Robotics in Last Mile Delivery

Drones, bots, and autonomous vehicles, oh my! The innovation hype surrounding these autonomous delivery devices has the logistics industry striving to implement automated last mile delivery strategies. While there are few instances of drones making door step deliveries today, the possibility of such deliveries becoming a common occurrence is certainly on the horizon. With no concrete published data proving that drone doorstep delivery is better than the usual truck and delivery man, the question to be answered is it worth the resources to implement robotics in the last mile delivery? The purpose of this research study is to explore how the use of robotic delivery devices impact supply chains in order to determine if the use of robotics is worth the investment. Our open-ended interview methodology allowed eight experts with various experiences to answer and elaborate on factors pertaining to the implementation and use of robotics in last mile delivery. By conversing with supply chain experts and current industry employees, this research effort captures industry leaders’ opinions on how robotics in last mile delivery affect customer value, cost efficiency, environmental sustainability, human labor, and changing regulation. While this research study covers a range of topics concerning robotics in last mile delivery, we hope to provide industry with a timely and comprehensive understanding of what is involved to make robotic last mile delivery a norm in customers’ everyday lives.