Autonomous Van and Robot Last-Mile Logistics Platform: A Reference Architecture and Proof of Concept Implementation

Marc Guerreiro Augusto (), Julian Maas, Martin Kosch, Manuel Henke, Tobias Küster, Frank Straube and Sahin Albayrak ()
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Marc Guerreiro Augusto: Chair of Agent Technology, DAI-Labor, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
Julian Maas: Chair of Logistics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
Martin Kosch: Chair of Logistics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
Manuel Henke: GT-ARC gGmbH, TU Berlin Institute, 10587 Berlin, Germany
Tobias Küster: GT-ARC gGmbH, TU Berlin Institute, 10587 Berlin, Germany
Frank Straube: Chair of Logistics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
Sahin Albayrak: Chair of Agent Technology, DAI-Labor, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Background : With urban logistics facing challenges such as high delivery volumes and driver shortages, autonomous driving emerges as a promising solution. However, the integration of autonomous vans and robots into existing fulfillment processes and platforms remains largely unexplored. Method : This paper addresses this gap by developing and piloting a comprehensive blueprint architecture tailored for autonomous mobility in urban last-mile delivery. The proposed framework integrates autonomous vehicle operations, data processing, and stakeholder collaboration. Results : Through initial implementation and piloting, we demonstrate the practical applicability and advantages of this architecture. Conclusions : This study contributes to the understanding of essential data, services, and tools, providing a valuable guideline for Logistics Service Providers aiming to implement autonomous last-mile delivery solutions.

Keywords: autonomous logistics; last-mile-delivery; robotics in logistics; autonomous last-mile logistics; connected cooperative and automated mobility—CCAM; mobility as a service—MaaS; platform architecture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:1:p:10-:d:1566281

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