The rise of smart lockers and out-of-home delivery solutions

For years, traditional lockers have played a crucial role in secure storage, but they were primarily designed for environments where location and accessibility were predictable, like shopping malls or supermarkets. In a time when online shopping was the exception rather than the norm, these lockers served their purpose well. However, with the explosive growth of e-commerce (and latterly re-commerce) and the increasing demand for out-of-home delivery options, the limitations of these traditional systems have become apparent.

Today’s consumers crave flexibility. They want the freedom to collect their purchases at a time and place that suits them, without being tied to specific delivery slots or locations. Moreover, many enjoy the efficiency and anonymity or a parcel locker.

The landscape of smart lockers, particularly those tailored for e-commerce and out-of-home delivery, has been rapidly evolving. Swipbox emerged as the first major player to innovate in this space, introducing an autonomous locker system that operated without traditional peripherals like screens and keypads. This solution was designed with simplicity in mind, enabling consumers to collect their online purchases using just their smartphones. Power requirements are minimal and there is no need for wiring or wi-fi, with the Swipbox Infinity locker up and running in a matter of minutes.

Since then, the industry has continued to advance as the focus shifted toward creating solutions that not only enhance user convenience but also ensure the sustainability and scalability of locker networks in diverse environments. This shift in consumer behavior has sparked the need for a new kind of solution as smart lockers have to be designed to meet the demands of the modern, digital-first shopper. These lockers aren’t just about storing items; they’re about enhancing convenience, security or accessibility, while simultaneously enabling fast and easy deployment.

Solar solution

As e-commerce continues to grow and out-of-home delivery becomes more prevalent, the next generation of smart lockers is poised to take center stage. Several brands are now introducing advanced lockers equipped with peripherals designed to streamline the delivery and pickup process. A notable development in this area is the advent of solar-powered lockers, which offer a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.

These machines leverage solar or radiated energy to extend battery life and reduce the need for frequent maintenance, making them ideal for deployment in locations where access to electricity is limited. Both InPost and La Poste Group’s subsidiary Pickup are testing out the technology.

However, while solar-powered solutions are promising, they still face challenges in integrating all the necessary features to ensure a seamless user experience, particularly in geographies with inconsistent sunlight or where the locker needs to be in a covered place.

Battery power

In addition to solar powered units, the industry is seeing a rise in battery-powered smart lockers. The latest development is the Bloq.it NEXT which has an innovative approach to power management.

This is based upon an article originally posted on Parcel and Postal Technology International