Aramex takes next mile in drone, bot deliveries

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Kiwibot’s self-driving ground delivery vehicles use an advanced GPS navigation system to generate virtual maps, establish multiple routes, and change course depending on delays or obstacles.

Aramex has turned another chapter in its ambitions to become digitally sustainable as the transport and logistics provider announced the successful testing of its drone and roadside bot deliveries in Dubai, a press release confirmed.

The initial tests were conducted at the Rochester Institute of Technology in partnership with BARQ EV, a commercial drone delivery service provider in the UAE, and Kiwibot, a Colombia-based company specializing in delivery robotics.

The pilot initiative follows Aramex’s successful test of autonomous drone delivery in Muscat, Oman as part of the company’s “Future Delivery Program,” which is aimed at enhancing last-mile logistics using smart shipping solutions to enable quicker, more sustainable, and cost-effective deliveries.

Aramex plans to expand its drone and robot delivery testing across the Middle East and Africa region, as well as other core markets where it operates. The company has also rolled out mobile outlet trucks that allow the company to operate drones and bots, as well as offer pickup and drop-off points at strategic locations..

The tests were performed with the support of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Dubai Future Foundation and Dubai Smart City. Aramex plans to transition its fleet to emission-free vehicles and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

BARQ EV’s drones are equipped with multidirectional sensors and a fleet management system that enables high accuracy across order placements, dispatch management, drone flight routing, and deliveries.