Delivery robot Clevon rolls into North America

Estonian-based autonomous delivery vehicle maker Clevon is expanding into North America after successful operational tests in Europe.

The company, which split off from parcel locker supplier Cleveron earlier this year, recently opened its Center of Excellence and U.S. headquarters in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex at the AllianceTexas Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ).

Clevon said it is expanding into the North American market as the pressure from businesses to offer on-demand, same day or next day delivery of goods and services continues to skyrocket.

Fast-growing market

According to the company, which cited market reports, the global autonomous last-mile delivery market is expected to grow almost five times to $57 billion in the next six years.  This growth presents a significant challenge for global e-commerce businesses and traditional brick and mortar retailers. These businesses will need to differentiate and innovate their last mile delivery solutions to compete in a marketplace where on-demand delivery options dominate.   

“To meet this demand, Clevon has brought its autonomous delivery vehicles to North America. Clevon’s unmanned vehicles will drive on public roads and enable the transportation of goods to be more energy-efficient, cost-effective and scalable,” the company said.

Different models

Clevon’s flagship autonomous multi-platform delivery vehicle is the CLEVON 1. Designed to navigate urban environments with ease, businesses can choose from different models including the Universal Platform, CargoBox (retail), Lockers (logistics), Truckbed (transport), and Mobile Cameras (security).  

On the technology front, Clevon collaborates with several key tech partners and suppliers that provide innovative solutions for its autonomous delivery technology including Nvidia, Toshiba, LG, TI, Willwood, Hydrastar, and Onsemi. 

Road tests in Europe

CLEVON 1 has been tested on public roads in Europe for two years and, according to the company, is proven to be safe and reliable, is environmentally focused with zero CO2 emissions, and reduces last mile delivery cost by 30%. 

In September, Clevon teamed up with DPD and international electronics retailer Euronics to test home deliveries for the first time in Estonia. The company is also testing the delivery robot with DHL Express in Estonia.

Innovative start-up

“Without any doubt the start-up and digital sector has been among the fastest growing areas of the Estonian economy and I believe that it is now time to bring the innovation that was born in the digital sector to the rest of the economy and the rest of the world. Clevon is a good example of this,” said Estonian President Alar Karis.

“By combining the technology with business and entrepreneurship Clevon has managed to create something that will transform the whole mobility sector and hopefully will help to build a better world.” 

CO2 reductions

“By expanding into North America, Clevon is furthering its mission to develop vehicles that save energy, are environmentally friendly and contribute towards a climate-neutral economy.  We do this by supporting smart and sustainable communities through positively impacting our clients’ carbon emission reduction targets,” said Sander Sebastian Agur, CEO of Clevon.

“We are thrilled to call the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex our new home in the U.S. and very much appreciate the warm welcome and support of the local business communities and government leaders. We look forward to helping the local economy grow and thrive through job creation, technology innovation and leadership.”