Online shopping and digital payments have led to a surge in cross border purchases, as people get to choose from a wider array of products, than the options available at brick and mortar outlets in the Middle East. The demand for innovative electronics, apparel and essentials has prompted global brands to set up warehouses in addition to flagship stores in cities like Dubai, while they strengthen their supply chain with digital solutions.

Mechanisms for tracking containers, monitoring vessels and connecting cargo boats with businesses are currently working to propel trade in the Middle East towards the future. To introduce a layer of efficiency and speed into the supply chain, autonomous trucks are being driven into the region along with European markets, so that more goods can be transferred with little human intervention.

The introduction that follows announcements regarding self-driving cargo vehicles at the port in Abu Dhabi, has been amplified by using the Dubai Expo as a platform. The EVO.1 logistics vehicle by Evocargo, flaunted its capabilities at the mega event, and was followed by announcements about its ambitions to establish a network of unmanned transport vehicles.

In an age of autonomous drones and self driving delivery vehicles for food as well as groceries, Evocargo has brought in fully electric wagons powered by hydrogen. The unmanned trucks can also come in fleets, which will be customised according to unique logistical preferences and demand of each business.

Use of robotics to move around goods in the Middle East, is also set to cut down costs of transportation by as much as 60%, making it an attractive proposal for entrepreneurs.

The introduction of autonomous tech in the supply chain is a natural progression from trials of self-driving buses in public transport. AI has already made its presence felt in the regional transport sector, with machine learning to map out bus routes, drones to scan trucks and smart traffic control centres.