Blockchain network Responsible Sourcing BlockchainNetwork (RSBN), has announced that its digital supply chain for cobalt hasmoved the pilot phase and is progressing toward use in live productioncomputing environments starting in spring 2020 – with Swedish automaker Volvoas its newest recruit.
RSBN, built on the IBM Blockchain Platform and assuredby RCS Global Group, will have continued participation from founding membersincluding Ford Motor Company, Volkswagen Group, LG Chem and Huayou Cobalt.
Volvo will join the network as its newest member withfurther partners from the auto, tech and mining sectors expected to join in2019. It will be the first company in the consortium to fully apply the RSBNsolution in its LG Chem supply chain beginning in spring 2020.
Ford also noted that as it is preparing to launch itsglobal all-electric Mustang-inspired SUV in 2020, the RSBN becomes an importanttool to strengthen transparency and visibility into its global mineral supplychain.
Last month, thecompany announced it had extended its European plug-in hybrid electricvehicle (PHEV) trial to the German city of Cologne – including exploring geofencingand blockchain technology to help track ‘green miles.’ The firm, which has beentesting PHEVs on the streets of London and Valencia, is working in coordinationwith five municipal fleets in Cologne, nine Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid vans,and one Tourneo Custom Plug-In Hybrid people mover.
In another automotive-based project, Austrian blockchain firm Riddle&Code noted details and context in July of its DLT hardware wallet that is powering a Daimler Financial Services-led consortium to provide an open car wallet solution. Car wallets allow a wide range of use cases from car-sharing to autonomous vehicles.
