Projects per year
Abstract
The implementation of autonomous delivery solutions in last-mile logistics operations is
considered promising. Autonomous delivery solutions can help in tackling urban challenges related
to last-mile logistics operations. Urbanization creates higher mobility and transportation demand,
which contributes to increased congestion levels, traffic, air pollution, and accident rates. Moreover,
mega-trends, such as e-commerce, demand that logistics companies react to increased customer
expectations in terms of delivery time and service. Concerning service, electrified autonomous
delivery solutions have the potential to operate 24/7 and can help to overcome driver shortages.
This paper conducts a systematic literature review. Based on the literature set, a snowballing
procedure was applied. Complementary gray literature was included. This work discusses different
autonomous delivery solutions such as Autonomous Delivery Robots (ADRs), Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles (UAVs), two- or multi-tiered systems, and the concept of passenger and freight integration.
The work presents advantages and disadvantages, enabling the comparison of solutions. Furthermore,
a research agenda is provided, from which practical-managerial and theoretical implications can be
derived. The research agenda can help researchers, manufacturers, businesses, and governmental
institutions to prepare for the arrival and subsequent implementation of autonomous delivery services.
Various implications related to energy demand, legislation, implementation strategy, training, and
risk and safety are presented. The outcome of this work calls for collaboration among various
stakeholders, encourages mutual learning, and hints at the importance of national and international
development projects.
considered promising. Autonomous delivery solutions can help in tackling urban challenges related
to last-mile logistics operations. Urbanization creates higher mobility and transportation demand,
which contributes to increased congestion levels, traffic, air pollution, and accident rates. Moreover,
mega-trends, such as e-commerce, demand that logistics companies react to increased customer
expectations in terms of delivery time and service. Concerning service, electrified autonomous
delivery solutions have the potential to operate 24/7 and can help to overcome driver shortages.
This paper conducts a systematic literature review. Based on the literature set, a snowballing
procedure was applied. Complementary gray literature was included. This work discusses different
autonomous delivery solutions such as Autonomous Delivery Robots (ADRs), Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles (UAVs), two- or multi-tiered systems, and the concept of passenger and freight integration.
The work presents advantages and disadvantages, enabling the comparison of solutions. Furthermore,
a research agenda is provided, from which practical-managerial and theoretical implications can be
derived. The research agenda can help researchers, manufacturers, businesses, and governmental
institutions to prepare for the arrival and subsequent implementation of autonomous delivery services.
Various implications related to energy demand, legislation, implementation strategy, training, and
risk and safety are presented. The outcome of this work calls for collaboration among various
stakeholders, encourages mutual learning, and hints at the importance of national and international
development projects.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 2774 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-17 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Journal | Sustainability |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 3 Feb 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research was funded by Vrije Universiteit Brussel, grant number SRP56: SRP-Onderzoekszwaartepunt: Autonomous Mobility & Logistics.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 by the authors.
Copyright:
Copyright 2023 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Keywords
- autonomous delivery robots
- unmanned aerial vehicles
- two-tiered system
- passenger and freight integration
- last-mile delivery
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SRP56: SRP-Onderzoekszwaartepunt: Autonomous Mobility & Logistics
Van Mierlo, J. (Administrative Promotor), Macharis, C. (Co-Promotor), Coosemans, T. (Co-Promotor), Hegazy, O. (Co-Promotor), Van Lier, T. (Co-Promotor), Crispeels, T. (Co-Promotor), Guns, T. (Co-Promotor), Vanhaverbeke, L. (Co-Promotor), Rombaut, E. (Collaborator), Berecibar, M. (Co-Promotor), Hesami, S. (Collaborator), Arapoglou, S. (Collaborator), Li, J. (Collaborator), De Cauwer, C. (Scientific Promotor) & Vranckx, A. (Collaborator)
1/03/19 → 29/02/28
Project: Fundamental