LAST-MILE SOLUTIONS:
New technologies are transforming last-mile delivery from a cost center into a strategic differentiator. Drones, robots, intelligent routing, and other innovations are reshaping how goods move and how brands win loyalty. BY KAREN KROLL Delivering the Future
I nnovation in the transportation sector often starts with cargo delivery, says Daniel Laury, chief executive and product officer with Udelv, which develops autonomous delivery vehicles. The reason? It’s safer to try something new when moving goods, rather than people Effective delivery operations, particularly at the last mile, are increasingly critical. In part, that’s because the last mile can account for more than half of total shipping expense, Statista reports. A failed delivery can cost retailers around $17, says Gautam Kumar, co-founder and chief operating officer with FarEye, a provider of last-mile delivery technology. “A missed stop is no longer just an inconvenience, but a direct hit to margins,” he says. Last-mile delivery has also become a core business differentiator. “Companies are no longer just trying to deliver faster; they need to deliver smarter, with less
cost, more visibility, and greater operational control,” says Gaurav Bubna, co-founder, Nextbillion.ai, which provides an AI-driven routing and mapping platform. Innovative solutions, including delivery robots, new ways to power delivery vehicles, more robust routing tools, and drones, can help organizations design delivery operations to meet these goals. Many new solutions come with challenges. Currently, costs for some of these systems are higher than for traditional delivery solutions. Regulation is still evolving, especially when it comes to autonomous vehicles, whether on land or in the air. Organizations that can meet these challenges and design effective delivery operations stand to benefit. “Brands that get delivery right with speed, reliability, visibility, and flexibility, can differentiate themselves, win customers, and increase lifetime value,” Kumar says.
112 Inbound Logistics • January 2026
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