In a bid to reshape the logistics landscape, Yango is at the forefront of integrating advanced technology into local markets, explicitly targeting the last-mile delivery sector. Under the leadership of Nikita Gavrilov, Regional Head of Autonomous Delivery Solutions, the company is pioneering innovative solutions that promise to revolutionise the delivery process across the Middle East.
The last-mile delivery market in the Middle East is on a trajectory to reach $100 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 15 per cent from 2020. The increasing demand for efficient and timely delivery services spurs this growth.
Yango’s autonomous delivery robots are set to meet this demand by minimising delivery times and reducing reliance on human couriers. These robots are designed to operate under extreme weather conditions, a significant advantage in a region known for its high temperatures.
“Our delivery robots can operate efficiently in any climate, including the challenging high-temperature conditions of the Middle East. This capability is crucial for maintaining consistent delivery services in the region,” Gavrilov explains. “We recognised the need for a reliable and efficient solution to overcome the logistical challenges posed by the region’s harsh climate.”
With sustainability becoming a crucial consumer consideration, Yango’s delivery robots are engineered with eco-friendly production methods and energy-efficient route planning. This aligns with the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) commitment to environmental sustainability. Future developments, such as dedicated charging stations, will further enhance the energy efficiency of these robots.
“Using delivery robots offers environmental benefits, which is crucial in the Middle East, as 50 per cent of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable delivery options,” says Gavrilov. “Our delivery robots align with this preference and contribute to environmental conservation through eco-friendly production methods and energy-efficient route planning.”
Yango’s autonomous delivery robots’ development involved meticulous design and testing. Engineers and designers collaborated on initial sketches and 3D models, refining the robots’ aesthetics and functionality through iterative development. The teams worked extensively on processes, functionalities, and on-ground tests to ensure the robots were market-ready.
“Multiple teams worked together on processes, functionalities, and on-ground tests until the product was ready for use,” Gavrilov shares. “This collaborative approach ensured that every aspect of the robot’s design and functionality met our high standards. The iterative process allowed us to make necessary adjustments and improvements along the way.”
Yango’s robots employ a sophisticated blend of cameras, sensors, and predictive analytics to navigate and deliver efficiently. These technologies enable precise positioning, object recognition, and spatial awareness, ensuring the robots can operate safely and effectively in dynamic environments.
Advanced machine learning algorithms facilitate real-time object recognition and obstacle detection, enhancing the robots’ ability to interact intelligently with their surroundings.
“Yango’s delivery robots employ innovative technologies, including various cameras and advanced sensors,” Gavrilov explains. “These components form a sophisticated ecosystem that enables precise positioning, object recognition, and predictive analytics, ensuring efficient and secure deliveries. The robots navigate seamlessly, ensuring that parcels reach their destinations promptly and safely.”
Building a robot capable of operating in the extreme conditions of the Middle East posed significant challenges. Components like PCBs and cameras were rigorously tested in thermal chambers to ensure functionality in temperatures ranging from -30°C to +60°C. Additionally, the robots were tested for water resistance to withstand diverse environmental conditions.
“The autonomous last-mile delivery robots had to be operational in all kinds of weather conditions, including the extremely high temperatures of the Middle East,” Gavrilov notes. “We ran additional testing to ensure the robots could withstand these challenging conditions. Every component was tested rigorously to guarantee durability and reliability.”
Yango’s delivery robots incorporate state-of-the-art safety features to navigate various terrains precisely. They utilise ML algorithms for real-time terrain analysis and decision-making, ensuring efficient and secure deliveries. Safety measures include pedestrian and car detection technology to prevent collisions and the robots’ slow movement in crowded areas to avoid accidents. The commitment to safety is evident, with zero incidents of injury reported.
“When it comes to moving on sidewalks, the main goal for a delivery robot is to avoid bumping into people,” Gavrilov says. “It moves through crowds at a low speed, stops without a clear path, and can even call a human operator for help. Our focus on safety is paramount, and our robots are programmed to follow traffic rules and ensure pedestrian safety.”
While autonomous delivery robots may address the courier shortage exacerbated by macroeconomic conditions, they also open new job opportunities in monitoring, maintenance, and software development. This technological advancement is expected to stimulate innovation and economic growth, creating demand for skilled professionals.
“We believe that autonomous delivery robots provide a solution to the courier shortage — an issue intensified by current macroeconomic conditions,” Gavrilov asserts. “The production of robots can generate new job opportunities, particularly in fields like monitoring, maintenance, and software development, ultimately improving human efficiency and productivity. We see this as an opportunity to create a new ecosystem of jobs around these advanced technologies.”
Yango is focused on forging partnerships with regional companies to tailor their solutions to specific market needs. The company’s autonomous delivery solutions are ideally suited for online food and grocery services and e-commerce companies, where Yango sees potential for future growth and synergies.
“Our distinctive approach lies in our ability to collaborate with our partners and create tailored solutions that cater to their unique needs,” Gavrilov emphasises. “We are currently engaging with regional companies to identify and address their specific challenges and needs. By understanding their unique requirements, we can offer customised solutions that maximise efficiency and effectiveness.”
Nikita Gavrilov, the Regional Head of Autonomous Delivery Solutions at Yango, is in charge of integrating advanced technologies into the Middle Eastern market. “Our mission is to transform the way goods reach consumers in the region and reshape local markets,” Gavrilov stated. His previous success as Regional Head of Yango Delivery in the UAE, Turkey, and Pakistan highlights his capability to expand and optimise delivery processes.
Gavrilov emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. “Our delivery robots contribute to environmental conservation through eco-friendly production methods and energy-efficient route planning, perfectly aligning with the GCC’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” he said.
Yango, a technology company dedicated to transforming global technologies into everyday services tailored for local communities, is unwavering in its commitment to innovation. The company’s focus on reshaping and enhancing leading-edge technologies ensures the seamless integration of these advancements into daily services across diverse regions.
“Our delivery robots are ideally suited for online food and grocery services, as well as e-commerce companies,” Gavrilov notes. “This is where we are looking for more synergies and future partnerships. We believe that leveraging our technology can significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of last-mile deliveries.”
With a vision to revolutionise last-mile logistics, Yango is well-positioned to lead the market in the Middle East, transforming how goods are delivered and enhancing the overall customer experience. “As we continue to innovate and expand, we are committed to setting new standards in the logistics industry, ensuring that our solutions are efficient but also sustainable and safe,” Gavrilov concludes.
