Last-mile delivery is a critical leg of the entire delivery process, during which businesses cannot go wrong.
We are about to witness the role of generative AI in several logistical aspects, including demand predictability, route optimisations, and inventory management.
Crowdshipping can become purposeful by integrating robots and local personnel to save money and lower carbon emissions.
Logistics technology is transforming ecommerce deliveries from point A to point B. It has replaced traditional shipping methods in the last decade to streamline supply chains and automate shipping operations. In 2023, India climbed six in position and moved to 38th rank among 139 countries in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) of the World Bank.
A ripple effect will unfold the state-of-the-art delivery tech for Indian businesses this year. Based on recent adoptions, the upcoming automation tech will include drones and robots to augment logistics operations and reshape customer expectations further. However, the real question is, will it change our thoughts on shipping? Let’s find out!
Drones/Robots Vs Traditional Shipping Solutions
Throughout India’s tech-driven journey, businesses have overcome significant delivery challenges and celebrated the efficacies of automated systems. They have upgraded from traditional shipping solutions to robust delivery tech stacks and embraced scalability, low costs, and environmental sustainability. We are about to witness the role of generative AI in several logistical aspects, including demand predictability, route optimisations, and inventory management.
According to Statista, India’s ecommerce market is expected to hit a staggering growth of $100 Bn by 2027 from $63 Bn in 2023. The robot boom will benefit several sectors, including security, delivery, infrastructure, and agriculture. The IIAREE, India Industrial Automation and Instrumentation market will look at a massive growth rate of 1.92 Bn by 2025 with a CAGR of 8.62%.
The Indian logistics market is expected to reach $650 Bn by 2028. Drone technology will serve hyperlocal logistics and last-mile deliveries by reducing hours of delivery operations.
The Essential Last-Mile Delivery Tech In 2024
Last-mile delivery is a critical leg of the entire delivery process, during which businesses cannot go wrong. A seamless last-mile delivery process can minimise the complexities of last-mile delivery using ultra-modern tech in 2024.
Drones In Delivery Operations
Drones are cutting-edge mechanisms that empower logistics professionals and ecommerce businesses. They are also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that single-handedly discard traditional means of delivery. Drones come into play for their unmatched precision and accuracy during last-mile deliveries.
These flying devices are designed with advanced GPS systems to bypass ground-level obstacles and traffic for timely and before-time deliveries. They perform shipping operations 5x faster than traditional methods and ensure 100% damage-free deliveries.
Drones also contribute to environmental sustainability by letting out only meagre carbon footprints. Businesses can start testing drone integrations with their existing logistics systems and allow new players to adopt these aerial vehicles to overcome logistics challenges.
Autonomous Robots
Alongside drones, autonomous robots are also pushing logistical boundaries for businesses. They are self-operated drivers that fulfil last-mile deliveries using AI software. They use RADAR (Radio and detection ranging), LiDAR (Light detection and ranging), and sensors to map their surroundings.
Autonomous vehicles facilitate communications to and from the distribution centre and between two or more automated vehicles to navigate heavy traffic. They are cost-effective as they eliminate the need for human drivers, fuel-oriented vehicles, and operational costs.
Smart Lockers
Have you thought about a convenient solution to pick up parcels from a central location? You heard right. It is not a dream anymore. Smart lockers are smart package delivery systems that logistics companies can install within apartments, public places, and office premises for recipients to retrieve their orders at their convenience and time.
These lockers have robust security features, including security cameras and unique codes to access the items inside. Smart lockers can change how businesses see logistics and strategise their last-mile delivery operations more effectively.
Warehouse Tech
Warehouse management is the core of logistics. It encompasses inventory optimisation and error-free management systems to handle distribution and accountability. Further innovations such as robots and drones can integrate warehouse management systems (WMS) to improve accuracy and efficiency.
These machines can help organise goods faster and save more space. Deploying high-tech tools in warehouses will reduce manual labour and save time and money. For example, an AI forklift can navigate the warehouse and perform tasks faster than a human team.
Crowdshipping
Crowdshipping is a sustainable and flexible logistics solution to simplify last-mile deliveries by reducing much-needed logistical efforts. It is the process of connecting drivers heading to or close to the recipient destination and carrying the delivery item with them. Crowdshipping can become purposeful by integrating robots and local personnel to save money and lower carbon emissions.
It works for businesses without their own fleets or lack of delivery resources. Last-mile crowdshipping can leverage the latest delivery tech solutions involving delivery drones and contactless delivery options.
Bottom Line
2024 is a massive year for the ecommerce and logistics industries. The abovementioned innovations will help Indian players reimagine their shipping operations and be more resilient against potential supply chain disruptions.
They will push all limits for businesses and help ecommerce enterprises look forward to sustainable growth. All-in-all, smart technology will remain persistent and better placed to counter logistics challenges and encourage ventures to think beyond.
