The Incredible Journey of a Parcel – How “Smarcel“ Automates Parcel Delivery

Package X starts its day like any other parcel – in a depot. Along with thousands of other packages, our parcel is waiting to be shipped. Instead of being loaded onto a conventional parcel vehicle, then unloaded manually and handed over to the customer at their front door, Parcel X is loaded onto the “Smarcel“ locker – an automated transfer system that is combined with a vehicle or trailer. The mobile parcel locker is the next evolutionary stage of parcel stations and opens up a new dimension in parcel delivery. Thanks to innovative technologies from the “ProtoSAM“ project, loading and unloading are fully automated. The “Smarcel“ locker is about the size of a small van and fits perfectly on any standard parking space. The data from all loaded parcels is used to determine the optimal location where the vehicle will remain during the day. Customers can pick up their parcels there during this time.

The pickup process is user-friendly and fully automated at Smarcel, from communication to pickup. Another advantage is that goods do not have to be delivered in oversized boxes with unnecessary packaging material, but can be delivered in sustainable reusable packaging upon request, which remains in the Smarcel – so that, unlike previous reusable systems in parcel logistics, a closed packaging cycle is established between senders and parcel service providers, eliminating the need for deposits for consumers and a costly return network.

With “Smarcel“, customers receive their orders quickly and conveniently at a location near them. At the same time, the technology helps parcel service providers solve acute problems such as the shortage of specialists. In addition, the closed cycle for reusable packaging contributes to reducing packaging waste, saves over 70 percent of CO2 emissions on the last mile, and significantly reduces urban traffic – a real win-win situation for everyone involved.

Following a successful pilot of the Smarcel Locker with DHL in Stockholm, IRD and Fraunhofer IML are working hard on the three additional modules to create a fully comprehensive Smarcel product as quickly as possible.