Do autonomous delivery vehicles use AI?

Yes. Autonomous delivery vehicles use AI for obstacle detection and classification, path planning, localisation and decision-making. The AI runs on onboard computing hardware in real time.

How long does it take to map a new site?

Site mapping duration depends on the size and complexity of the operating area. A typical site assessment and mapping process takes 1–2 weeks as part of the deployment process.

What happens if the vehicle loses its GPS signal?

Vehicles designed for indoor and mixed environments use sensor-based localisation that does not rely solely on GPS. If positioning cannot be maintained, the vehicle stops safely and alerts the remote operations team.

Can the vehicle learn new routes on its own?

Route updates are managed by WOX engineers — either on site or remotely. The vehicle does not autonomously map new routes without engineering involvement.

Technical 2026-07-13 8 min read

How Autonomous Delivery
Vehicles Work

Autonomous delivery vehicles combine sensors, maps, onboard computing and cloud software to navigate environments, detect obstacles and complete delivery missions without a human driver. Understanding how these systems work together helps organisations evaluate whether autonomous logistics is right for their operation.

The Sensor Suite

Every autonomous delivery vehicle relies on sensors to perceive its environment. Cameras provide visual information about the surroundings — people, vehicles, obstacles and route markers. Radar detects objects at a distance and works in conditions where cameras may be limited. Ultrasonic sensors detect nearby obstacles at close range. Together, these sensors give the vehicle a continuous picture of its environment.

Localisation — Knowing Where It Is

A vehicle cannot navigate autonomously without knowing its precise location. Autonomous delivery vehicles use a combination of GNSS (GPS), pre-mapped site data and sensor-based localisation to determine their position continuously. In indoor environments where GPS is unavailable, the vehicle relies on its sensors and pre-mapped data to maintain accurate positioning.

Pre-Mapped Routes

Before an autonomous vehicle can operate on a site, the routes must be mapped. During site commissioning, engineers survey the operating area and create digital maps of the approved routes. These maps are stored in the vehicle and the fleet management platform. The vehicle follows these routes during missions — deviating only to avoid obstacles.

Routes are mapped during site commissioning

Maps are stored in the vehicle and the cloud platform

Route updates are managed by the fleet platform

Significant site changes require route map updates

Obstacle Detection and Response

When a sensor detects an obstacle — a person, vehicle or object — the vehicle's onboard AI evaluates the situation and decides how to respond. If the obstacle can be avoided, the vehicle adjusts its path. If it cannot proceed, it stops and alerts the remote operations team. This response happens in real time, without human intervention.

Mission Execution

A mission is a complete delivery task — from origin to destination and back. Missions are created through the fleet management platform, either manually or via API integration with a WMS or ERP. The platform assigns the mission to an available vehicle, which then navigates to the origin, waits for cargo loading, proceeds to the destination and confirms delivery.

Cloud Platform and Remote Operations

The vehicle is connected to a cloud platform that provides real-time visibility, mission management and remote operations support. Operators can monitor all vehicles, view mission status and assist vehicles that cannot proceed autonomously. The platform also manages charging schedules and stores mission data for reporting and compliance.

Summary

Autonomous delivery vehicles work by combining sensors, pre-mapped routes, onboard AI and cloud software to navigate environments and complete delivery missions without a driver. The key components are the sensor suite for environmental awareness, localisation for positioning, pre-mapped routes for navigation, obstacle detection for safety, and a cloud platform for fleet management and remote operations.

FAQ