Dubai test deems Aramex's drone and bot service 'successful'

The assessments form a component of the "Future Delivery Program" implemented by the company.

Dubai-based logistics and transportation provider, Aramex, has successfully tested the use of drone and roadside bot deliveries in Dubai as part of its "Future Delivery Program." The program aims to enhance last-mile logistics using intelligent shipping solutions, resulting in more sustainable, faster, and cost-effective deliveries. The company plans to expand its Future Delivery Program in the UAE, further contributing to the country's sustainability goals.

Aramex aims to transition its fleet to emission-free vehicles and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Alaa Saoudi, COO-Express at Aramex, expressed excitement about the next phase of the program and scaling the service to reach more customers.

Aramex stated on Tuesday that it conducted tests in collaboration with BARQ EV, a commercial drone delivery service provider, and Kiwibot, a Colombian delivery robotics company, at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The tests were supported by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Dubai Future Foundation, and Dubai Smart City.

The drone delivery technology used for the tests was provided by BARQ EV, which is equipped with multidirectional sensors and a reliable fleet management system. The drones are capable of operating multiple flights continuously over long-range distances and in various environments. Kiwibot's self-driving ground delivery vehicles were also used, which use high-tech sensors, cameras, radars, and AI to navigate through surroundings and obstacles, as well as advanced GPS navigation to establish multiple routes and change course depending on delays or obstacles.

Aramex's Global Director of Innovation, Angad Singh, stated that the company has rolled out mobile outlet trucks that enable them to operate drones and bots, and offer pickup and drop-off points at any location near their customers. Aramex plans to implement drone and bot deliveries in the UAE and beyond as part of its sustainability plans to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. The company had previously tested autonomous drone delivery in Muscat, Oman, and plans to expand its drone and robot delivery testing throughout the Middle East and Africa region and other core markets where it operates.