Logistics trends for 2026: how retail companies are driving the “last mile” forward

The “last mile” has long been considered a cost driver and an innovation engine in retail. Rising online orders, a shortage of skilled workers, and high sustainability requirements are forcing retailers to find new ways in the supply chain. In 2026, the focus is therefore on technologies that improve efficiency, environmental performance, and the customer experience at the same time. The following examples show which solutions retail companies are currently successfully testing or implementing.

dm-Drogerie Markt, together with its logistics partner DSV, the commercial vehicle manufacturer IVECO, and the software company Plus, has successfully completed a test phase with semi-autonomous trucks. The AI-powered driving software handled maneuvers on highways such as lane changes, traffic jam management, and starting from a stop, reducing fuel consumption by around ten percent. This brings more efficient and environmentally friendly heavy-duty logistics within reach.

Moreover, these practical tests represent a first step toward self-driving transport vehicles and autonomous logistics in the more distant future.

Migros Eastern Switzerland has put two hydrogen fuel-cell semi-trucks into operation. The fuel cell generates electricity from locally produced green hydrogen and allows ranges of over 400 km. This significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, while the quiet and quickly refuelable system is particularly suitable for regional distribution traffic.

REWE has launched the “Lieferbot 2.0” in Hamburg – an autonomous delivery robot that independently brings online orders from the store to customers’ doors. With a speed of up to 6 km/h, a capacity of 32 liters, and a range of around two kilometers, it complements emission-free local delivery. With the help of sensors and AI, the robot navigates safely in traffic, while customers benefit from extended delivery windows and a larger product selection. Some items, such as beverage crates and frozen products, are still not available for delivery by the robot.

In Bochum, REWE nist testing a highly automated delivery vehicle in real-world operation. Together with the Swiss technology company LOXO, a specially equipped VW ID. Buzz is being used, which drives highly automated on defined routes – accompanied only by a safety person. The six-month pilot is intended to show how technically autonomous vehicles can be integrated into existing delivery processes and what operational and economic effects can be achieved.

Routes are planned as usual via REWE’s e-commerce systems, while delivery to the doorstep is still carried out by the safety driver. LOXO provides the software and operation of the vehicle, including the AI-powered “Digital Driver” technology, which enables rapid environment sensing.

Walmart is expanding its drone deliveries to five major U.S. cities. Together with Wing, the company uses drones with a range of around 10 km that deliver products such as groceries, medicines, and pet supplies within minutes via cable drop. This establishes drones increasingly as a regular part of Walmart’s delivery portfolio, with a clear focus on speed and convenience. Drone delivery enables contactless drop-off and significantly increases flexibility for customers.

The examples show how strongly the last mile is being transformed in the direction of automation, sustainability, and speed. Hydrogen-powered drives and autonomous systems reduce emissions and operating costs, while drones and delivery robots open up new ways to get closer to customers.

2026 is therefore likely to become a year in which retail significantly develops and expands its technological solutions for the last mile.