Autonomous transportation and delivery in logistics

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide details of the role of autonomous robots in the transportation and delivery sector of the logistics industry. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction, this first discusses autonomous cargo shipping. It then considers autonomous road transport which is followed by details of short-distance and last-mile delivery robots. Finally, conclusions are drawn. Findings Transportation and delivery is a central element of the logistics industry but the sector faces operational, environmental and economic challenges. The industry is increasingly adopting automation and robotics, and this is now being extended to the transportation and delivery sector. Autonomous cargo ships have been demonstrated and have the potential to reduce costs and improve safety. The main barriers to widespread adoption are regulations and legislation. Autonomous road transport is gaining momentum and autonomous trucks are increasingly being deployed, particularly in the USA, where they operate on hub-to-hub routes. Short-distance and last-mile delivery is a rapidly growing sector and drones, autonomous vehicles and sidewalk robots are used widely to deliver foods, groceries and mail. Autonomous vehicles confer benefits which include improved safety, reduced environmental impact, lower fuel and labour costs and more rapid delivery and represent the most significant development in the drive to achieve full automation of the logistics industry. Originality/value This provides details of the rapidly growing role of robotics in the transportation and delivery sector of the logistics industry.