Royal Mail Leverages Ambient IoT Technology in Partnership with Wiliot
June 21, 2025 — In a significant step toward modernizing its logistics operations, Royal Mail has partnered with Wiliot to implement ambient Internet of Things (IoT) technology across its extensive delivery network. This collaboration aims to enhance tracking and efficiency in logistics by deploying Wiliot’s innovative tagging system on key assets.
Phased Deployment of Ambient IoT Technology
The partnership is structured around a comprehensive three-phase deployment plan, which began with Royal Mail tagging approximately 900,000 of its wheeled containers, commonly referred to as Yorks. These Yorks are crucial for transporting parcels and packages throughout the UK but have faced issues related to loss and misplacement, slowing down operational efficiency.
By attaching Wiliot’s Ambient IoT Pixels to these containers, Royal Mail can now track their location in real-time as they circulate across the country. These tags continuously relay live data, significantly improving visibility and management of the containers and the parcels they carry. As part of this initiative, Royal Mail has recently launched the second phase, which focuses on enhancing visibility within its multiple facilities, setting the stage for a future phase aimed at detailed tracking down to the individual parcel level.
Advantages of Wiliot’s Ambient IoT Technology
Wiliot’s technology stands out due to its scalability, autonomy, and low-power consumption, making it an ideal fit for Royal Mail’s varied delivery network infrastructure. The battery-free tags operate efficiently in diverse environments, negating the need for maintenance. Unlike traditional tracking solutions, Wiliot’s technology offers a cost-effective means to enhance operational insights across numerous critical points in the logistics chain.
Eric Casavant, Director of Product Marketing at Wiliot, elaborated on the functionality of their technology, noting that ambient IoT aims to integrate intelligence into everyday objects, such as packages and reusable crates. The IoT Pixels—approximately the size of a postage stamp—are powered by ambient radio waves and communicate without human intervention, providing continuous monitoring of conditions during transportation and throughout the supply chain.
Keeping Logistics Fluid Amid Challenges
The scale of the project poses significant challenges for both Royal Mail and Wiliot, not least the vastness of the delivery network, which encompasses around 1,000 sites and processes over a billion parcels annually. The complexity of this national infrastructure necessitates the development of a live digital map to monitor product journeys effectively. The use of Bluetooth technology for Wiliot’s ambient IoT devices allows for a flexible deployment approach, which was critical to addressing the needs of Royal Mail’s expansive operations.
Early Findings and Future Prospects
Initial results from the collaboration have already proven promising. Royal Mail has experienced marked improvements in cage distribution efficiency across nearly 5,000 locations, significantly reducing the number of missing containers. The enhanced visibility has also led to better utilization of delivery vehicles, as the organization can track load capacities and optimize transport routes based on real-time data.
Looking ahead, the next phase of the partnership will focus on expanding visibility in Royal Mail’s facilities and ultimately enabling tracking of individual parcels. This enhancement will not only improve operational efficiency but also allow customers to monitor their packages in real-time, enhancing the overall service delivery experience.
As the project continues to evolve, both Wiliot and Royal Mail are positioned to lead advancements in the logistics and postal services industries, driving efficiency and innovation with cutting-edge IoT technology.
