Swiss logistics company Planzer and tech startup LOXO are joining forces to redefine urban deliveries in Switzerland, launching a two-year pilot project, ‘Planzer – Dynamic Micro Hub with LOXO,’ in Bern. Officially kicking off on September 19, 2024, the project integrates advanced automation technology with Planzer's extensive logistics expertise to address the growing challenges of city transport and sustainability.
As urban centers worldwide face increasing pressure from climate change, air pollution, and shrinking storage space, the demand for sustainable and efficient logistics is intensifying. The introduction of highly automated driving systems, classified as Level 4 (driverless in specific scenarios), is poised to transform last-mile delivery. The forthcoming Automated Vehicles (AV) Act, set to take effect in Switzerland in spring 2025, is expected to further accelerate this shift by facilitating the use of autonomous vehicles for freight transport.
Innovating Last-Mile Delivery
The joint initiative between Planzer and LOXO brings an innovative approach to the final leg of urban parcel delivery. At the heart of the project is Mathilde, a VW ID. Buzz Cargo Van retrofitted with LOXO’s Digital Driver™ navigation software and equipped with two interchangeable box chassis. These chassis, designed by KYBURZ and Planzer, allow for efficient transfers between vehicles and are essential for the project’s logistics model.
During the pilot phase, Mathilde will autonomously travel from Planzer’s railway center on Murtenstrasse to 14 designated transfer points around Bern. Once at these points, the interchangeable cargo boxes will be shifted to smaller electric vehicles for delivery to recipients by Planzer Parcel drivers. This innovative distribution model, which covers a 67-kilometer route network, is designed to navigate complex urban environments, including areas with high pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
By the end of the pilot, Planzer and LOXO aim to expand the service with additional vehicles and deploy the model in other Swiss cities.
A New Model for Sustainable Urban Logistics
As cities increasingly strive for greener, more efficient logistics, this pilot offers a glimpse into the future of urban freight. Nils Planzer, CEO of Planzer, emphasized that the project’s focus on data-driven logistics and sustainability marks a significant step forward. "With this pilot project, LOXO and Planzer as innovation partners aim to lay the foundations for sustainable, data-driven city logistics that make urban supply chains more efficient and eco-friendly," Planzer said.
Planzer has been a pioneer in eco-friendly logistics for decades, using low-emission rail for urban freight transport since 1996. The new collaboration with LOXO builds on that legacy, adding a layer of automation and flexibility to the last-mile segment. By focusing on near-zero emissions and optimizing delivery routes, the project aims to meet both environmental and economic goals, proving that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.
The Role of Autonomous Technology
LOXO’s Digital Driver™ navigation software, which is the first in Europe to be used on public roads, plays a critical role in enabling this shift. The software, designed specifically for commercial vehicles, allows for fully autonomous driving under specific conditions. It uses AI-based Level 4 technology, relying on virtual mapping to navigate complex urban environments. This SaaS solution is adaptable and scalable, meaning it can be installed in a variety of vehicles, further enhancing the flexibility of urban logistics systems.
Amin Amini, CEO of LOXO, sees the partnership as a step toward broader adoption of autonomous technology in last-mile delivery. "We’re confident that this partnership will not only expand Planzer’s business, but that the technology can also become the standard for an even more efficient last mile," Amini said.
The pilot project is also positioned to support the broader sustainability goals outlined in Planzer’s ‘City Logistics 2028’ strategy. By integrating AI-powered automation, the company is looking to streamline last-mile delivery while reducing its environmental impact—making it a blueprint for future city logistics in Switzerland and beyond.
Looking Forward
As Planzer and LOXO push the boundaries of urban logistics, this pilot project signals a shift toward smarter, greener, and more efficient delivery models. If successful, the Dynamic Micro Hub concept could serve as a template for other cities striving to balance logistical demands with sustainability goals. With autonomous driving technology advancing and regulatory frameworks adapting, the future of city logistics is likely to be shaped by innovations like this, where automation and sustainability converge to meet the growing needs of urban environments.
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