Vaive Logistics, Spin-off of CARNET, Wins BNEW 2024 Award in the Mobility Category
Out of the 170 applicating start-ups, Vaive Logistics, a spin-off from CARNET, has been awarded in the Mobility category at the Barcelona New Economy Week (BNEW) 2024, organized by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona. The award recognizes Vaive’s innovative work in urban mobility, thanks to its solution: Ona, an autonomous last-mile delivery robot.
Technical Details of Ona: An Autonomous Solution for Last-Mile Delivery
Ona is a six-wheeled, battery-electric vehicle specifically designed for autonomous last-mile delivery operations. The robot is equipped with advanced sensors, including LiDAR, GPS, and ultrasonic systems, which enable it to navigate complex urban environments autonomously, both on roads (at speeds of up to 30 km/h) and in pedestrian zones (at reduced speeds). Ona’s onboard AI algorithms help it avoid obstacles, select optimal routes, and interact seamlessly with its surroundings, ensuring smooth and safe operations in densely populated areas.
The robot has a payload capacity of up to 100 kg and an internal storage space adaptable for a variety of package types. This flexibility allows for multiple deliveries in a single trip, optimizing delivery routes and reducing the overall carbon footprint. Ona’s mechanical suspension system allows it to climb sidewalks and navigate uneven surfaces, giving it a significant advantage over smaller robots restricted to flat, pedestrian areas ensuring reliable operation across different terrains.
Autonomous Fleet Management and Control
The robot’s operations are remotely monitored via a back-end control center, allowing real-time tracking and teleoperation if needed. This feature ensures that human operators can intervene if necessary while keeping operations efficient and largely automated.
The system’s integration with the client’s existing transportation management system (TMS) allows an easy deployment into already implemented logistics workflows. Vaive’s robot-as-a-service model means logistics providers do not need to purchase the robotic units, but instead pay only for the use of the system, which includes additional services such as maintenance, training, and integration services.
Vaive’s Impact on Urban Mobility
The use of Ona directly addresses growing challenges in urban logistics, especially in cities where access for traditional delivery vans is restricted or inefficient. By reducing the number of delivery vehicles on the road, Ona helps lower traffic congestion, noise pollution, and emissions in urban environments. The system is designed to comply with local regulations in low-emission zones and is particularly suited to European cities with dense populations and historical centers.
Recently, Vaive Logistics has also been accepted as one of the participating start-ups in the Logistics 4.0 Incubator, helping them benefit from expert mentoring and guidance, networking opportunities, access to financing, shared workspace and resources, increased visibility, and access to exclusive programs and opportunities
This award from BNEW 2024 further establishes Vaive as a key player in the future of sustainable urban mobility. With this recognition, Vaive Logistics continues its mission to revolutionize last-mile logistics with scalable, innovative solutions that meet the demands of modern cities.