Sofia Pinheiro Melo

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About

Dr. Sofia Pinheiro Melo is a leading voice in sustainable urban logistics, whose work has fundamentally reshaped how we assess the environmental footprint of emerging delivery technologies. Her research centers on the intersection of life-cycle assessment (LCA) and last-mile delivery systems, with a particular focus on autonomous delivery robots (ADRs) and their role in decarbonizing e-commerce. In her landmark 2023 study, "Life-cycle analysis of last-mile parcel delivery using autonomous delivery robots," Dr. Melo conducted the first comprehensive cradle-to-grave environmental assessment of ADRs, revealing that while these robots can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional vans, their overall impact depends critically on factors like electricity mix, robot lifespan, and payload efficiency. This work, which has already garnered 26 citations in just over a year, has become an essential reference for logistics companies and policymakers seeking evidence-based strategies for green urban freight. By providing rigorous, data-driven insights into the trade-offs of automation, Dr. Melo has established herself as a pivotal figure in the transition toward more sustainable and intelligent city logistics.