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NIMBLE

NIMBLE addresses the lack of solutions on logistics oriented towards small stores by defining a new, more efficient and seamless model of urban goods distribution to small stores.

Project summary

Urban freight distribution currently accounts for 10-15% of automobile fleet and causes 25% of carbon dioxide emissions and up to 50% of other pollutants according to the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC) and the Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe (ALICE). These congestion and pollution levels, both acoustic and airborne, are harmful for citizens and for the city itself, provoking a loss of the urban space, and the quality of it, that directly affects economic, cultural, and social activity, reducing health and quality of life.

NIMBLE addresses the lack of logistics solutions oriented towards small stores (comprising 20% of all goods distributed in a city like Barcelona) by defining a new, more efficient and seamless model of urban goods distribution. NIMBLE’s model is based on:

  1. Simplifying last-mile distribution by centralising deliveries at smart lockers, thereby reducing route complexity, operating time and, the impact of delivery vehicles on urban traffic.
  2. Redistribution of delivery times to off-peak hours and night times to ease traffic congestion.
  3. Deploying a last-mile distribution model to small stores via sustainable light cargo vehicles, enhancing the user experience for these outlets.
  4. Reducing road traffic density and its impact on urban life.

Project start:

1 December 2024

Project end:

31 December 2024

Budget:

€546,898

Countries

portugal, spain

Context

Address congestion and pollution challenges and inefficient logistics systems in urban areas while enhancing economic viability for small businesses and improving overall quality of life in cities.

Challenge

Nimble addresses the challenge of sustainable city logistics by tackling the negative externalities caused by freight distribution in urban areas.

Expected outcome

NIMBLE redefines urban freight distribution for small stores by introducing a new locker-centered, efficient and sustainable model.

Impact

- Traffic & Emission Reduction: The replacement of delivery vans with electric cargo bikes led to a measurable decrease in traffic congestion and emissions in both pilot cities.
- End-User Engagement: A total of 54 small stores participated in the pilots (10 in Esplugues de Llobregat and 44 in Braga), actively integrating the system into their daily operations.
- Optimised Logistics: The use of centralised smart lockers streamlined deliveries, reducing the need for multiple, inefficient van trips and improving delivery times.
- Scalability Potential: Insights from the project suggest that targeting logistics companies rather than individual store owners could maximise adoption and operational efficiency.

Project partners

Spain

Smart Point

Leading Cities
Spain

Ayuntamiento De Esplugues De Llobregat

Leading Cities
Portugal

Braga Municipality

Members of the Association, Gold
Spain

CARNET - Fundació Centre d'Innovació i Tecnologia de la UPC

Project Lead

Marc Tarrats Viñas

[email protected]