Page 65 - Cyber Defense eMagazine December 2023

The role of autonomous vehicles in last-mile logistics

Last-mile logistics focuses on the last leg of the delivery process, where products make it into the hands
of consumers. The operational complexities involved combined with its labor-intensive nature make last-
mile logistics the most expensive phase of the delivery process. By some estimates, it accounts for as
much as 53 percent of delivery costs.

As autonomous vehicles take over this phase of delivery, they empower a number of innovations that
allow for greater efficiency. The primary cost savings result from removing the labor costs of human
drivers. Wages and benefits represent a major component of last mile delivery costs.

Autonomous vehicles also do away with some of the limitations that exist with human drivers.
Autonomous vehicles can operate 24/7 without the need for a break. The AI that powers navigation in
autonomous vehicles does not get tired or distracted regardless of how long its shift lasts.

By doing away with the need for a human driver, autonomous delivery vehicles can also be smaller. In
urban areas, smaller delivery vehicles lead to less congestion as well as enhanced ability to navigate
more quickly in tighter spaces.

Improving delivery safety

Autonomous vehicles also have the potential to make last-mile delivery safer. They bring “superhuman”
capabilities to navigation that make it easier to detect and avoid accidents.

AI-driven vehicles are capable of 360-degree monitoring with both cameras and sensors, making it
virtually impossible for them to be surprised by situations that can lead to collisions. Their response times
are also faster than human drivers, with some studies showing AI drivers responding three times faster
than human counterparts.

Autonomous vehicles are also able to respond to changing conditions dynamically and objectively.
Human subjectivity can impair decision-making when traffic or weather requires driving adjustments.
Autonomous vehicles make changes based solely on conditions, adjusting speed, following distance,
and other instrument settings as data dictates.

Addressing cybersecurity concerns

One of the downsides of autonomous vehicles is the heightened need for cybersecurity. Because
autonomous vehicles are essentially computers on wheels, they are a target for hackers. Attacks that
breach vehicle navigation systems could result in a number of issues.

The most dangerous result of a cyber attack would be erratic driving. Autonomous vehicles with
compromised navigation systems could quickly become a life-threatening risk on the road. Bad actors
could disable braking systems or shut down sensors that protect vehicles from collisions.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – December 2023 Edition 65
Copyright © 2023, Cyber Defense Magazine. All rights reserved worldwide.