Automating the Last Mile

The rise of e-commerce platforms and the subsequent demise of several well-known retail stores, including Sears, is itself a testament to the disruptive power of technology. As more packages are shipped around the world than ever before, many are asking how to move packages cheaper and quicker. The "last mile" – the last part of the delivery process to a final destination – is the biggest opportunity for innovation, as it is the most challenging and expensive part of delivery, often requiring navigating through complex environments and constituting as much as 50% of total shipping costs. This report will analyze the landscape of last-mile automation technologies – ranging from drones to wheeled robots and more – to identify which ones are worth the investment and which are doomed to fail.