Hermes has launched an innovation lab in Leeds. Initial projects for the lab are self-tracking parcels, intelligent delivery using location-based services and new tracking experiences.
The company has said that the main objective of the new lab is 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 is planning to collaborate with UK universities on projects at the lab.
“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,” said David Turner, who will take up the role of head of digital strategy & technology innovation at the lab. “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.”
The team is also looking to open an innovation centre within its £31million automated parcel distribution hub which is being built in Rugby at the moment.
Carole Woodhead, CEO of Hermes, said: “It is absolutely critical that both retailers and their delivery partners prioritise innovation to continually improve customer experience. The creation of the Innovation Lab illustrates our unwavering desire to bring premium features to a standard service, while further cementing our position as the market leader.”
