What's Inside

Coresight Research has identified last-mile evolution as one of the key trends to watch in 2021, with consumer demand increasing for faster, more secure and trackable fulfillment. In this report, we discuss four technological innovations that US retailers are implementing to increase the efficiency of their last-mile logistics operations and thus gain a competitive advantage:

1. Autonomous delivery robots
2. BOPIS (buy online, pick up in-store) and curbside pickup
3. Smart lockers
4. Visibility tools

We present an overview of each technology, and recent developments and case studies, highlighting relevant retailers and technology vendors. We also discuss an outlook for the future adoption of each innovation.

Follow the links to read more Coresight Research coverage of robotics and retail technology.

Contents

What’s the Story?

Why It Matters

Technological Innovations in the Last Mile: A Deep Dive

1. Autonomous Delivery Robots
2. BOPIS and Curbside Pickup
3. Smart Lockers
4. Visibility Tools

What We Think

Implications for Retailers

Implications for Technology Vendors