Next Future Transportation has launched a fully automated multiservice 'online to offline' (O2O) platform, including a modular vehicle and supporting operating system for logistics services.

The company previously focused on municipal mass transportation but now enters the global US$2.3 trillion e-commerce market which is driving a rapid transformation of the traditional retail supply chain.

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Built on a patented modular transportation platform, the logistics product is a scalable, customisable automated electric vehicle system for a wide range of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) applications which complements warehouse optimisation and workflow environments of third party logistics (3PL), retailers and manufacturers.

"The unique modular platform seamlessly integrates with mixed fleets of autonomous mobile robots [in] existing operating systems," Next claimed.

After the automated warehouse loading process, individual vehicles autonomously connect to form a fleet, allowing the joint internal space to be used. While enroute, parcels may autonomously shift among vehicles to ensure optimal final delivery.

"Next's approach fundamentally differs from all current autonomous ground vehicles or e-shuttles in that our vehicle's open interior design layout can flexibly adapt to accommodate specific needs. Fleets may be operated by a human driver, a remote human operator, or autonomously. Therefore we plan to operate on public roadways in the near term," said Next CTO Tommaso Gecchelin.

To meet growing demand for multi-mode transportation and business applications, Next is introducing what it claims it the world's first modular mobile parcel locker which it said would provide will provide retailers with more control, while reducing delivery costs.

"The public will benefit from superior flexibility and ease of use as delivery locations are determined by customer proximity," said Next EVP Sven Hackmann.

Next has identified China and the Gulf region as its primary growth markets.

Video – Next future transportation – last mile parcel delivery

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