SKYA
An autonomous delivery ecosystem transforming last-mile logistics into seamless urban infrastructure.
The Challenge
Last-mile delivery is the most expensive and inefficient part of the supply chain, accounting for 53% of total logistics costs. With rising package theft and carbon emissions, the traditional 'courier-to-door' model is broken.
The Solution
SKYA is a bi-directional autonomous delivery system. Instead of moving individual packages, we transport mobile smart lockers directly to residential communities using autonomous vehicles. It streamlines delivery, simplifies returns, and integrates seamlessly into smart city infrastructure.
My Contribution
I led the service ecosystem design, facilitated user testing to pivot our business model, and designed the end-to-end user experience.
The Problem Landscape
We identified critical friction points: high costs, theft risks, and environmental impact.
"Logistic Companies won't just pay for delivery speed. However, the return solution is gold. Returns are a massive pain point with terrible economics."
Quint Bailey, UX Designer at Penske
Strategic Pivot
Moving from B2B2C to B2B partnership with Property Management.
For Residents
Contactless, 24/7 access, and 'Zero-Hassle' returns.
For Property Managers
Reduced package management workload and new revenue streams via ads/data.
For Logistics
60% reduction in handovers and optimized route efficiency.
Mapping the Ecosystem
The blueprint orchestrates the interaction between the User, the Autonomous Vehicle (Skya), the Logistics Hub, and the Apartment infrastructure.
Digital Experience
A centralized app that allows users to track deliveries in real-time and, crucially, initiate returns in 3 clicks, generating a QR code to drop items off without printing labels.
Physical Experience
The Skya Pod acts as a mobile hub, docking seamlessly with apartment complexes to serve as a temporary smart locker.
Outcome & Business Viability
Financial
Projected $5.14M revenue in Year 1 with diversified income streams (Service fees, Ads, Data).
Operational
Potential to reduce logistics handovers by 60%.
Future Vision
Expanding from San Francisco to 20+ major US cities by 2033.
"While SKYA was an ambitious concept requiring significant infrastructure investment, it successfully demonstrated how rethinking logistics as 'infrastructure' rather than 'service' can solve systemic urban challenges."
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