HitchhikeBox: A decentral, verifiable, and privacy-protecting automated logistic transport concept for pharmaceuticals

Abstract

Currently, the ad hoc, one-way distribution of pharmaceuticals from pharmacies to their customers is inefficient and high in emissions. The HitchhikeBox concept aims to improve the current logistics system by utilizing existing transport channels. This eliminates the need for single-purpose delivery trips and personnel. The system is open to competing service providers, with fully automated contract management, payment and sanctioning of the parties involved. The system utilizes asymmetric encryption and zero-knowledge proofs to guarantee user privacy and non-traceability of deliveries for contracts, payments, and sensor data. The system is designed to be resilient, self-governing and suitable for highly sensitive goods, such as the transport of pharmaceuticals, by ensuring their optimal condition. In addition, the system utilizes smart contracts to conclude and enforce contracts, as well as a distributed off-chain cluster to process and store data in a GDPR-compliant manner. The HitchhikeBox concept facilitates semi-automated, cost-effective and eco-friendly logistics while maintaining reliability, privacy and liability.