How droids, drones, and ADVs automate last-mile delivery

Last-mile delivery (LMD) covers the process of transporting products from a distribution center—usually a retail store or warehouse—to the end consumer. This process has become increasingly automated due to the introduction of robots and autonomous vehicles into the supply chain, allowing companies to distribute goods with reduced labor and costs while improving efficiency.

Developments in autonomous delivery have brought these once-futuristic methods much closer to becoming a commercial reality. Today, droid makers largely commercialize their tech targeting food deliveries. Autonomous delivery vehicle (ADV) developers target grocery and heavier parcel deliveries, while drones are mostly trialed for time-critical cargo deliveries.

The demand for autonomous delivery methods can be attributed to several factors, most notably the significant cost savings that they offer to retailers, logistics, ecommerce, and delivery companies. With the ability to reduce labor and transportation costs, these cutting-edge technologies have quickly become go-to solutions for organizations seeking to optimize their bottom line. Furthermore, consumers' expectations of faster delivery also play a significant role in pushing last-mile delivery automation forward.