ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LAST MILE LOGISTICS: EFFICIENCY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND CHALLENGES FOR BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS

Resumo

Last-mile logistics represents one of the greatest challenges in the supply chain, directly affecting operating costs and the end customer experience. The accelerated growth of e-commerce and increasing demands for fast, customized, and sustainable deliveries have intensified the need for innovative solutions. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a strategic technology, offering benefits in route optimization, cost reduction, customer experience enhancement, and environmental impact mitigation. This article aims to analyze the benefits and challenges of AI application in last-mile logistics, based on a literature review of studies published between 2023 and 2025. The findings indicate that intelligent algorithms, autonomous vehicles, delivery robots, and predictive systems are transforming operational efficiency and promoting sustainability. However, barriers such as high implementation costs, lack of specific regulation, data integration issues, and organizational resistance still hinder widespread adoption. The study concludes that AI integration into last-mile logistics is a driver of business competitiveness, provided it is accompanied by investments in infrastructure, workforce training, and regulatory advancements.