A team of researchers in Canada has developed a model that combines electric vehicles, round robots and lockers for more efficient deliveries, writes Nick Flaherty.

The customised optimisation algorithm developed by the team at Concordia University in Montreal allows EVs to dispatch delivery robots or direct customers to nearby lockers, reducing time and emissions while offering more flexible service. Premium customers are prioritised for same-day delivery via robot or EV, while non-priority customers may be directed to self-pickup lockers or scheduled for next-day delivery.

This approach cuts route and vehicle use costs by up to 53% compared with traditional EV-only methods, claimed the researchers. This could also be used for health care, grocery delivery and municipal services.

The algorithm, called Robot-Aided Electric Vehicle Routing Problem with Lockers and Prime Customer Prioritization aims to optimise routes for EVs and robots, select charging stations for EVs and determine locker locations for self-collection service. Each EV is equipped with a specific number of robots capable of leaving the EV at designated drop-off points, delivering parcels to customers and returning to the EV for package retrieval or battery recharging at the same drop-off point.