LAST - MILE DELIVERY INNOVATION, EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES RESHAPING DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCY
Keywords:
Last-mile delivery, autonomous vehicles, drone delivery, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, route optimization, robotics, micro-fulfillment centers, crowdsourced delivery, electric vehicles, cargo bikes, Internet of Things, smart packaging, sustainable logistics, distribution efficiency, supply chain innovation, e-commerce logistics.Abstract
This comprehensive article examines cutting-edge technologies transforming last-mile delivery operations across the global supply chain. It analyzes how autonomous vehicles, drones, artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable solutions are addressing critical challenges in the final delivery segment, which accounts for 53% of total shipping costs. The paper explores implementation challenges, cost benefits, and efficiency improvements of various technological solutions while presenting research findings from leading organizations like McKinsey, Gartner, and MIT. The article concludes that successful organizations will likely adopt portfolio approaches to last-mile delivery, deploying different technologies based on geography, urgency, package characteristics, and customer preferences.
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