Hermes, a consumer delivery specialist, has launched a dedicated Innovation Lab in Leeds, UK, to develop world-class delivery solutions. The company will create a range of forward-thinking services and build prototypes of products that will change the delivery landscape. Initial projects being worked on include self-tracking parcels, intelligent delivery using location-based services and new tracking experiences using digital personal assistants.
A key objective of the Innovation Lab will be to explore emerging technologies and to investigate how Hermes can integrate its technology with the market-leading smart devices currently being launched by technology giants such as Apple, Amazon and Microsoft, and powered by digital assistant such as Siri, Alexa and Cortana.
Hermes will also proactively seek to collaborate with the UK’s leading universities to share ideas and provide inspiration, while offering the next-generation of engineers the chance to utilize the Innovation Lab and its facilities.
David Turner will head-up a team of four employees in his new role as the company’s head of digital strategy and technology innovation. “We will think outside of the box to create the next jaw-dropping innovations across the delivery sector, from self-tracking parcels to 3D printing and autonomous delivery. We look forward to delivering a portfolio of advanced solutions that will benefit both our retail clients and the millions of online shoppers across the UK,” Turner said.
As a part of its remit, the team will also look to create a dedicated Innovation Centre within Hermes’ £31m (US$39m) state-of-the-art automated parcel distribution hub currently under construction in Rugby. It will provide the opportunity for Hermes and its suppliers to showcase their latest innovations, while offering clients the opportunity to glimpse into the future and experiment with prototypes.
November 30, 2016