Autonomous Solutions: Addressing the Challenges of Logistics

24/06/2026
10:04

reading time : 2 min

Lucie Monnot

Content Marketing Manager

As freight transportation problems continue to mount around the world, innovation in the logistics sector presses on. Thanks to new technologies, an increasing number of solutions are emerging to meet the challenges of this industry, particularly for the well-known “last mile” in urban environments. Autonomous vehicles and drones appear especially promising when it comes to process automation.

Automation solutions in warehouses

The robotization of warehouses with the aim of optimizing logistics is well underway. In certain Geodis warehouses, a specialist in transport and logistics, forklifts will soon be remotely operated by a single operator.

Meanwhile, British start-ups Ocado and Oxbotica are jointly developing autonomous driving systems for vehicles designed to operate inside warehouses and in their yards, in addition to robots, with the eventual goal of handling last-mile deliveries. The issue of safety remains, however, as it currently requires a driver to be present on board.

In this area, experiments are progressing with autonomous tractors such as those tested at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport for baggage handling by Navya and Charlatte Manutention, or EasyMile’s solution, which is operational at Narita Airport in Japan and at the Stellantis industrial site in Sochaux (in the Doubs department).

Drones are also finding applications at logistics sites, for surveillance purposes or for inventory management with the possibility of remote control.

Drones, autonomous vehicles, and robots for the last mile

But drones are expected to serve broader ambitions on a larger scale, particularly for inter-city delivery. Alphabet, Amazon, Colis Privé, Walmart, DHL, and UPS are all working on models capable of transporting freight over medium distances to ensure fast parcel delivery in cities without the constraints of congestion. These devices could revolutionize the e-commerce and food delivery markets.

Several challenges remain to be overcome for the growth of drone transport: battery life, the volume of goods that can be handled, and above all, regulation. The dangers associated with flying over inhabited areas and the strict rules governing airspace significantly limit the widespread adoption of this logistics solution.

The distance restrictions associated with drones are partially offset by autonomous vehicles. In the United States, where most roads are wider and less winding than in France, autonomous trucks are already handling routes between logistics hubs or between warehouses and stores. Amazon, FedEx, and Walmart are already experimenting with this, and various car manufacturers (BMW, Daimler, Volvo) are investing in onboard autonomous driving systems.

Autonomous robots are also playing their part in accelerating parcel delivery to individuals in the heart of cities. Once again, the pioneers in this space include major names such as FedEx, Alibaba, Amazon, Uber, Hyundai, Walmart, and Panasonic. The remaining challenge is finding ways to ensure safe movement on pavements and roadways alongside other road users.

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As France’s leading publisher of Smart Mobility SaaS solutions, Nomadia supports more than 175,000 field professionals every day. Our solutions are easy to use, quick to deploy, and deliver significant and immediate return on investment.

Drawing on the expertise of both a software publisher-integrator and a consulting firm, Nomadia’s teams provide tailored support, from data consulting to the deployment of mobile devices. Finally, our technical support team is available 24/7 to assist you.

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Whether for SMEs or large enterprises, our solutions adapt to businesses of all sizes and across all industries.

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Nomadia Delivery offers transparent and flexible pricing, which primarily depends on the number of users (for example, planners and dispatchers) rather than a fixed cost per parcel.

Thanks to this model, you can control your delivery costs based on the number of resources (users) involved in route management, providing great flexibility to adjust your subscription according to the size of your fleet and your operational needs.

Is It Compatible with My Current ERP System?

Yes! Nomadia Delivery has been designed to integrate quickly and easily into your existing environment thanks to our powerful and secure APIs. Our solution is compatible with most ERP systems on the market. API integration enables the automatic synchronization of your transport orders, customer orders, and customer information, ensuring smooth and error-free delivery tracking. The solution also offers user-friendly import capabilities with data validation controls, as well as export options in multiple customizable formats.

Is It Suitable for Our Delivery Volume?

Yes, Nomadia Delivery is ideal for companies that manage a high volume of deliveries and want to optimize their routes, create balanced territories for their drivers, and ensure precise tracking of every parcel. Nomadia Delivery adapts to fleets of all sizes!

Can Multiple Warehouses or Depots Be Managed?

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Is There a Limit to the Number of Stops in Route Optimizations?

No, there is no strict limit to the number of stops in route optimizations. Our solution can handle large volumes of stops and quickly calculate optimized routes.

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