Courier company DHL is challenging people and companies to develop innovative robotics and solutions for sustainable logistics for the company. To this end, DHL is organising two challenges. The winners will go home with a cash prize of 20,000 euros.
Fair and sustainable trade
The first challenge is the Fair and Responsible Challenge. For this, the carrier is asking universities, students and companies to come up with innovative logistics business models that focus on fair trade or, for example, the circular economy. "The innovation should transform social trade and environmental issues into fair, sustainable and potentially profitable business models," said DHL COO Bill Meahl. This may involve a new packaging concept, but also a new, innovative service in areas such as fair trade and production or the circular economy.
Solutions last mile
The second competition, the Robotics Challenge, should provide solutions for the last mile. The parcel delivery company is specifically looking for a delivery trolley that can deliver autonomously. The delivery cart should take the pressure off delivery drivers, who are "struggling with a growing number of parcels to be delivered". The prototypes are expected to be able to manoeuvre through cities and rural areas at walking pace while carrying parcels.
Cash prize of 20,000 euros
Entries will be judged on functionality, potential to solve the given issues and commercial capabilities. Each challenge produces three finalists who get to present their idea on 17 November at the DHL Innovation Day in Troisdorf, Germany. The two eventual winners will go home with €20,000. DHL aims to work with the winners to translate the ideas into a pilot.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
