Last mile logistics is the completion of the final leg in a product’s journey to a customer.
This last step in a supply chain is often filled with a great deal of uncertainty. Common challenges include congested streets, poorly marked houses, and whether or not the customer is even at home.
However, a number of new inventions are beginning to make the last mile a little easier to navigate.
Starship Technologies has designed a robot that will make last mile deliveries of everything from food and wine to laundry and light bulbs. The company hopes that it can still turn a profit even on the smallest of items.
This robot is looking to automate the “last mile” in logistics and change the food delivery business forever. Will it become customary to tip the pizza bot? 🍕🤖#robotics #logisticspic.twitter.com/0NGMsC3Rhh
— Shawn P. Mitchell (@shawnpmitchell) November 13, 2018
Battery-powered scooters are becoming increasingly common in the last mile of delivery. Vehicles like the “Leo” from TUMCREATE in Singapore can navigate traffic jams and tight spaces.
It is not a stretch of the imagination to see these becoming automated in the near future.
Online shoppers want instant delivery. In congested cities, this electric three-wheeled vehicle is agile and can maneuver in tight spaces, delivering packages more quickly. The “Leo” is designed by TUMCREATE in Singapore.#sustainability #logistics https://t.co/Y46rEff1ru
— Shawn P. Mitchell (@shawnpmitchell) November 14, 2018
Podbike is a eco-friendly company based in Norway. It was founded by Anne-Lise Heggland, a woman who spent many years in the oil and gas industry.
The company has designed a small battery-operated vehicle that is powered by human energy.
Small box warehouses in city centers could possibly use Podbikes to meet the increasing pressures of having a healthy and enthusiastic workforce while shortening delivery times.
The Podbike is a hybrid vehicle using a combination of electric and human power. For congested cities, this clean form of transport could shorten delivery times for the holiday gifts you order online.#logistics #sustainability @Podbike_pic.twitter.com/t3qVgsOLWn
— Shawn P. Mitchell (@shawnpmitchell) November 15, 2018
Online shoppers are demanding faster delivery times and more environmental awareness. Battery-operated delivery machines will become an increasingly important part of meeting this demand.