The HeRo is here: Helsinki tests autonomous delivery robots
Image from Vesa Laitinen
In snowy Helsinki, a zero-emission autonomous delivery robot "HeRo" is cruising through the Finish capital's streets. Its mission is to deliver last-mile packages to consumers and businesses' front doors.
URBANE, a CIVITAS project, is testing HeRo within the scope of last-mile logistics research. Forum Virium Helsinki, the City of Helsinki's innovation company, is testing the LMAD robot, as well as a logistics micro-hub, which is associated with the CIVITAS DISCO project. The goal is to offer an electric and autonomous delivery robot for both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Customer (B2C) needs from DB Schenker to explore the future of last-mile sustainable logistics.
Ordering parcels with HeRo is seamless: they can be easily added while online shopping by selecting LMAD's delivery option during check-out. The robot then delivers the parcels between 10am and 7pm. Demand for these services are high, especially in neighbourhoods without their own post office.
In 2024, the aim of the URBANE Living Lab in Helsinki is to have a greater take-up and broader variety of last-mile delivery solutions. The Living Lab is currently seeking potential partners who would be willing to pilot their solutions in the urban logistics ecosystem during the Spring and Summer of 2024.
To watch HeRo in action, check out this short video.
Author: Juliette Thijs
