Researchers from Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Aramex have developed an innovative AI-augmented autonomous delivery robot system aimed at revolutionizing last-mile delivery (LMD). This system is designed to address the challenges of existing robotic couriers, focusing on customer satisfaction, safety, and operational efficiency in small urban communities.
The research introduces a customer-centric and safety-conscious LMD framework that leverages AI to enable end-to-end automation and optimization of the logistics process. This framework caters to real-world operational uncertainties, clients’ preferred time schedules, and the safety of pedestrians. The core of the system is an integrated optimization component modeled as a robust variant of the Cumulative Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows. This model constructs routes under uncertain travel times with the objective of minimizing the total latency of deliveries, thereby reducing the overall waiting time of customers and enhancing their satisfaction.
The researchers conducted real-world trials of the proposed LMD system on a university campus using a single robotic courier. These trials provided valuable insights into the practical aspects of implementation, demonstrating the system’s utility in a controlled environment. The findings highlighted the system’s ability to navigate and deliver packages efficiently while adhering to safety protocols and customer preferences.
In addition to the real-world trials, the researchers conducted numerical simulations to investigate the scalability of the developed mathematical formulation. These simulations explored the system’s performance with varying numbers of robotic vehicles and customers, providing a comprehensive understanding of its potential for large-scale deployment.
The research underscores the importance of AI and automation in addressing the pressing environmental concerns and the surge in e-commerce sales. By optimizing the last-mile delivery process, the system not only reduces costs and time but also contributes to a more sustainable and efficient logistics ecosystem. The findings and practical insights gained from this study pave the way for future advancements in autonomous delivery systems, offering a promising solution for the challenges faced by modern urban logistics. Read the original research paper here.