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BY / L.A. / 13 MINUTE READ
Call Collective
Call Collective est une retranscription brute de conversations téléphoniques que nous avons avec des interlocuteurs professionnels. Elles vous sont livrées telles quelles..
L’objectif est de vous faire entrer, sans fard, un peu plus dans le Hub Innovation que nous mettons à disposition.
Rapide échange téléphonique sur le sujet de la livraison autonome.
L.A.Hi Ron, I want to talk about delivery—autonomous delivery. I need more information about Uber's success… not in delivery, but in autonomous delivery. How they accessed the market… the success, you know? And also… a little history of the company first. And then, I want to understand… how?
R.H. Uber was founded in March 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick. It was initially named UberCab and started as a black-car taxi service, leveraging a mobile app to connect passengers with drivers using their smartphones. Over time, Uber expanded its services to include ridesharing, food delivery via Uber Eats, and freight transportation.
- For more detailed information on Uber’s history, you can check:
- Investopedia’s story on Uber
- Uber’s official newsroom history page
- Uber’s Success in Autonomous Delivery
Uber has made significant strides in the autonomous delivery market, primarily through its partnerships and investments in autonomous vehicle technology. The company has been expanding its autonomous delivery capabilities by leveraging partnerships with companies like Avride, planning to scale its robotic fleet significantly.
In 2024, Uber marked a turning point by enhancing its autonomous vehicle deployments, which contributed to record achievements in key metrics. The firm aims to further capitalize on autonomous solutions as part of its growth strategy in both ride-hailing and delivery services.
Noteworthy resources about Uber’s success in autonomous delivery:
- Uber CEO discusses the 2024 turning point for autonomous vehicles
- Uber and Avride’s partnership for autonomous delivery and mobility
These insights should give you a solid understanding of Uber’s historical context and its advancements in autonomous delivery.
Uber is doing autonomous delivery, but it's still the beginning. Do you think… a project like this, for Europe, is more difficult? Because, you know, there are many small cities… not like in the USA, with big, structured streets. Do you think this could be a problem for autonomous delivery in Europe?
R.H. Autonomous delivery in Europe faces several unique challenges compared to regions like the U.S., due to its distinct urban landscapes and regulatory environments. Here are some of the main hurdles:
Regulatory Challenges: European regulations are often stricter compared to other regions. According to a study, regulation is seen as a major bottleneck by 70% of respondents in Europe, which is higher than in North America or Asia source.
Urban Infrastructure: European cities often have narrow, winding streets and mixed-use pedestrian areas, unlike the larger grid-like structures in many American cities. This can complicate navigation and operation for autonomous delivery vehicles (source: ScienceDirect.com).
Traffic and Environmental Concerns: There is a significant issue with traffic congestion and emissions in European city centers, which pose logistical challenges for delivery vehicles source.
Technological and Operational Barriers: Autonomous vehicles need to navigate complex and dynamic environments efficiently, which presents ongoing technological challenges. Battery life and weather efficiency are additional concerns (source).
While these challenges do exist, they also open up opportunities for innovation in autonomous vehicle technology tailored to the European context. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration between technology developers, policymakers, and city planners.
Do you think it's more difficult to develop an autonomous service in Europe because of too many regulations? Or because there is a lack of ability to develop this kind of technology? Or maybe both? Is it why it's more complicated in Europe?
R.H. The development of autonomous delivery services in Europe is indeed complicated due to multiple intertwined factors, rather than just a single obstacle. Here’s a brief overview:
Regulatory Frameworks:
Europe faces stringent regulations for autonomous vehicles, which vary across countries, making consistent implementation challenging. For example, there is no single high-level regulation for autonomous delivery vehicles across the EU, which increases complexity (source).
Regulations have a significant impact on innovation and development pace, with some areas being more accommodating than others (Browne Jacobson).
Technological and Infrastructure Limitations:
Existing urban infrastructure in many European cities, characterized by narrow streets and mixed-use zones, presents operational challenges for autonomous systems (ScienceDirect).
Developing technology that can adapt to these conditions while ensuring safety and efficiency is crucial but difficult.
Research and Development:
There’s a need for continued R&D to overcome these technological barriers and tailor solutions specifically for Europe’s unique urban environments. Some companies are investing in these efforts, but progress can be slow.
In summary, the development hurdles are a combination of both regulatory challenges and the need for technological advancement, making it a multifaceted issue. Solutions will likely involve collaboration between governments, technology firms, and urban planners to effectively tackle these challenges.
And do you know some companies in Europe that… work on this? That are working on this type of service? Or maybe a company that is looking into these… surveys, studies? Can you name some? Maybe make a list or… something like that?
R.H. Here are some companies in Europe that are working on autonomous delivery services:
- Goggo, Network The European leader in autonomous delivery, partnering with Ottonomy.IO for autonomous robot deliveries in Spain.
- Clevon, Specializes in developing and manufacturing autonomous delivery robots to enhance last-mile delivery efficiency.
- Oxbotica, Collaborates with Goggo Network to roll out driverless deliveries across Europe,
- Starship Technologies, Deploys robots to deliver food, groceries, and other supplies using advanced technology.
- Cleveron Mobility, Known for developing driverless autonomous technology and collaborating with DPD Eesti.
These companies are actively advancing technologies and solutions for autonomous delivery in the region.
Do you think there's a minimum market size needed to develop such solutions? In the US, you have 350 million people, ready to order every day. But in Europe, we have small countries, about the same total population, but with more… more small cities. Do you think you need a minimum number of people to serve? Or… it's not really a problem?
R.H. The development of autonomous delivery solutions depends on various factors beyond just population size. While having a large customer base can certainly be beneficial, it is not the sole determinant for the viability of such technologies.
