Aramex has successfully tested its drone and ground-based robotic deliveries in Dubai as part of its “Future Delivery Program.”
The program aims to improve last-mile logistics by using smart shipping solutions that enable faster, more sustainable, and cost-effective deliveries.
The initial tests were conducted in partnership with BARQ EV, a leading drone delivery service provider in the UAE, and Kiwibot, a Colombian company specialising in delivery robotics.
The tests took place at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) with the support of various government authorities, including the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the Roads and Transport Authority, the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, the Dubai Future Foundation, and the Dubai Smart City.
According to Alaa Saoudi, Chief Operating Officer – Express at Aramex, the expansion of the firm’s Future Delivery Program aims to generate more value for our customers by providing a faster, safer, and greener ways of delivering packages.
“Importantly, it also enables Aramex to further contribute to UAE’s sustainability ambitions as we embark on our mission to transition our fleet to emission-free vehicles and achieve our climate pledge to reach Carbon neutrality by 2030. We are excited about the next chapter of the program and further scale this service to reach more customers,” said Saoudi.
BARQ EV’s drone delivery technology, which Aramex utilised during the tests, can operate multiple and continuous flights at long distances and in various environments. The drones are equipped with multidirectional sensors and a reliable fleet management system that ensures high accuracy across order placements, dispatch management, drone flight routing, and deliveries.
Additionally, Kiwibot’s self-driving ground vehicles use a combination of high-tech sensors, cameras, radars, and artificial intelligence to navigate through their surroundings and overcome obstacles. They also rely on an advanced GPS navigation system to generate virtual maps, establish multiple routes, and adapt to changes in the event of delays or obstacles.
Aramex also noted that the timing of the launch of robotic and drone deliveries in the UAE aligns with an increasing demand from customers for speedy and dependable delivery services. The testing phase aims to establish a comprehensive ecosystem of innovative products that will provide greater convenience for Aramex’s customers.
“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,” said Angad Singh, Global Director – Innovation of Aramex
