Simulation modelling for integrating economic and environmental performance assessment for autonomous delivery systems in last mile logistics

Last mile logistics represents one of the most complex tiers in the current supply chains due to several different factors, among these are the increasing diffusion of e-commerce and customer touchpoints. Moreover, pollution problems in urban areas as well as traffic congestions represent another critical issue. The adoption of smart (unmanned delivery systems) and sustainable (electric vehicles) technologies for delivery could be a promising option. Electric vehicles could allow for a reduction in environmental and noise pollution, as well as energy savings. Unmanned vehicles (drones and delivery robots) can lead to a reduction in the manpower cost and vehicle life cycle management. Some studies have been published about the potential adoption of these smart technologies in last mile logistics. In this paper, after a general overview of the introduction of unmanned delivery systems in last mile logistics, an agent-based simulation of a last mile delivery system in an Italian urban area is proposed. The model allows to compare mixed and single delivery system scenarios trough an integrated set of KPIs in order to assess economic and environmental performance. Results derived from the test case development show integrated performance of different delivery systems that could be applied in last mile logistics.