The autonomous last mile delivery market is rapidly growing and evolving, with many key players and innovative technologies emerging in recent years. Autonomous last mile delivery involves the use of unmanned vehicles, such as drones and autonomous ground vehicles, to deliver goods directly to consumers in the final leg of the delivery process. Here, we take a closer look at some of the key players and innovations in this exciting market.
Amazon is one of the major players in the autonomous last mile delivery market. In 2013, the company announced its Prime Air program, which aims to use drones to deliver packages to customers in 30 minutes or less. Since then, Amazon has continued to invest in drone technology and has tested several different drone models, including a hybrid drone that can take off and land vertically like a helicopter, but fly like an airplane. Amazon is also developing a ground-based robot called Scout, which can navigate sidewalks to deliver packages.
Another major player in the market is Google’s parent company, Alphabet. In 2019, Alphabet’s drone delivery subsidiary, Wing, became the first company to receive FAA approval for commercial drone delivery in the US. Wing’s drones are currently being used for delivery services in several locations around the world, including in Australia, Finland, and the US. Wing is also working on developing new technologies to improve the safety and efficiency of its drone delivery system, such as an air traffic management system that would allow multiple drones to operate in the same airspace.
UPS is another major player in the autonomous last mile delivery market. In 2019, the company partnered with autonomous delivery startup, TuSimple, to test self-driving trucks for package delivery. The trucks are equipped with sensors and cameras that allow them to navigate roads and traffic without a human driver. UPS has also been testing drone delivery services in several locations around the world and has developed a ground-based robot called the UPS Nuro, which can deliver packages autonomously on sidewalks.
In addition to these major players, there are also many startups and smaller companies working on innovative technologies for autonomous last mile delivery. For example, Starship Technologies, a startup based in Estonia, has developed sidewalk delivery robots that can deliver packages within a two-mile radius. The robots are equipped with sensors and cameras that allow them to navigate sidewalks and avoid obstacles.
Another startup, Flirtey, is focused on developing drone delivery services for medical supplies and other critical items. The company has partnered with several hospitals and medical organizations to test its drone delivery system, which can transport medical supplies and other items over long distances.
In terms of innovations, there are several new technologies that are driving the evolution of the autonomous last mile delivery market. For example, some companies are exploring the use of blockchain technology to improve the security and transparency of their delivery systems. Blockchain can be used to create a secure and tamper-proof record of every transaction in the delivery process, from the initial order to the final delivery.
Another innovation is the use of lidar technology, which uses lasers to create 3D maps of the surrounding environment. Lidar is being used by many companies to improve the accuracy and safety of their autonomous delivery systems, as it can help vehicles detect and avoid obstacles and navigate more efficiently.
In conclusion, the autonomous last mile delivery market is a rapidly growing and evolving space, with many key players and innovative technologies emerging. Companies like Amazon, Alphabet, and UPS are leading the way in developing new delivery systems and technologies, while startups like Starship Technologies and Flirtey are pushing the boundaries with their innovative delivery robots and drones. As the market continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting innovations and advancements in the years to come.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Everest Market Insights journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
