Omniva is launching a pilot project to bring unmanned electric parcel delivery vehicles to Estonian streets. The initiative aims to make last-mile delivery faster for customers, more efficient for the company, and more environmentally friendly. The first three self-driving cars are set to begin operations in Tallinn, Tartu, and Peetri this week. The trial period will last four months.
“We are not merely a postal operator – we are a technology company shaping the logistics of tomorrow. Self-driving vans represent a natural next step for us. Over the next four months, we will test how this technology can improve our operational efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and speed up delivery for our customers,” said Martti Kuldma, CEO of Omniva.
“Self-driving parcel vans are already in use in major cities around the world. In a few years, these vehicles will likely become a normal part of everyday life in the Baltics. The technology is ready, and with more manufacturers entering the market, the cost is becoming reasonable enough to make it a smart investment. Rising pressure in the job market is also speeding up the shift toward autonomous vehicles ” he added.
The fully electric indiGO vans, built in Estonia, have been designed specifically for last-mile parcel delivery in urban settings. They follow predefined routes, avoid obstacles, and stop precisely at parcel lockers. Their top speed is limited to 25 km/h, allowing safe and smooth travel through city streets.
An operator located in Omniva’s central control room monitors and ensures the safety of the pilot vehicles in real time. The cargo compartment can carry up to 100 parcels, and during transit, it remains locked. Access is granted remotely only to authorized personnel, meaning parcels are as secure during transit as they are in a parcel locker.
“By the end of the pilot, we expect to have a clear picture of the practical and technical conditions required for self-driving parcel vans to operate reliably. We will evaluate performance under winter conditions, operational reliability across various environments, delivery speed, and other key metrics. The data collected will help us decide whether this model is suitable for everyday use and economically justified,” Kuldma said.
If the pilot is successful, Omniva may consider expanding the deployment of semi-autonomous parcel delivery vehicles throughout the Baltic region.
2025 © The Baltic Times /Cookies Policy Privacy Policy