DHL has launched two innovation competitions and is inviting inventors and visionaries from around the world to participate. Participants are tasked with generating new concepts in the fields of sustainable logistics or robotics. The competitions are open to universities, students, companies, and any individual over the age of 18, provided they submit a written document and a video explaining their idea by September 28.
The first competition, titled “Fair and Responsible Challenge,” requires visionaries to develop a concept project for creating logistics solutions for the world of the future. The most anticipated entries are practical ideas and solutions dedicated to environmental and social issues, addressing them through modern and innovative business models based on logistics. Concepts may be related to using logistics to facilitate circular economy processes or using global transport networks to ensure fair trade and production. The idea can be anything from a new product to a service solution or packaging. This rule applies as long as the concept generates value for society, the environment, and business.
– We are convinced that resourcefulness comes from doing good. The challenge here is to approach the issue of fairness and responsibility in a business-oriented way. According to our concept, companies should focus on creating shared value, transforming environmental and social challenges into sustainable, fair, and potentially profitable business models. The goal of the “Fair and Responsible Challenge” is to find modern and innovative ideas within the framework of realizing this vision – says Bill Meahl, Chief Commercial Officer at DHL.
The second competition is the “Robotics Challenge.” Its goal is to develop a prototype of a self-driving delivery vehicle that will independently accompany personnel during the final stage of delivery.
– Our employees have to deal with the manual delivery of an increasing number of packages. Since our couriers still have to carry all shipments by hand on city streets, we encourage the development of concepts that facilitate their work – continues Meahl.
Prototypes submitted to the competition must demonstrate the ability to navigate both urban and rural areas with typical terrain. Each idea submitted to the competition will undergo a preliminary selection review based on features such as functionality, problem-solving capability, and commercial feasibility. In the next stage, a panel of logistics experts will select three finalists in both competitions. On Innovation Day, November 17, they will be able to present their ideas or prototypes to a group of 180 supply chain specialists. The winners will be chosen by vote. The idea with the highest number of votes will be announced as the winner of the DHL Innovation Challenge, receiving a cash prize of 20,000 euros and the opportunity to be showcased at DHL Innovation Centers in Germany (Troisdorf) and Singapore. Additionally, DHL will invite the winners to discuss the possibilities of implementing their ideas as part of a joint proof-of-concept test.
Additional information is available at: http://www.dhlinnovationchallenge.com.