Renault EZ-Pro Concept Envisions Autonomous Last-Mile Delivery Vehicle (Live Images)

Renault is showcasing its vision for the future of last-mile delivery solutions with the EZ-Pro Concept unveiled today at the Hannover Motor Show.

Styled to blend in the city landscape, EZ-Pro is the commercial alter-ego of the EZ-Go driverless passenger shuttle. It’s an autonomous, electric, connected and shared robo-pod concept that doesn’t completely give up on human control.

According to Renault, people will remain at the heart of transport activities for the foreseeable future, which is why EZ-Pro comes with a leader pod that hosts a human concierge who supervises the delivery of goods and services as well as the fleet.

The fleet of driverless robo-pods can either move independently or follow each other by platooning. For example, a convoy of pods managed by the same logistics operator can carry different types of goods and merchandise. Despite having their own paymaster, theme, clientele and delivery place, they are operated by the same electric and autonomous platform.

Furthermore, a pod can deliver for many stores, contributing to help maximize productivity and save costs. The modules are customizable and can be tailored to meet a variety of business customer needs.

As for the recipients, they will be able to choose a convenient delivery time and location, using a mobile phone app. EZ-Pro will allow them to receive parcels by the concierge or by accessing self-service lockers in the driverless robo-pods.

Since last-mile delivery makes up to 30-percent of traffic in cities, Renault says EZ-Pro can help reduce congestion thanks to its shared shipping delivery solution, flexibility, and autonomous driving. Furthermore, connecting the robo-vehicle to city infrastructures like traffic lights and traffic control center should also have a positive impact on traffic.

The article has been updated with live photos from the 2018 IAA Hannover show