Autonomous Van and Robot Last-Mile Logistics Platform: A Reference Architecture and Proof of Concept Implementation

Abstract

Background: With urban logistics facing challenges such as high delivery volumes and driver shortages, autonomous driving emerges as a promising solution. However, the integration of autonomous vans and robots into existing fulfillment processes and platforms remains largely unexplored. Methods: This paper addresses this gap by developing and piloting a comprehensive blueprint architecture tailored for autonomous mobility in urban last-mile delivery. The proposed framework integrates autonomous vehicle operations, data processing, and stakeholder collaboration. Results: Through initial implementation and piloting, we demonstrate the practical applicability and advantages of this architecture. Conclusions: This study contributes to the understanding of essential data, services, and tools, providing a valuable guideline for Logistics Service Providers aiming to implement autonomous last-mile delivery solutions.

@Article{logistics9010010,
AUTHOR = {Guerreiro Augusto, Marc and Maas, Julian and Kosch, Martin and Henke, Manuel and Küster, Tobias and Straube, Frank and Albayrak, Sahin},
TITLE = {Autonomous Van and Robot Last-Mile Logistics Platform: A Reference Architecture and Proof of Concept Implementation},
JOURNAL = {Logistics},
VOLUME = {9},
YEAR = {2025},
NUMBER = {1},
ARTICLE-NUMBER = {10},
URL = {https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/9/1/10},
ISSN = {2305-6290},
ABSTRACT = {Background: With urban logistics facing challenges such as high delivery volumes and driver shortages, autonomous driving emerges as a promising solution. However, the integration of autonomous vans and robots into existing fulfillment processes and platforms remains largely unexplored. Method: This paper addresses this gap by developing and piloting a comprehensive blueprint architecture tailored for autonomous mobility in urban last-mile delivery. The proposed framework integrates autonomous vehicle operations, data processing, and stakeholder collaboration. Results: Through initial implementation and piloting, we demonstrate the practical applicability and advantages of this architecture. Conclusions: This study contributes to the understanding of essential data, services, and tools, providing a valuable guideline for Logistics Service Providers aiming to implement autonomous last-mile delivery solutions.},
DOI = {10.3390/logistics9010010}
}
Authors:
Marc Guerreiro Augusto, Julian Maas, Martin Kosch, Manuel Henke, Frank Straube, Sahin Albayrak
Category:
Journal
Year:
2025
Location:
Logistics
Link: