A study conducted in Germany, delves into the public’s acceptance of semi-sized automated micro-vehicles (AMVs) for urban traffic and last-mile logistics, offering a comprehensive roadmap for stakeholders’ local authorities, policymakers, and innovators to create a citizen-first, sustainable mobility framework.

Last-mile logistics, often referred to as the final step in the delivery process, focuses on transporting goods to their ultimate destinations within proximity to the consumer, ensuring faster, more efficient, and environmentally conscious solutions tailored to urban and local needs. This aligns with the growing emphasis on proximity-based solutions in urban areas, which aim to make services more accessible while minimising urban congestion and emissions.

With cities reimagining mobility to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to the EU’s net-zero goals by 2050, AMVs provide a versatile, sustainable solution. Operating across bike lanes, sidewalks, and roads, these vehicles minimise environmental impact and urban space congestion. However, their success hinges on public trust and well-designed integration into city ecosystems.

Key findings from the study include:

1. Smart Integration into Urban Spaces: The study identifies cautious public acceptance of AMV use in bike lanes and roads. However, their presence on sidewalks or pedestrian zones requires slower speeds and smaller convoy sizes to ensure safety and comfort.
2. Citizen-Centric Innovations: Autonomous features like obstacle detection and emergency reactions are appreciated, but novel functionalities such as convoy splitting to minimise traffic congestion, that refers to the process of breaking up a group of closely following vehicles into smaller segments, see mixed acceptance. Gradual introduction and clear communication can help build trust.
3. Sustainability and Social Equity: AMVs must deliver on promises of low emissions, renewable energy usage, and noise reduction. Public demand for fair production practices and minimal ecological impact further emphasises the role of AMVs in the green transition.

AMVs represent a leap forward for micro-mobility and urban logistics, but their adoption depends on addressing safety, societal acceptance, and equitable integration.

Access the full study for a detailed breakdown of public requirements and actionable insights here.