Mercedes Benz and startup Circulor launch a pilot project to track cobalt and carbon emissions

Automaker Mercedes Benz and startup Circulor presented a pilot project on blockchain to track the chainsupplies of cobalt needed for battery production and carbon emissions.

A joint project of Mercedes and Circulor ispart of the Startup Autobahn initiative to create a new generation of cars. As the companies specified, they will use the blockchain to track the level of exhaust emissions into the atmosphere and the amount of recycled material from which manufacturers will make batteries. Mercedes added that the data will be needed to develop a new car with zero carbon emissions.

In addition, the system will track the chainsupplies of cobalt mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the UN in 2017, cobalt mining in this country employs about 40,000 children, which is contrary to ethical working conditions.

Thus, in a blockchain-based systemit will be possible to verify the origin of raw materials and working conditions of workers, which is important for large automakers. Mercedes will be able to check whether its partners comply with the principles of social and environmental responsibility, as well as human rights.

It is worth noting that Mercedes is not the firsta car manufacturer implementing blockchain technology into its business processes. This year, Ford, Volkswagen and Volvo also plan to launch a pilot project on IBM's blockchain to track cobalt recycling. Additionally, in September, Indian automaker Tata Motors announced its intention to use blockchain solutions to design, assemble and operate vehicles.

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