What may automation cost? Activity-based costing for autonomous transport in urban logistics

Abstract

A shift towards driverless vehicles in urban logistics will only happen if the use of the new technologies is economically beneficial. For this reason, this paper discusses the question of what autonomous shipment may cost in urban logistics. Using activity-based costing, the distinction between shipment with conventional trucks and autonomous transport robots is analysed. The calculation shows that the omission of the driver does not necessarily lead to a reduction of process costs. Only by also reducing technology costs, autonomous transport in urban logistics can gain economic benefits.