Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning In Logistics: 5 Startups To Watch
Supply chain inefficiencies can result in losses of up to $1.77 trillion annually. This highlights the critical need to revise logistics operations to enhance efficiency and meet the escalating demands of global commerce. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming traditional methods into data-driven, intelligent systems. For example, AI-enabled supply chains can reduce forecasting errors by 20-50%, significantly improving inventory management and reducing costs.
While this study highlights 5 noteworthy startups utilizing AI and ML to transform the field of logistics, our upcoming AI logistics startup report talks about 10+ such startups.
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Ottonomy – Autonomous Delivery Robots
| Website | https://ottonomy.io/ |
| Founding Year | 2020 |
| Headquarters | New York |
| Funding | $4.8 Million |
Established in 2020, Ottonomy is an American robotics company specializing in autonomous delivery solutions. It develops advanced autonomous robots for last-mile and indoor deliveries in various settings, such as airports, campuses, and retail environments.
Their flagship product, the Ottobots, are fully autonomous, zero-emissions delivery robots designed to operate in both indoor and outdoor environments. These robots utilize artificial intelligence, 3D cameras, and LiDAR technology to navigate complex spaces and interact safely with humans.
Products by Ottonomy
Ottonomy revealed two delivery robots at CES 2024: the Ottobot Locker and the drink-dispensing Ottobot Brew. The Ottobot Locker is an L4 autonomous robot for first- and last-mile deliveries. It functions as a mobile locker for clients at Harbor Locker locations and integrates with various apps through the Harbor Locker ecosystem for seamless operation.
The Ottobot Brew, on the other hand, is a mobile beverage service intended for event and hospitality venues like stadiums and hotels. It features a cooler and CO2 draft system from Cooler Keg for dispensing drinks.
Collaborations
- In January 2024. Ottonomy partnered with Cooler Keg to debut a robot bartender at the CES.
- In February 2024, Harbor Lockers partnered with Ottonomy for its Ottobot Locker for last-mile delivery.
- In 2023, Ottonomy worked with multiple airports, including Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport, to test and implement robotic delivery solutions.
- In 2022, Ottonomy partnered with Posten, Norway’s postal service, to pilot autonomous delivery robots for last-mile logistics in Oslo.
Fundings
Ottonomy has secured a total of $4.8 million in funding to date. This includes a $3.3 million seed round led by pi Ventures, with contributions from Kinetic Ventures, Branded Hospitality Ventures, and others. Prior to this, the startup raised $1.5 million in a pre-seed round. According to the company, these funds will be utilized to scale production, strengthen partnerships, and enhance customer success. Additionally, Ottonomy plans to use the capital to expand hiring across key verticals in India and the US.
Cogsy – AI Inventory Management
| Website | https://cogsy.com/ |
| Founding Year | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Bristol, United Kingdom |
| Funding | $6 Million |
Established in 2020, Cogsy is a New York-based inventory planning and operations platform designed for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. They provide AI-powered tools to help e-commerce businesses optimize inventory management, demand forecasting, and cash flow.
Their platform aims to solve common challenges growing e-commerce brands face, particularly in managing inventory levels, predicting demand, and making data-driven purchasing decisions. Cogsy’s solution is designed to integrate with existing e-commerce platforms and tools like Amazon and Shopify.
Technology
Cogsy uses machine learning algorithms and data analytics to analyze historical sales data, market trends, and other relevant factors to provide accurate demand forecasts and inventory recommendations. Their platform is designed to be user-friendly and integrates with popular e-commerce platforms and tools.
Fundings
In December 2022, Cogsy raised $6 million through a pre-seed round.
Flieber – AI Inventory Optimization
| Website | https://www.flieber.com/ |
| Founding Year | 2019 |
| Headquarters | New York |
| Funding | $19.4 Million |
Established in 2019, Flieber is a New York-based inventory optimization platform designed for e-commerce businesses. They provide AI-driven solutions to help online retailers manage their inventory more efficiently across multiple sales channels and fulfillment centers.
Their platform aims to solve the complex challenges of inventory management in the e-commerce space, particularly for businesses selling through multiple channels and dealing with variable demand.
