AI and micromobility are both considered as promising solutions for increasing the sustainability of last-mile delivery. While AI solutions may improve the efficiency of last mile logistics, only a shift to clean mobility modes holds the promise of zero emissions. Micromobility such as transport by e-cargo bikes is such a mode. Last mile logistics using e cargo-bikes (ideally with associated micro hubs) can be low cost, flexible and more distributed than traditional delivery modes. Realising the potential of AI logistics for micromobility does however crucially depend on the availability of suitable data (e.g. training sets for ML), while most data practices and AI approaches occur around traditional modes such as vans. This project therefore conducts a socio-technical analysis of how the intersection of two innovations – micromobility and AI-driven last-mile delivery – could lead to more sustainable urban logistics. It identifies opportunities for synergies, but also critically interrogates claims and practices around AI and sustainability. Active micromobility such as cargo-ebikes will be a particular focus.

June 2023 – Annual AI Planner of the Future Event. Presentation.

October 2023 – TNO-Connekt: De uitdagingen en kansen van A.I. Mobiliteit en Logistiek.  

August 2024 –  Organization’s sustainable last-mile logistics. Collected data, and interviewed employees in charge of designing, planning, and implementing sustainable delivery using LEFVs. Presented conceptual framework Annual meeting American Association of Geographers, part of industrial mobility transition session. Based on feedback develop full paper present at Nordic Environmental Social Science Conference in June 2024. May 2024-June 2024 another round of interviews to develop another paper. Meet and talk to delivery workers who actuelly dirve LEFVs on street or at the warehouse. Interest in how data-based route planning is adopted and disregarded on streets. 

Hanbit Chang – Frauke Behrendt – Floor Alkemade 

More info: escf@tue.nl