November - 20218 logisticstechoutlook.comAt UPS, we delivered on average 24.4 million packages and document a day during the second quarter of 2020, a testament to the growing role of the logistics provider during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a monumental task, only made possiblethanks to our unrivaled global smart logistics network.For context, my team's job is to ensure this network keeps getting smarter so we can meet our commitments to our customers today and in the future. I run the UPS Advanced Technology Group (ATG), which through a diverse team of technologists, leverages cutting-edge technology for cutting-edge customer solutions and disruptive innovations. In some cases, we work internally to advance or reimagine existing technologies. In others, we align with innovative vendors and partners to develop emerging technologies. Sometimes we even explore budding technologies and decide not to proceed with them because they aren't right for our network -- at least not yet.This is how UPS operates at the intersection of customer needs and technology. Committed to serving customers all over the world, we organize our work around four technology pillars: Autonomy and final-mile delivery, sensor and IoT technology, drones and robotics.Autonomy and Final MileAutomating certain aspects of the final mile of delivery is essential to our success in the e-commerce revolution spurring a surge in package delivery. If we deploy the right automation technologies in the right ways, we can efficiently meet soaring customer demand sustainably and safely.Earlier this year, for example, UPS and self-driving technology company Waymo announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to pilot package pickup by autonomous vehicles in the Metro Phoenix area. Waymo minivans now shuttle packages from The UPS Store locations to a local UPS MEETING TODAY'S LOGISTICS CHALLENGES WITH TOMORROW'S TECHNOLOGIESBy Bala Ganesh, Vice President, Advanced Technology Group, UPSBala GaneshIn My OPINION
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