SMART Bays: smart management of loading and unloading zones

‍Last mile, innovation, R&D, R+D+i, smart cities.

Urban logistics is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades. The growth of e-commerce, the pressure to reduce emissions and the saturation of cities have focused on a critical point that often goes unnoticed: loading and unloading areas.

This is where it is born SMART BAYS — Smart City with Flexible and Connected Management in Urban Loading and Unloading Zones, a strategic R+D+i project aligned with the European mission of Smart and Climate-Neutral Cities 2030 .

And yes, Routal is at the center of this innovation.

The real problem of the last mile in cities

Urban Merchandise Distribution (DUM) is one of the biggest challenges of urban mobility. Today, loading and unloading zones operate under a model:

• Static
• Not very flexible
• No real-time monitoring
• No integration with planning tools

The result:

• Double-row vehicles
• Urban congestion
• Increase in CO₂ emissions
• Drivers wasting time looking for a place
• Skyrocketing operating costs

SMART BAYS was created precisely to transform this model.

What is SMART BAYS?

SMART BAYS is a project of research and development (R+D+i) which proposes a new management model:

🔹 Dynamic loading and unloading zones

🔹 Real-time intelligent assignment

🔹 Connected monitoring

🔹 Urban digital twins

🔹 Advanced algorithm with AI

The project integrates technologies such as:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Big Data
• IoT
• Blockchain
• Digital Cufflinks

And it will be validated in multiple Spanish cities (Madrid, Zaragoza, Seville, Donostia, Valencia, Vitoria, Malaga), with a desire for European scalability.

The main objectives of the project

SMART BAYS proposes a structural transformation:

1. Create an algorithmic model for flexible management of CyD zones.
2. Design a real-time monitoring system.
3. Develop a digital twin to simulate urban scenarios.
4. Reduce emissions and unnecessary kilometers.
5. Improve road safety and traffic flow.

Expected impact:

• 🔻 -10% in logistics costs
• 🔻 -10% in CO₂ emissions
• 🔻 -80% in extra kilometers looking for parking
• 🔻 -50% in incidents due to improper parking

We are not talking about theory. We're talking about measurable efficiency.

Where does Routal fit into all this?

This is where last-mile innovation becomes truly powerful.

Within the consortium of 15 technological entities, universities, clusters and large logistics operators, Routal leads research in route optimization adapted to dynamic loading and unloading areas .

Routal's goal at SMART BAYS:

Develop an optimization model that:

• Plan routes considering dynamic availability of CyD seats
• Direct the driver to the nearest free space
• Integrate automatic space reservation
• Reduce waiting times
• Minimize emissions
• It adapts to demanding sectors such as HORECA, Pharma and Food

In other words:

connect last-mile planning with the reality of urban space in real time.

This completely changes the current paradigm.

From static zones to smart zones

Today, a planner designs routes without knowing if the driver will be able to park.

Tomorrow, with SMART BAYS + Routal:

• The system knows occupancy in real time.
• The algorithm optimizes considering availability.
• The driver receives intelligent instructions.
• The city obtains metrics for urban governance.

We are talking about truly connected urban logistics.

Applied Innovation, Not Theory

SMART BAYS is not an isolated pilot. It is a project with:

• 15 entities that are experts in logistics, mobility and technology
• Validation with real operators: food, pharmacy, vending, hair distribution

And above all:

a clear vision of a smart city applied to the last mile.

Why does this position Routal as a center of innovation?

Because Routal doesn't just optimize routes.

Routal:

• Research new algorithmic models.
• It integrates AI in complex urban scenarios.
• It collaborates with universities and technology centers.
• He actively participates in strategic R+D+i projects.
• Develop solutions aligned with climate neutrality.

While others talk about optimization,

Routal is redefining the digital infrastructure of the last mile.

The future of the last mile will be connected or it won't be

Innovation in urban logistics doesn't just involve electrifying fleets.

Go through:

• Digitizing urban space
• Integrate data in real time
• Automate decisions
• Reduce invisible friction

SMART BAYS demonstrates that the intelligent management of loading and unloading areas is a key element in transforming urban mobility.

And Routal is at the heart of that transformation.

Would you like to be part of this new generation of urban logistics?

If you're managing last-mile operations,

if you work in urban mobility,

if you are part of a public administration,

or if you simply want to reduce costs and emissions...

It's time to learn how Routal can help you plan the last mile with real intelligence.

👉 Innovation is no longer optional.

It's strategic.

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