Technology has impacted almost every industry, and the last mile is no exception. Over the years, several cutting-edge technologies have emerged that promise to deliver packages faster and cheaper.
This blog post will share the most fascinating emerging technologies impacting last-mile delivery in 2024 and, most importantly, how you can leverage the advancements to improve efficiency and win customer loyalty.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)- Driven Route Optimization
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming every industry, including last-mile delivery.
Traditional route planning software relies on basic algorithms and static data. However, AI-driven route optimization software like Route4Me’s best route planning software and delivery route planner app leverages real-time traffic patterns, weather conditions, customer preferences, historical delivery data, and more to create dynamic multi-stop routes.
And the impact?
It reduces your driver’s travel time; less travel means low fuel consumption and carbon emissions. So, it’s good for your pocket and the environment, too.
Plus, the last-mile optimization software helps drivers make more deliveries per shift, allowing you and your drivers to make more money.
Route4Me’s route optimizer doesn’t just react to data. It learns and predicts. It can anticipate issues before they happen.
For example, Route4Me route management service offers a Predictive Weather Route Optimization feature that automatically updates estimated delivery times to account for poor conditions and avoid delivery delays.
Early adopters like UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and UBER already use AI to make deliveries.
According to a report by Research Nester, the global AI-enabled last-mile delivery market will exceed $5 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 20%.
Therefore, leveraging AI to optimize routes is the need of the hour to make your final mile delivery operations efficient and future-ready.
Want To See For Yourself How Route4Me Can Help Plan Efficient Routes?
2. Smart Contracts
Smart contracts are self-executing contracts. They are stored on a blockchain, which is a secure and decentralized digital ledger technology.
They act as your digital agreements with drivers and customers. You can pre-define terms and conditions in smart contracts and automatically execute specific actions when certain criteria are met.
For example, you can automatically release payments to drivers upon confirmation of successful deliveries (e.g., customer signature obtained) or initiate dispute resolution processes for late deliveries or damaged goods.
Unlike traditional contracts, smart contracts help reduce the time, cost, and errors involved in paperwork and administration. Also, your drivers will receive payments quickly, making them happy and staying with your company longer.
The blockchain securely stores all the critical data related to the delivery processes, including package details, timestamps, and delivery confirmation. This helps minimize disputes, eliminate the risk of fraud, and promote trust between all the stakeholders.
Furthermore, smart contracts integrated with IoT-enabled devices and blockchain technology can provide real-time shipment updates accessible to everyone involved.
3. Cognitive Robotics
Cognitive robotics is another emerging technology that could revolutionize the last-mile industry.
Such robots are armed with advanced AI and natural language processing capabilities. They can seamlessly manage complex environments like office complexes, apartment buildings, or university campuses.
It can navigate elevators and stairs and deliver packages directly to customers, reducing the chances of missed deliveries.
The exciting part is that cognitive robots can interact with customers, follow voice commands, and adjust to dynamic situations. This helps make personalized and secure deliveries across diverse scenarios.
Cognitive robots can operate round-the-clock to reduce the pressure on your human workforce and help you cater to late-night orders easily. You can even scale up or down depending on your requirements, which helps manage seasonal surges efficiently.
Deep learning advancements are fueling the growth of such robots. According to a report by the Market Research Institute, the global cognitive robotics industry will be close to $13 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 11.12%.
So, such intelligent robotics technologies are not a distant reality; they are already happening.
4. Smart Lockers
Smart lockers are another emerging technology that can help manage last-mile deliveries efficiently.
They are automated self-service and secure delivery boxes for packages that come in various sizes. Such lockers are strategically located in convenient places like retail stores, apartment buildings, or dedicated hubs.
Drivers can drop off multiple packages at once at a smart locker location, saving time and increasing delivery capacity per route.
Customers love the flexibility and convenience of picking up packages at a convenient time and prefer to keep ordering from you.
Also, smart lockers offer better security than doorstep deliveries and reduce the chances of package theft. They even help protect packages from being damaged by bad weather.
Smart lockers leverage a range of cutting-edge technologies to maximize efficiency. For example, a US-based startup, ParcelPending, provides smart locker solutions with embedded sensors for package tracking.
Another US-based startup, Air Locker, is even building an IoT system to send notifications about the arrival of packages.
According to a study by Deloitte, smart lockers offer productive returns as they are becoming an integral part of smart last-mile logistics.
No wonder a report by MarketsandMarkets predicts that the Smart Locker market will be $3.6 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 11.6%.
Frequently Asked Questions about Emerging Technologies in Last-Mile Delivery
What is last-mile technology?
What are the future trends in last-mile delivery?
Final Thoughts about Emerging Technologies in Last-Mile Delivery
Emerging technologies like AI-driven route optimization software, smart contracts, cognitive robotics, and smart lockers are not future possibilities. They’re within reach today. And in the coming days, they will be more advanced and powerful.
Adopting such innovations will help make your delivery operations efficient, provide a better customer experience, and stay ahead of competitors.
Want To See For Yourself How Route4Me Can Help Plan Efficient Routes?
