Bharadwaj Thuraka
A data engineer from Andhra Pradesh has developed a free artificial intelligence platform that is helping transport and logistics companies across the world optimize their delivery routes and reduce fuel costs. Bharadwaj Thuraka's AI-Route Checker has been adopted by businesses seeking to improve efficiency while cutting carbon emissions.
The web-based platform, which Thuraka developed while working in North Carolina, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze weather patterns, infrastructure conditions, and cargo requirements to suggest optimal delivery routes. Companies using the system report significant reductions in fuel consumption and delivery times.
"We noticed logistics companies, especially in developing markets, were struggling with route planning," explains Thuraka. "They were losing money on inefficient routes and contributing unnecessarily to pollution. I wanted to create something that could help them solve both problems."
The platform's impact has been particularly notable in regions where infrastructure challenges make route planning complex. In Nigeria, a logistics company reduced its fuel costs by 30 percent after implementing AI-Route Checker's recommendations. Similar success stories have emerged from Ghana and India, where businesses are using the tool to navigate challenging road conditions and weather patterns.
Unlike commercial logistics software that can cost thousands of dollars, Thuraka made his platform completely free to ensure small and medium businesses could access the technology. The system includes real-time visualization dashboards, CO2 impact calculators, and route simulation tools that help companies plan more sustainable operations.
"Making it free was important," says Thuraka. "Small transport businesses in these markets can't afford expensive software, but they're the ones who need efficiency improvements the most."
The platform has gained recognition in academic circles as well. Thuraka has published research papers about the system's development in IEEE conferences and MDPI journals, contributing to the broader scientific understanding of AI applications in logistics. His work has been cited by researchers studying sustainable transportation solutions.
Transport industry experts have praised the platform's practical approach. "Tools like AI-Route Checker demonstrate how artificial intelligence can address real-world challenges in developing economies," notes Dr. Priya Sharma, a logistics researcher at IIT Delhi who has studied the platform's implementation.
The system's global impact map shows optimization results across different regions, highlighting how the same AI framework adapts to varying infrastructure and climate conditions. This flexibility has made it valuable for companies operating across borders or in multiple markets.
Thuraka, who holds master's degrees in Information Systems and Information Technology, developed the platform based on his research into supply chain optimization. His academic work on machine learning applications in logistics has been published in over 20 international journals and cited by researchers worldwide.
The success of AI-Route Checker has led to speaking invitations at international conferences, where Thuraka discusses how AI can promote sustainable business practices in emerging markets. He recently served as Session Chair at an IEEE conference focused on intelligent systems.
"The goal was never to build a business around this," Thuraka reflects. "I wanted to prove that AI could make a real difference for companies that need it most. When I see a small transport company in Lagos or Mumbai saving money and reducing emissions because of our platform, that's the real measure of success."
The platform continues to evolve based on user feedback, with Thuraka regularly updating the algorithms to improve accuracy and adding new features requested by the logistics community. His commitment to keeping the tool free has made him a recognized figure in discussions about democratizing AI technology for social good.
