Chapter 1
1.1 Introduction
In recent years Harare has experienced a spurt in urbanization which has resulted in the growth
in demand for efficient and effective logistics and storage solutions. Distributed warehouses have
emerged as a means of addressing this growing need, facilitating the distribution and storage of
goods within the supply value chain. However, maintenance of optimal environmental conditions
that ensure preservation and integrity of goods is a challenge. Inadequate environmental
monitoring often results in spoilage of goods resulting in subsequent financial losses.
Conventional temperature/humidity monitoring systems typically rely on manual and static
sensor networks. Such systems often lack flexibility, require human intervention and are
therefore prone to errors due to improper sensor placement or outliers encountered outside the
sensor range (P. Patel, 2016). These limitations are further exacerbated by frequent power
outages and unreliable internet connectivity which compromise the efficacy of monitoring
systems. There is therefore a need for smart, innovative and intelligent solutions to address
challenges.
1.2 Organisational Background
BAK Logistics Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of TSL Limited, is a leading logistics and supply chain
management company based in Zimbabwe, established to provide comprehensive transportation
and logistics solutions tailored to the needs of businesses across various sectors. With a focus on
efficiency, reliability and customer satisfaction, BAK Logistics has emerged as a trusted partner
in the region’s logistics landscape. BAK Logistics offers a wide range of services including
customs brokerage, freight forwarding, container depot, distribution and warehousing.
1.3 Problem Statement
Bak Logistics faces challenges maintaining optimal humidity levels within its warehouses which
impacts the quality and longevity of stored goods such as perishables, chemicals and
pharmaceuticals. Fluctuating humidity and temperature have led to damage, increased spoilage
rates and financial losses as well as decreased customer services due to compromised product
integrity. Currently Bak logistics has no definitive system for real-time data collection, analysis
and alert mechanisms to maintain ideal humidity levels, improve operational efficiency and
support inventory management.
1.4 Aim
To develop an autonomous temperature/ humidity monitoring robot for Bak Logistics.
1.5 Objectives
1. To design and construct an autonomous temperature/humidity monitoring robot.
2. To incorporate temperature/humidity sensors into the robot design to enable real-time
environmental monitoring.
3. To implement wireless transmission of temperature and humidity readings to the cloud.
4. To set triggers in Arduino cloud server and generate email alerts when temperature
exceeds specified thresholds.
1.6 Research Questions
1. Can an autonomous robot be designed to effectively navigate warehouse environments.
2. Which are the most appropriate and effective types of temperature/humidity sensors
which can be incorporated in the robot design for real-time environmental monitoring.
3. Which is the most appropriate micro-controller for capture and wireless transmission of
environmental data.
4. How can the Arduino cloud be used to configure temperature and humidity-based triggers
and automatically generate email alerts when specified thresholds are exceeded.
1.7 Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis (H0): Implementation of a humidity monitoring system in BAK Logistics
warehouses will not significantly enhance inventory preservation and reduce product spoilage
rates compared to existing methods at BAK Logistics.
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Implementation of a humidity monitoring system in BAK Logistics
warehouses will significantly enhance inventory preservation and reduce product spoilage rates
compared to existing methods at BAK Logistics.
1.8 Significance
Conventional temperature/humidity monitoring systems typically rely on manual and static
sensor networks. Such systems often lack flexibility, require human intervention and are
therefore prone to errors due to improper sensor placement or outliers encountered outside the
sensor range (P. Patel, 2016). Autonomous robots overcome the limitations of their static
counterparts by providing mobile and remote monitoring which expands the scope and range of
monitoring. Minimal human intervention is required therefore enhancing reliability and
efficiency.
In agricultural settings autonomous robots provide precision and accuracy in temperature and
humidity monitoring, irrigation and disease prevention. Data obtained is logged remotely to a
server for analysis and forecasting critical in making data-driven decisions. In industrial
environments autonomous robots assist with the maintenance of optimal conditions in storage
facilities, chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities (Alfian, 2018).
1.9 Assumptions
• Existing infrastructure can support implementation of the humidity monitoring system
without major modifications.
• Sufficient funds will be availed for development and implementation.
• Stable internet or wi-fi connectivity will be available to facilitate data transmission and
monitoring.
• User buy-in and support from management to implement and adopt system.
• The system will meet compliance standards and regulations.
1.10 Scope
Defines the boundaries of the proposed system i.e.; what the system can do.
The system shall:
• Monitor humidity levels in real-time.
• Monitor temperature in real-time.
• Generate alerts or triggers when thresholds are exceeded.
Limitations
i. Limited wi-fi and sensor coverage can create blind spots in monitoring.
ii. Manual adjustments of humidity/temperature thresholds can result in inaccurate and
delayed readings. Temperature and humidity sensors require periodic calibration to
maintain accuracy and precision in dynamic environments (Saha, 2018).
iii. Temperature fluctuations and other external factors can distort sensor readings.
iv. Budget constraints can limit the scale of implementation. Initial development costs are
higher for autonomous implementation in comparison to the use of static/fixed
monitoring systems.
v. Sensor precision can vary thereby resulting in inconsistent readings and need for frequent
calibration/adjustments.
vi. Power constraints can affect efficiency. The autonomous robot is reliant on battery-power
and continuous movement and monitoring can drain it very quickly.
1.11 Definition of Terms
1. Autonomous robot – self-operating mechanical device capable of performing tasks with
minimal to no human intervention using sensors, programmed logic and actuators to
interact with its environment.
2. Humidity sensor – device that measures the amount of moisture in the air.
3. Temperature sensor – a device that measures ambient temperature and coverts it to digital
values.
4. Microcontroller – integrated circuit that acts as the brain of the autonomous robot. It is
responsible for processing sensor data and executing commands.
5. Real-time monitoring – delivery of continuously updated temperature and humidity data.
Immediate analysis and response are facilitated.
6. Intelligence – the ability to perceive, reason and make decisions and act on environmental
stimuli.
Conclusion
The system will leverage aspects of robotics, real-time data collection, analysis and alert
mechanisms to maintain ideal humidity levels, improve operational efficiency and support
inventory management.
