Schindler GroupLeading Swiss supermarket chain Migros, autonomous EV startup LOXO and Schindler are trialling an electrically propelled delivery service called “Migronomous” using an autonomous vehicle to transport groceries to employees of Schindler’s campus at Ebikon in Lucerne.
The pilot trial of LOXO’s “Alpha” self-driving vehicle began on 8th February, and is the first self-driving delivery vehicle test on Swiss roads.
Orders placed by Schindler employees online at the local Migros store are loaded and driven 500 metres to the company’s campus at a maximum speed of 30 km/h – with access to delivered groceries obtained by inputting a code into the vehicle.
During the trial’s initial phase, the vehicle will travel once daily on weekdays between the Migros store and the Schindler campus. Although capable of operating with full autonomy, the vehicle will gradually receive additional independence as the trial progresses.
Christian Studer, Head of New Technologies at Schindler, says: “We are very interested in combining vertical mobility with innovative, automotive transport options.
“Connected transport solutions can make cities more livable and sustainable, as well as significantly contribute to decarbonisation.”
The LOXO Alpha was developed and built by engineers entirely in Switzerland and is emission-free because of its electric motor. The vehicle is designed to transport up to 64 bags of shopping.
Head of Safety and Traffic at Migros holding company, Migros-Genossenschaftsbund, Rainer Deutschmann, says: “Migros wanted to be the first retailer in Switzerland to play an active role in this future-oriented project. A self-driving delivery service complements our pioneering spirit.
“We can certainly envisage the self-driving delivery service as an addition to our existing transport fleet in the future.”
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