Connectivity and access, the key features of a data-driven, or smart, city, can receive a huge boost with autonomous final mile delivery services that support efficient delivery and sustainability in urban centers.
Singapore’s tech startup QuikBot Technologies, the pioneer in developing the World’s 1st Autonomous Final-Mile Delivery (AFMD) Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) for Smart Cities, has signed its first international Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dubai CommerCity and Aramex in the Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 04 Dec 2024 during the WORLDEF Dubai 2024 Forum. Aramex, a global leader in comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, will act as the logistics facilitator as this MOU aims to introduce advanced delivery technologies to the UAE’s smart city initiatives starting from Dubai CommerCity.
This MOU represents QuikBot Technologies’ first deployment outside Singapore, highlighting the company’s innovative AI-driven logistics platform on a global stage. The initiative aims to improve delivery efficiency and reduce environmental impact using autonomous last-mile solutions that integrate into existing urban infrastructure.
“The trial run of the QuikBot Autonomous Final-Mile Delivery Platform-as-a-Service for Smart Cities represents a significant step in this direction, further solidifying Dubai CommerCity’s position as a leading hub for digital commerce and future technologies. This collaboration supports our vision of providing the ideal platform for companies aiming to expand in the region.”
QuikBot leverages advanced robotics, AI, IoT, 5G, and cloud technologies to optimize last-mile delivery, boosting efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact. It has already been successfully implemented in Singapore, connecting the Stellar Lifestyle Hive Retail Innovation Hub at Esplanade MRT station with South Beach Towers. Additionally, QuikBot was prominently featured in a recent Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) exhibit, highlighting its role in Singapore’s collaborative efforts between government and industry to enhance last-mile delivery solutions.
Alan Ng
“The UAE is at the forefront of smart city innovation, providing an ideal environment for deploying our Autonomous Final-Mile Delivery Platform-as-a-Service,” said Alan Ng, Founder and CEO of QuikBot Technologies.
“Our mission is to empower urban centers to develop, implement, and manage autonomous last-mile delivery systems while offering logistics companies the industry’s first Platform-as-a-Service for final-mile delivery. Bringing Singapore-made technology to the global stage is a significant milestone for us. We are also in discussions with other smart cities in Dubai, Japan, and other major urban countries to expand our platform, enhancing delivery efficiency and supporting sustainable urban living worldwide.”
The pilot phase, scheduled to launch in early 2025, will focus on deploying autonomous last-mile delivery solutions across various Dubai CommerCity facilities. During the trial, Dubai CommerCity will allocate designated locations for parking and charging the autonomous delivery robots, integrate them with smart building systems such as elevators and security gates, and promote their adoption among companies within the free zone for last-mile delivery needs.
“Dubai CommerCity is committed to adopting the latest technological innovations that drive operational efficiency and productivity and enhance the logistics services system in Dubai,” said Amna Lootah, Board Member of Dubai CommerCity. “The trial run of the QuikBot Autonomous Final-Mile Delivery Platform-as-a-Service for Smart Cities represents a significant step in this direction, further solidifying Dubai CommerCity’s position as a leading hub for digital commerce and future technologies. This collaboration supports our vision of providing the ideal platform for companies aiming to expand in the region.”
Under the MoU, Aramex will leverage its new outlet in Dubai CommerCity to act as a pick and drop location for QuikBot Technologies to receive packages, while QuikBot Technologies will be providing and operating the autonomous delivery robots, in addition to providing Aramex with a specialized application for managing deliveries, along with technical, engineering, and troubleshooting services.
Back row from Left: Manosij Ganguli, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Aramex, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the board of Dubai CommerCity, His Excellency Raziff Aljunied, Consul General of the Republic of Singapore. Front row from left:
Tarek Abu Yaghi, General Manager of Aramex, Amna Lootah, Board Member of Dubai CommerCity, Alan Ng, Founder and CEO of QuikBot Technologies.
“We are pleased to be cooperating with Dubai CommerCity and QuikBot Technologies to test these advanced autonomous robots in the free zone. We continue with this new collaboration to underscore our commitment to adopting innovative and sustainable solutions and provide the highest levels of delivery services to customers, all the way to their final destination,” said Tarek Abu Yaghi, General Manager of Aramex.
This MOU aligns with the Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The programme seeks to position Dubai among the top 10 cities globally in adopting and developing robotics and automation technologies within the next decade, enhancing efficiency and productivity in service, industrial, and logistics sectors, while boosting Dubai’s economic competitiveness.
About QuikBot Technologies
QuikBot is revolutionising urban logistics by automating first and final-mile deliveries, reducing traditional delivery inefficiencies, costs, and carbon emissions. Its Autonomous Final-Mile Delivery (AFMD) Platform-as-a-Service enables scalable automation without large upfront investments. With AI, advanced robotics, 5G, and IoT, QuikBot builds a smart, sustainable delivery network that speeds up deliveries while minimizing environmental impact. Operating in cities like Singapore, Tokyo, Dubai, and Seoul, QuikBot optimizes last-mile logistics, boosts customer satisfaction, and cuts costs. Learn more at https://www.quikbot.ai.
About Dubai CommerCity
Dubai CommerCity is the region’s first dedicated free zone for digital commerce. A joint venture between the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Wasl Properties, Dubai CommerCity offers a range of integrated logistics, warehousing, digital commerce, and marketing services to support businesses in the digital trade and e-commerce sectors.
Learn more at https://www.dubaicommercity.ae/
About Aramex
Aramex, established 40 years ago, has emerged as a global leader in logistics and transportation, renowned for its innovative services tailored to businesses and consumers. As a listed company on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and headquartered in the UAE, our strategic location facilitates extensive customer reach worldwide, bridging the gap between East and West.
(This article was adapted from a press release).