Technology
Flieber uses machine learning algorithms and advanced analytics to process historical sales data, market trends, and various other factors to provide accurate demand forecasts and inventory recommendations. Their platform integrates with popular e-commerce platforms and marketplaces to ensure real-time data flow.
Funding
Flieber has raised $19.4M over 5 rounds, with its latest funding round being an Incubator/Accelerator on March 15, 2023.
Collaborations
Flieber works with e-commerce businesses of various sizes, particularly those selling through multiple channels like Amazon, Shopify, and other marketplaces.
Transparent Path spc – IoT and Blockchain for Supply Chains
| Website | https://xparent.io/ |
| Founding Year | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, Washington |
| Funding | $1.6 Million |
Established in 2018, Transparent Path is a Seattle-based social purpose corporation (spc) focused on supply chain visibility and traceability. They use Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and blockchain technology to track and monitor perishable goods throughout the supply chain.
Their platform aims to reduce food waste, improve food safety, and increase supply chain efficiency by providing end-to-end visibility from producer to retailer. Transparent Path’s solutions are particularly relevant for the food and beverage industry, where maintaining product quality during transit is crucial.
The company’s products include ProofTracker™ and ProofTracker™ Pro logistics trackers.
Technology
Transparent Path uses a combination of IoT sensors, cloud computing, and blockchain technology. Their sensors monitor various conditions such as temperature, humidity, and location, while blockchain ensures the immutability and transparency of the collected data.
Collaborations
- In 2020, Transparent Path partnered with T-Mobile to receive initial SIM cards and connectivity. By 2023, they joined the T-Mobile 5G Hub, significantly advancing their testing capabilities.
- Buildly helped develop Transparent Path’s open-source, open API platform, overseeing global development teams.
- In 2021, Transparent Path incorporated Tive Solo 5G Trackers into their platform, enhancing IoT hardware capabilities with features like GPS, temperature, humidity, shock, and light tracking.
- Since 2020, Intel has supported Transparent Path with cutting-edge sensor, blockchain, and edge-compute technologies, ensuring their solutions remain secure, scalable, and interoperable.
Fundings
- In December 2023, Transparent Path secured $1.6 million in seed funding.
- In April 2023, Transparent Path was awarded a $274,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a biodegradable cellular electronic sensor for tracking location and environmental data of perishable goods.
In the same year, Transparent Path received a $137,750 grant from ReFED, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending food loss and waste through data-driven solutions.
Curri – Uber for materials
| Website | https://www.curri.com/ |
| Founding Year | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Ventura, California |
| Funding | $48.1 Million |
Established in 2018, Curri is a California-based tech startup specializing in on-demand delivery services for the construction and industrial supply industries. They provide a platform that connects suppliers and distributors with a network of drivers to facilitate same-day and scheduled deliveries of construction materials and supplies.
Their platform aims to modernize the traditionally inefficient delivery processes in the construction industry by offering an Uber-like service for construction materials. Curri’s solution is designed to help suppliers expand their delivery capabilities without investing in their own fleet.
Technology
Curri’s platform uses advanced algorithms for route optimization and driver matching. Their mobile app allows for real-time tracking, digital proof of delivery, and seamless communication between suppliers, drivers, and customers.
Products by Curri
In July 2024, Curri launched its advanced route planner software for distributors and shippers across the U.S. The Curri Route Planner offers robust route optimization tools, real-time tracking, proof of delivery, and comprehensive metrics and reporting capabilities.
Fundings
The company’s last funding round was in June 2023, when Curri raised $42 million in a Series B round. This brought the total funding acquired to $48.1 million over four rounds.
Path Forward
AI’s integration into logistics streamlines supply chain processes and drives the transition towards precise, data-driven operations, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved customer satisfaction, all while optimizing resource utilization.
Seeing the increased number of innovative startups in this domain, we can confidently state that AI’s integration in logistics appears extremely promising. However, the market is still evolving, and for industry giants to maintain a competitive edge, they must identify startups that align with their goals and collaborate with them effectively.
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Authored By – Ridhima Mahajan, Market Research
