Automating Logistics Operations: Qualitative Insights from Four European Sites

<i>Background:</i> Automated vehicles are increasingly entering logistics operations, driven by factors like controllability, standardization, and reduced risk. However, successful automation requires understanding the diverse perspectives of logistics stakeholders. <i>Method:</i> This paper investigates these perspectives through 28 interviews with representatives from five key stakeholder groups within the European Project AWARD’s four pilot sites. <i>Results:</i> Key findings highlight positive expectations for efficiency, safety, and reliability, but also identify critical prerequisites still to be met: further technological advancements, shifts in logistics roles and working conditions, regulatory improvements, and careful narrative building around technology. <i>Conclusions:</i> A deeper analysis of individual stakeholder groups and pilot site representatives reveals nuanced needs and concerns, emphasizing the importance of considering different perspectives and need for further research involving a wider range of stakeholder groups to fully capture the complexities of this emerging field.