Ubyko

Ubyko is a logistics technology company, founded in 2021, that targets the inefficiencies of last-mile delivery in urban centers. The company was born from a simple observation by co-founder and CEO Diego Zúñiga, a former journalist, who, while using a cash ATM, questioned why a similar automated system couldn't dispense products. This idea led to the creation of Ubyko, which he co-founded with sociologist Hugo Fernández and engineer José Manuel Ripa, whom he met during an MBA program. The founding team combines a background in technology and robotics, rather than logistics, allowing them to approach urban delivery challenges from a different perspective.

The core of Ubyko's business is the development and implementation of automated, robotic 'nanofulfillment centers' or 'Ubyko nodes'. These are compact, automated warehouses designed to be installed in existing urban spaces like commercial basements or storefronts. The system operates 24/7 and integrates three main components: a nanofulfillment warehouse for storage, an ATM-style interface for customer interaction, and a digital storefront for an enhanced urban experience. This allows for a range of services including instant sales, click-and-collect, and returns management at any time. Ubyko's technology utilizes a combination of robotics, AI-powered computer vision for product picking, and IoT for predictive maintenance and real-time tracking via a SaaS platform.

Ubyko's business model addresses retailers with physical city-center stores and e-commerce businesses seeking to establish a presence closer to their customers. The company provides the infrastructure and handles the technological maintenance, while the client manages the operational specifics. By placing inventory within the city, Ubyko aims to enable sub-30-minute deliveries, reduce the environmental footprint associated with last-mile logistics, and cut significant costs for businesses, as last-mile delivery can account for over half of total shipping expenses. The company has raised approximately $508K in funding from investors including Sodena and has been certified as an emerging company by Enisa, offering fiscal advantages to its backers.

Keywords: logistics automation, last-mile delivery, urban fulfillment, nanofulfillment, robotic warehouse, smart city logistics, omnichannel retail, click and collect, supply chain tech, automated retail, automated vending, reverse logistics, e-commerce logistics, delivery automation, SaaS, IoT, computer vision, robotics, sustainable logistics, hyperlocal delivery