A Hybrid Autonomous Delivery System Using GPS Navigation with Integrated Surveillance and Human-in-the-Loop Control

Abstract

The rapid growth of e-commerce and urban logistics has increased the demand for efficient and secure last-mile delivery solutions. This paper presents the design and implementation of a GPS-based autonomous delivery robot equipped with an integrated real-time surveillance system and remote manual control capability. The proposed system aims to address key challenges in autonomous delivery, including navigation accuracy, environmental adaptability, and opera- tional safety. The robot uses GPS technology for navigation based on waypoints. This allows the robot to move on specific paths without the need for human intervention. A camera module is integrated into the robot for surveillance purposes. This allows for live video streaming of the surroundings of the robot, ensuring the safe operation of the robot. A human- in-the-loop manual override mechanism is combined with au- tonomous navigation in a hybrid control architecture. Through a wireless communication link, the operator can remotely operate the robot in real time in situations when GPS errors, impediments, or unforeseen circumstances arise. This dual- mode functioning lowers the chance of delivery failure and increases reliability. The system is built using embedded hard- ware components, including a microcontroller-based control unit, motor drivers, GPS module, and wireless communication interfaces such as Wi-Fi or cellular networks. Experimental results demonstrate the robot’s ability to navigate predefined paths, maintain stable communication for video transmission, and seamlessly switch between autonomous and manual modes. The proposed solution offers a cost-effective and scalable approach for secure and efficient last-mile delivery, with potential applications in urban logistics, campus delivery systems, and surveillance-assisted transportation.