Aramex Teams Up With DIEZ For Autonomous Robot Delivery System Test In Dubai

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Aramex have begun testing an autonomous robot delivery system at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). This initiative aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aiming to integrate sustainable delivery vehicles into the city's infrastructure. It also supports Dubai’s goal of converting 25% of its transportation to autonomous mode by 2030.

Muammar Khaled Al Katheeri, Chief Officer of Engineering and Sustainability at DIEZ, stated, "Our collaboration with Aramex underscores our dedication to advancing innovative solutions that enhance sustainable urban development in Dubai, aligning with the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. By introducing carbon-neutral delivery robots at DSO, as part of our Smart City Strategy’s focus on smart mobility, we are showcasing our dedication to incorporating advanced technology for a greener future. This initiative not only demonstrates our leadership in nurturing an innovative, safe, and sustainable ecosystem but also signals the start of a new era in logistics solutions. It’s a stride towards enriching the urban living standards of Dubai’s residents and businesses, promising a brighter, more sustainable future."

The pilot phase will last three months and aims for full operational status by September. Initially covering the Cedre Villas community in DSO, this phase introduces a multi-cabin delivery robot. This upgrade from previous single-cabin bots allows multiple deliveries per trip, enhancing efficiency and reducing carbon emissions by over 500 kilograms during the trial period.

The delivery bot is equipped with advanced technologies such as a depth camera and multiple human-bot interface elements. It also features extensive 360-degree video coverage for optimal performance indoors and outdoors. The design includes a swappable battery pack and eight compartments for various parcel sizes, addressing modern logistical demands.

Tarek Abuyaghi, General Manager of Aramex, commented, "We are thrilled to partner with DIEZ for this groundbreaking initiative, which enhances our last-mile delivery services. Our commitment to operating smart, efficient, and customer-friendly services is unwavering, with innovation at its core—driving us to continuously improve efficiency and prioritise environmental sustainability. This initiative reflects our proactive, integrated, and stakeholder-centric approach, guiding everything we do. We are excited to make a positive impact on the environment while enhancing the urban living experience. We thank DIEZ for their partnership and look forward to offer residents the opportunity to experience future-centric delivery services."

Enhanced Delivery Experience

Residents expecting packages from Aramex will receive a secure pin code for accessing their deliveries safely. Additionally, a mobile outlet at Cedre Shopping Centre will support continuous loading and unloading operations while monitoring all bot activities.

This pilot project is expected to autonomously deliver over 1,000 packages within Cedre Villas during its three-month duration. DIEZ plans to expand this initiative to other economic zones like Dubai Airport Freezone and Dubai CommerCity in the future.

This collaboration between DIEZ and Aramex highlights their commitment to innovative solutions that promote sustainable urban development in Dubai. The introduction of carbon-neutral delivery robots is part of their broader strategy focused on smart mobility.

With inputs from WAM