World Economic Forum Publishes New Whitepaper on Taxonomy for Segmentation of ADVs & PDDs

The World Economic Forum has published a new whitepaper called Taxonomy for Segmentation of Autonomous Delivery Vehicles and Personal Delivery Devices. The whitepaper is the first in a series of guidance and thought leadership publications from the Safe Drive Initiative, which is part of the World Economic Forum’s Shaping the Future of Mobility platform. 

Automation & Goods Movement

As outlined in the preface by Michelle Avary, Head of Automotive and Autonomous Mobility for the World Economic Forum, the new whitepaper covers two distinct categories: personal delivery vehicles (PDDs) and automated delivery vehicles (ADVs).

“Delivery has become a highly attractive application of automated driving systems, spurred by a surge in online shopping and grocery delivery that is increasing the load on middle and last-mile logistics,” Avary writes. “This is compounded by a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes a compelling business case for applying autonomous technologies to the movement of goods.”

Key Questions Answered

Taxonomy for Segmentation of Autonomous Delivery Vehicles and Personal Delivery Devices will help policymakers understand these vehicles by providing a clear definition of both PDDs and ADVs. The whitepaper covers key questions, such as where these vehicles can operate, how they are built, and what the individual use cases are. 

A Community Paper

Tim Dawkins, Project Lead at the World Economic Forum for Automotive and Autonomous Mobility, served as the whitepaper’s lead author. Dawkins reached out to colleagues and other industry experts for feedback on the whitepaper as it was being prepared.

“Thanks to all those who contributed to the creation and review of this publication,” Dawkins wrote in a recent newsletter announcement. “Please feel free to share this content with your colleagues and networks as you see fit to help us make an impact.”

Where to Download

Taxonomy for Segmentation of Autonomous Delivery Vehicles and Personal Delivery Devices is available in PDF format on the World Economic Forum’s website. There is no cost to download the whitepaper.