Key Factors for Market Development
- Regulatory Environment:
- Both the US and Europe need supportive regulations to safely and effectively implement autonomous delivery systems.
- Infrastructure: Advanced infrastructure, such as digital networks and roadway improvements, is crucial.
- Technology Development: Companies require investments in R&D to improve autonomy in varied environments.
- Market Demand: Population density can influence demand; denser areas may see faster adoption due to logistical efficiencies.
- Economic Viability: The cost of deploying and operating these systems needs to be balanced with potential revenues to be commercially viable.
In Europe, the market’s development is occurring at a slower pace compared to the US, largely due to different regulatory and market dynamics across smaller countries. However, both regions are expected to continue growing as these innovations become more integrated into everyday logistics.
If you’re interested in exploring more detailed market studies, you might find these articles useful:
Autonomous delivery in North America, Asia, and Europe
Autonomous Last Mile Delivery Market Size
Do you think small cities are more interesting for this type of delivery? Because, in a big city, you can group more deliveries in the same trip. But in a small city, you have one package… one kilometer away… and that's it. It costs more than delivering 5 or 6 packages in the same trip, right?
R.H. Both small and large cities present unique opportunities and challenges for autonomous delivery systems. Here’s a brief breakdown:
Advantages in Large Cities
Efficiency in Scale: Delivery vehicles can service multiple customers within a short distance, maximizing the number of deliveries per trip.
Higher Demand: More concentrated populations mean more potential customers, allowing for streamlined logistics.
Infrastructure Availability: More developed infrastructure and better connectivity often support advanced technological deployments.
Challenges in Large Cities
Traffic and Congestion: Navigating busy streets can be complex, and autonomous systems must be able to adapt swiftly.
Regulatory Barriers: More stringent regulations in crowded urban areas.
Advantages in Small Cities
Less Congestion: Lower traffic volume can simplify navigation for autonomous vehicles.
Potential for Community Adoption: Smaller communities might quickly embrace autonomous systems as a novel and efficient solution.
Challenges in Small Cities
Lower Delivery Density: Fewer residents may mean less frequent delivery needs, potentially leading to logistical inefficiencies.
Limited Infrastructure: Smaller cities may lack the advanced infrastructure needed to support autonomous technology.
The decision to implement autonomous delivery systems often depends on weighing these advantages and disadvantages in the context of specific local conditions. Small cities may still find these systems advantageous if they address community needs and improve connectivity effectively.
To finish, do you think there's real potential in Europe? Or is it too early? Should we wait… or go?
R.H. There’s definitely potential for developing autonomous delivery services in Europe, though it comes with its own set of challenges and considerations:
Potential in Europe
Growing Demand: There’s an increasing demand for efficient logistics solutions, especially with the rise of e-commerce.
Supportive Regulation: Many European countries are increasingly embracing regulations that encourage and enable technological innovations, including autonomous vehicles.
Investment Interest: As seen from several venture capital firms, there’s significant investor interest in this sector, suggesting confidence in its growth potential.
Technological Advancements: Ongoing innovations in AI, robotics, and vehicle technology are improving the feasibility of autonomous deliveries.
Challenges to Consider
Infrastructure: Many regions still need improvements to support autonomous vehicle operations.
Public Acceptance: Gaining consumer trust and acceptance of autonomous delivery systems will take time.
Competition: As many players are entering this market, companies will need to differentiate themselves.
Conclusion
Investing in autonomous delivery services now can be a smart move, especially for firms that are willing to be patient and adapt to the market as it evolves. It’s not too early, but investors should be prepared for a long-term commitment to see substantial returns.
More informations
Innovative terms to know.
To help you speak about innovation and autonomous delivery, here’s a list of key vocabulary terms you might find useful:
General Terms
Innovation: The process of creating new methods, ideas, or products.
Technology: Tools and machines that improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Automation: The use of technology to operate without human intervention.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Simulation of human intelligence in machines.
Autonomous Delivery & Vehicles
Autonomous: Capable of operating independently without human control.
Self-Driving: Vehicles that navigate without human input.
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems): Technology to enhance vehicle safety and control.
AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle): A portable robot that follows markers or wires for navigation.
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot): Robots that operate independently in an environment.
Sensors: Devices that detect or measure physical properties and send information to other electronics.
Lidar: A detection system that works on the principle of radar, using light from a laser.
Logistics
Delivery Density: The concentration of delivery stops in an area.
Distribution: The process of delivering products to end-users.
Dynamic Routing: Real-time routing to optimize delivery paths.
These terms should provide you with a good foundation for discussing autonomous delivery and innovation. If you need more detailed explanations or additional terms, feel free to ask!
Useful Organisation to know how to innovate in Europe.
Here are some organizations in Europe that support the development of autonomous delivery services:
EIT Urban Mobility
Provides support and promotes innovation in urban mobility, including autonomous delivery services.
EIT Urban Mobility
European Space Agency (ESA)
Offers funding and support for projects focused on autonomous delivery technologies.
Overview of companies and support
ATOS (Autonomous Transport Open System)
A non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of autonomous transportation systems in Europe.
ATOS – Autonomous Transport Open System
These organizations can provide guidance, support, and potential partnerships for French companies looking to develop autonomous delivery services
Venture capitals that can finance your project
Here are some venture capital firms known for financing European companies:
Atomico
Known for investing in technology-focused companies in Europe.
Website: Atomico
Balderton Capital
Focuses on early-stage and growth investments in European companies.
Website: Balderton Capital
Index Ventures
Invests in various stages of technology companies across Europe.
Website: Index Ventures
Accel
Supports innovative companies in Europe, particularly in the technology sector.
Website: Accel
Northzone
Focuses on early-stage investments in technology and consumer companies in Europe.
Website: Northzone
These firms are actively involved in providing financial support and guidance to growing businesses in Europe.
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