Autonomous Delivery Solutions for Last-Mile Logistics Operations: A Literature Review and Research Agenda

Valeska Engesser (), Evy Rombaut, Lieselot Vanhaverbeke and Philippe Lebeau
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Valeska Engesser: Research Group Mobilise, Department BUTO—Business Technology and Operations, Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Evy Rombaut: Research Group Mobi, Mobility, Logistics and Automotive Technology Research Centre, Department BUTO—Business Technology and Operations, Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Lieselot Vanhaverbeke: Research Group Mobi, Mobility, Logistics and Automotive Technology Research Centre, Department BUTO—Business Technology and Operations, Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Philippe Lebeau: Research Group Mobilise, Department BUTO—Business Technology and Operations, Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-17

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.

Keywords: autonomous delivery robots; unmanned aerial vehicles; two-tiered system; passenger and freight integration; last-mile delivery (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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