Omniva is trialling the use of unmanned electric parcel delivery vehicles in Estonia with the aim of making last-mile delivery faster, more efficient and more sustainable.
The first three fully electric indiGO self-driving vans will begin operations in Tallinn, Tartu and Peetri and the trial will last for four months.
“We are not merely a postal operator – we are a technology company shaping the logistics of tomorrow. Self-driving vans represent a natural next step for us,” said Martti Kuldma, CEO of Omniva. “Over the next four months, we will test how this technology can improve our operational efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and speed up delivery for our customers.”
The vehicles have been built in Estonia and are designed specifically for last-mile parcel delivery in urban settings. They follow predefined routes, avoid obstacles and stop precisely at parcel lockers. Their top speed is limited to 25km/h, allowing safe and smooth travel through city streets.
“Self-driving parcel vans are already in use in major cities around the world. In a few years, these vehicles will likely become a normal part of everyday life in the Baltics. The technology is ready, and with more manufacturers entering the market, the cost is becoming reasonable enough to make it a smart investment. Rising pressure in the job market is also speeding up the shift toward autonomous vehicles,” Kuldma added.
During the trial, an operator located in Omniva’s central control room will monitor the pilot vehicles in real time to ensure safety. The cargo compartment can carry up to 100 parcels, remaining locked during transit. Access is granted remotely only to authorized personnel, meaning parcels are as secure during transit as they are in a parcel locker.
If the pilot is successful, Omniva will consider expanding the deployment of semi-autonomous parcel delivery vehicles throughout the Baltic region: “By the end of the pilot, we expect to have a clear picture of the practical and technical conditions required for self-driving parcel vans to operate reliably,” explained Kuldma.
“We will evaluate performance under winter conditions, operational reliability across various environments, delivery speed and other key metrics. The data collected will help us decide whether this model is suitable for everyday use and economically justified.”
In related news, Omniva is now Zalando’s exclusive delivery partner in the Baltics
