NIMBLE Enters its Piloting Phase

The NIMBLE project is making significant progress in redefining urban goods distribution for small stores with the recent beginning of its pilot phase, which will conclude in October. The project focuses on creating a more efficient and seamless model for distributing goods to small stores by implementing smart parcel lockers and utilizing sustainable delivery methods.

Deployment of Smart Lockers

NIMBLE, a project supported by EIT Urban Mobility, has installed smart lockers in public spaces in the cities of Braga (Portugal) and Esplugues de Llobregat (Spain). In Esplugues, the lockers are located at the intersection of Avinguda de Cornellà and Carrer de Francesc Llunell. Initially, nine stores in Esplugues will participate in the pilot, with expectations to involve up to 15 stores. Braga will start with around 15 participating stores, with the potential for more to join.

The lockers, which are equipped with a secure user authentication service to access them, will come in three sizes: 12 small, 3 medium, and 3 large compartments. These smart lockers will enable stores to accumulate orders at any time, allowing for redistribution at their convenience. This intelligent and sustainable distribution model aims to significantly reduce emissions from last-mile delivery. While the pilot is in process, any store interested in joining the pilot can register on the NIMBLE website by scanning the QR codes provided on the project’s promotional materials or through the following links: PT – CAT.

Additionally, these lockers can be operated remotely allowing business owners to monitor parcel status and manage their delivery through an app. Thanks to its cybersecurity system, the lockers also prevent unauthorized access, ensuring that the information is safe from cyberattacks.

Project Background

NIMBLE aims to transform last-mile delivery systems with three key strategies:

1. 1. 1. Smart Locker Integration: Incorporating smart lockers into the B2B distribution network to ensure secure and convenient package pickup for authorized personnel or small shop owners.
      2. Innovative Logistics Model: Developing a new logistics distribution model to optimize goods flow, reduce congestion, and enhance the user experience for small stores.
      3. Sustainable Delivery Practices: Promoting eco-friendly transport solutions such as light cargo vehicles to minimize emissions and noise pollution.

Urban freight distribution currently accounts for 10-15% of the automobile fleet and causes 25% of CO2 emissions and up to 50% of other pollutants, according to ERTRAC and ALICE. NIMBLE addresses the lack of logistics solutions for small stores, which represent 20% of all goods distribution in cities like Barcelona.

By consolidating first-mile distribution to logistic stations during night-time, equipping these stations with smart lockers, and deploying sustainable last-mile delivery vehicles, NIMBLE aims to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly urban distribution system. The project’s success in its pilot phase will be crucial in setting a precedent for future urban logistics solutions.