Aramex, a leading global provider of logistics and transportation solutions, has conducted successful tests of autonomous drone and robot delivery systems as part of its Future Delivery Program aimed at improving last-mile logistics. The company partnered with commercial drone delivery service provider Barq EV and delivery robotic specialist Kiwibot to perform initial tests at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. The tests were carried out with the support of various organizations, including the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Smart City, and the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, as part of the company’s goal to achieve faster, more sustainable, and cost-effective deliveries.

Aramex’s Future Delivery Program

Aramex’s Future Delivery Program is part of the company’s commitment to enhancing last-mile delivery logistics and generating more value for customers by providing a faster, safer, and greener way of delivering packages. The program enables Aramex to contribute to the UAE’s sustainability goals by transitioning its fleet to emission-free vehicles and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The successful tests of autonomous drone and robot delivery systems are a testament to Aramex’s drive to remain at the forefront of the last-mile delivery logistics industry and reach more customers.

Barq EV’s drone delivery technology

Barq EV’s drone delivery technology is capable of operating multiple and continuous flights at long-range distances and in different environments. The drones are equipped with multidirectional sensors and a fleet management system that ensures accuracy across order placements, dispatch management, drone flight routing, and deliveries. The partnership between Aramex and Barq EV is the first step towards scaling up drone delivery services in the logistics industry in the UAE and the Middle East and Africa region. Kiwibot’s self-driving ground delivery vehicles Kiwibot’s self-driving ground delivery vehicles are equipped with high-tech sensors, cameras, radars, and artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate through surroundings and obstacles. The cars use an advanced GPS navigation system to generate virtual maps, establish multiple routes, and change course depending on delays or obstacles. The partnership between Aramex and Kiwibot is focused on shaping greener cities and enhancing sustainability in the last-mile delivery and shipping industry.

Partners’ views on the successful tests

Alaa Saoudi, the chief operating officer of Aramex Express, expressed excitement about the next chapter of the Future Delivery Program and scaling up the service to reach more customers. Ahmed Al Mazroui, CEO of Barq EV, noted that the collaboration with Aramex is a significant first step towards scaling up drone delivery services in the logistics industry in the UAE. Felipe Chávez Cortés, CEO, and co-founder of Kiwibot, emphasized the company’s commitment to a zero-carbon future and enhancing sustainability in the last-mile delivery and shipping industry. Dr. Yousef Al-Assaf, president of RIT Dubai, noted that the partnership between Aramex and RIT Dubai aligns with the centers’ vision of energy and sustainability, smart cities, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

Aramex’s successful tests of autonomous drone and robot delivery systems are part of the company’s Future Delivery Program aimed at improving last-mile logistics. The partnerships with Barq EV and Kiwibot have enabled Aramex to achieve faster, more sustainable, and cost-effective deliveries while contributing to the UAE’s sustainability goals. The successful tests are a testament to Aramex’s drive to remain at the forefront of the last-mile delivery logistics industry and reach more customers.