DPD Estonia has deployed an autonomous unmanned vehicle from robotics developer Cleveron Mobility to deliver a parcel on public roads.
Europe’s first AV parcel delivery was performed in Tallinn, but a larger-scale parcel delivery service based on robot couriers will be launched by the two companies in Viljandi in the near future.
The robot couriers drive on public roads and work within a radius of approximately 5km. The autonomous robot courier platform can be fitted with various applications to serve different business needs. For example, it can be adapted to deliver different size parcels and ready-meals or be a mobile vending machine.
The driverless autonomous vehicle was developed to deliver goods and equipment in a more efficient, flexible and environmentally friendly way. According to the companies, autonomous and electric-powered robotic couriers significantly reduce CO2 emissions and noise pollution.
Additionally, by transporting goods without drivers, Cleveron Mobility expects its autonomous offering to provide relief from the rapidly growing input costs in the parcel delivery sector. Arno Kütt, CEO of Cleveron Mobility, explained, “The e-commerce market is continuing to grow rapidly in the developed world. And it requires more and more transportation to meet the demand, but with the steady decline of drivers, we see that autonomous solutions are key in satisfying last-mile deliveries globally. Robotic couriers can transport goods to several destinations just like conventional vans but without the need for a driver. Cleveron Mobility definitely wants to be among the world leaders in this field and achieve the position of the market leader.”
Remo Kirss, CEO of DPD Estonia, stated, “We see that the introduction of autonomous robotic couriers in parcel delivery is a very important next step among environmentally friendly delivery methods. We are extremely pleased to be the first parcel delivery company in Europe to launch a parcel delivery service with a driverless autonomous courier robot in a public urban space. This will allow us to continue to introduce innovative solutions through practice to the general public and to encourage residents and consumers to make environmentally conscious decisions when choosing services and products.”