.

This article was written by Jan van Elderen, Lecturer in Logistics and member of the AI Pioneer Team of BUas.