Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

last-mile delivery

Shenzhen’s ‘penguin’ robots ride the metro to restock shops in world-first delivery test

by

In a global first for urban logistics, a fleet of penguin-shaped delivery robots has begun using Shenzhen’s metro system as part of an integrated supply chain, marking a new milestone in automated goods distribution.

Developed by VX Logistics, a subsidiary of China’s Vanke Group, the autonomous robots were tested on Monday on Shenzhen Metro Line 2. The robots boarded a train at Wanxia Station, rode alongside passengers, and exited at their destinations to deliver goods to shops inside metro stations – without any human assistance.

The pilot project stands out not only for its novelty but for how it redefines the role of robots in supply chains. While delivery robots in the US and Europe are typically limited to short-range “last mile” use cases – navigating sidewalks to deliver food or parcels – Shenzhen’s system integrates robots into the existing metro infrastructure, enabling what could be called “middle-mile” automation. [Read more…] about Shenzhen’s ‘penguin’ robots ride the metro to restock shops in world-first delivery test

Smarter Storage, Faster Shipping: Automation in the Supply Chain

by

In the global economy of 2025, customer expectations for fast, accurate, and affordable deliveries have reached an all-time high.

E-commerce giants and traditional retailers alike are under constant pressure to fulfill orders more quickly and efficiently than ever before.

To meet these demands, businesses are turning to automation to revolutionize their supply chains – from warehouse storage to final delivery.

According to McKinsey, companies that fully embrace supply chain automation can cut operational costs by 15% to 30% and improve delivery times by 20% to 40%. [Read more…] about Smarter Storage, Faster Shipping: Automation in the Supply Chain

Drone delivery: Navigating the path from high-flying hype to last-mile reality

by

An in-depth analysis of the current technological landscape, regulatory roadblocks, and the commercial scalability of autonomous aerial delivery

The promise of near-instantaneous delivery via autonomous drones has captivated investors and engineers for over a decade.

Initial forecasts, often fuelled by blockbuster tech announcements, painted a futuristic picture of skies buzzing with packages, a vision that has been stubbornly slow to materialize. This has led many to question the ultimate viability of the concept.

Is drone delivery, then, finally poised to overcome its significant hurdles and become a mainstream logistics solution, or is it destined to remain a niche, novelty service? [Read more…] about Drone delivery: Navigating the path from high-flying hype to last-mile reality

7-Eleven Japan trials autonomous delivery robots built by Suzuki and robotics startup Lomby

by

7-Eleven stores in Japan are trialling an autonomous delivery robot developed through a collaboration between automotive giant Suzuki and Tokyo-based robotics venture Lomby.

This initiative marks a significant step in addressing Japan’s growing labor shortage and exploring the potential of last-mile delivery automation in urban environments.

Convenience store giant 7-Eleven Japan has commenced real-world testing of autonomous delivery robots in a suburb of Tokyo. [Read more…] about 7-Eleven Japan trials autonomous delivery robots built by Suzuki and robotics startup Lomby

Top 20 autonomous delivery robot companies in 2025

by

Back in 2019, when we published a similar report, autonomous delivery robots were a futuristic curiosity – cute, slow-moving boxes trundling along sidewalks, mostly on college campuses or in pilot projects.

Fast-forward to 2025, and the ADR industry has grown up. While some early movers have vanished, others have scaled, raised millions in funding, and secured major partnerships.

From sidewalk robots to street-legal pods and long-range drones, the sector now spans a wide range of technologies and business models.  [Read more…] about Top 20 autonomous delivery robot companies in 2025

Udelv accelerates autonomous delivery with Microsoft Azure

by

Udelv will deploy their newest autonomous delivery van (ADV), Newton, to Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington, USA campus to showcase its leading autonomous delivery service, dubbed “Autodeliv”.

The Newton ADV has modular cargo space, 1,200lb carrying capacity, and experience of more than 10,000 autonomous deliveries projected by the end of 2019.

The company plans on deploying hundreds of ADVs in key markets by the end of 2020.

[Read more…] about Udelv accelerates autonomous delivery with Microsoft Azure

XPO Logistics expands XPO Connect into last mile

by

XPO Logistics, the largest last-mile provider for heavy goods in North America, has announced the launch of extensive last mile capabilities on its XPO Connect digital freight marketplace.

The company’s last mile business unit specialises in the delivery of heavy goods, many of which require assembly and installation inside the home.

In 2018, XPO arranged approximately 40,000 last mile deliveries per day on average.

[Read more…] about XPO Logistics expands XPO Connect into last mile

Report: Retailers must ‘go the extra mile’ on delivery

by

A new study from the Capgemini Research Institute has highlighted that retailer investment in “last mile” delivery – the final leg of the online purchase journey – is needed in order to uncover new revenue streams.

The report found that 97% of organisations believe that current last-mile delivery models are not sustainable for all locations, and that free shipping costs cannot be maintained unless delivery costs are reduced through automation.

“The Last-Mile Delivery Challenge: Giving retail and consumer product customers a superior delivery experience without impacting profitability,” study surveyed over 2,870 consumers in addition to 500 supply chain executives, and entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

[Read more…] about Report: Retailers must ‘go the extra mile’ on delivery