Logistics specialist Aramex recently completed testing of its drone and roadside bot deliveries in Dubai.
The company announced that initial tests had been conducted at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in partnership with BARQ EV, a leading commercial drone specialist in the UAE, which provided drones, equipped with multidirectional sensors and a reliable fleet management system. This enabled Aramex to have high accuracy across order placements, dispatch management, drone flight routing, and deliveries.
In addition, self-driving ground delivery vehicles were provided by Colombian-based delivery robotics company, Kiwibot. Its features include a combination of high-tech sensors, cameras, radars, and artificial intelligence to navigate through surroundings and obstacles. An advanced GPS navigation system was also used to generate virtual maps, establish multiple routes, and change course depending on delays or obstacles, the company said.
Video from Aramex Youtube
Angad Singh, Global Director – Innovation of Aramex, said: “The initial introduction of robotic and drone deliveries in the UAE coincides with a time of growing customer demand for fast and reliable delivery services. With this testing, we wanted to enable an integrated ecosystem of innovative products which shall ultimately offer more convenience for our customers.
“Therefore, in addition to the autonomous delivery vehicles, we have also rolled out mobile outlet trucks that allow us to operate drones and bots, as well as offer pickup and drop-off points at any location close to our customers.”
He added, “We look forward to implementing drone and bot deliveries in the UAE and beyond as we progress our sustainability plans to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.”
The tests were performed part of the Company’s “Future Delivery Program” which aims to enhance last-mile logistics using smart shipping solutions.
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Dubai Future Foundation and Dubai Smart City supported the initiative, which followed Aramex’s successful test of autonomous drone delivery in Muscat, Oman. Aramexsaid it plans to further expand its drone and robot delivery testing across the Middle East and Africa region, as well as other core markets where it operates.
