LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 28, 2025) - In a groundbreaking demonstration of industry-academic collaboration, graduate students from the University of Kentucky piloted a logistics innovation that could redefine how transportation fleets track and optimize deliveries across the U.S.
Through a partnership with Valvoline Global, the student-led team launched EdgeTrack Solutions, an AI-powered logistics platform designed to enhance real-time shipment visibility, fleet analytics, and support operations insights. The project was part of the Gatton College of Business and Economics’ Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MSSCM) program and was guided by faculty mentor Carol Chavez.
“This project shows how students can be empowered to solve real-world problems using innovation and data,” said Carol. “EdgeTrack Solutions offers scalable potential for enterprise fleets and small businesses alike.”
EdgeTrack combines live GPS tracking, AI-powered video analytics, and a custom dashboard to help logistics teams monitor vehicle activity, detect anomalies, and analyze performance in real-time and make faster, data-driven decisions.
During the pilot, graduate students Shem Odhiambo, Eric Wambua, and Bryce Gentner installed EdgeTrack’s hardware on a Valvoline Global distribution truck. The truck operated on a live route between Valvoline Global’s Cincinnati Oil Plant and multiple Valvoline Instant Oil Change locations across Ohio.
The platform helped visualize:
· Real-time location and movement data
· Idle time and stop classifications
· Route efficiency and delivery trends
The pilot uncovered inefficiencies common in transportation operations - such as unclassified stops, dwell time and idle time - and gave the students hands-on experience refining their product in a dynamic environment.
“EdgeTrack was born out of a classroom but tested on the road,” said Odhiambo, project director. “This pilot gave us the chance to apply what we’ve learned at UK to a real logistics operation.”
“Our AI model could identify delivery stops, rest areas, and traffic lights - offering detailed insights that traditional tracking systems often miss,” added Wambua, who led system integration and field testing.
Unlike legacy platforms requiring heavy integrations, EdgeTrack was designed to be plug-and-play, affordable, and scalable - particularly for small to mid-sized fleets.
In their benchmarking research, the students compared EdgeTrack to platforms like Project44, FourKites, and Roambee, identifying a key differentiator: EdgeTrack provides AI-based fleet intelligence without requiring a full enterprise transportation management system.
“We designed EdgeTrack to meet companies where they are,” said Gentner, who oversaw research and development. “Whether it’s one truck or a hundred, the system delivers insight with minimal setup.”
EdgeTrack was supported by Gatton College of Business and Economics faculty, and a broader university commitment to fostering applied innovation. With guidance from Carol Chavez and collaboration with Valvoline’s logistics team, the students gained valuable mentorship from logistics leaders throughout the project.
“This is what innovation at UK looks like,” said Odhiambo. “It’s student-led, collaborative, and focused on real-world impact.”
Following the successful pilot, the EdgeTrack team plans to:
- Refine the AI model for even greater accuracy
- Expand dashboard features and customization
- Explore seed funding and additional pilot partnerships
As the students look ahead, their experience reflects UK’s broader mission — to turn ideas into impact and prepare graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving supply chain landscape.
