Tech startup Loxo has unveiled an autonomous vehicle solution for last-mile delivery.
Loxo is an autonomous vehicle coupled with services, which the company also calls Autonomous Delivery as a Service (ADaaS). It can be used for deliveries from the supplier to the end consumer or business customer, and it is also suitable for hub-to-hub transportation. The overall product consists of three components: first, the vehicle including maintenance and servicing; second, a software service package; and third, the ‘customer success package’, which includes the development of customer-specific use cases.
Developed and produced in Switzerland, it will be on public roads for the first time in spring 2023, when pre-sale will start, followed by the first autonomous deliveries on public ground. The company intends for the vehicle to ride on roads in Switzerland, Germany and the UK. According to Loxo, the solution offers an answer to the current problems in last-mile delivery such as low margins, high delivery costs, poor environmental balance or lack of drivers.
Amin Amini, co-founder and CEO of Loxo, said, “Thanks to electric propulsion, optimal charging capacity and the autonomous, unmanned driving mode, Loxo increases the efficiency and flexibility of home deliveries. In addition, the carbon footprint is reduced through the principle of shared mobility.”
Lara Amini-Rentsch, co-founder and business lead, Loxo, said, “Loxo enables scalable, time-independent and high-margin deliveries. Buyers can decide for themselves when they want to receive their order while paying less. Retailers, in turn, can increase their margins. Accordingly, we are convinced that Loxo will revolutionize e-commerce and become the standard for last-mile delivery.”
Claudio Panizza, co-founder and chief technical officer, said, “Loxo’s USPs include its optimized cargo volume for the European market and its full integration into the customer’s IT. It is also the world’s first vehicle without rotating sensors. Instead, the Loxo vehicle is equipped with a unique combination of radar, lidar, sonar, camera, and a powerful algorithm. As a result, it detects people and objects in a 360° field of view and guarantees maximum safety.” Any sign of danger immediately initiates an emergency stop. In addition, Loxo’s speed fits in well with city traffic and every journey is monitored by trained personnel. If necessary, they can intervene at any time.