<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-22T07:57:45Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/97271464-9494-4AA8-8E5C-31989F16B18B" ns1:id="97271464-9494-4AA8-8E5C-31989F16B18B"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/405E7777-8343-4EE1-AFC9-6D1A9FF71279" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/2411D96F-EAB2-4035-A615-E63EC542D4A5" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/2411D96F-EAB2-4035-A615-E63EC542D4A5" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2024-11-30T00:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/4E369215-5056-405A-86BA-D183D00BFCE4" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2024-02-01T00:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10097788</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>User focussed design of net zero last mile intermodal container</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Collaborative R&amp;D</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>**Public Description** 
Zugbox Ltd is a container rental company and has developed a net zero engineering solution for rail based container logistics for last mile delivery which can reduce CO2E by 82% and improve the efficiency of net zero delivery vehicle fleets. 
 
We have already developed a prototype container and our next stage is to optimise the design to ensure it meets the needs of our customers and end users while also delivering net zero benefits. 
 
Our idea is highly innovative because: 
 

* Zugboxes are unique in that they can be transferred from rail freight to small vehicles (3.5t upwards).
* We have developed an innovative locking system for rail freight (patent applied for).
* Zugboxes provide the first true door-to-door delivery system, transferring seamlesslyto smaller vehicles for last mile delivery.
* Zugboxes integrate with sustainable delivery alternatives including robots, bicycle couriers and on-foot delivery.
* We are proposing to use this project to improve our engineering design using the 4 step User Focussed Design process (Discover, Define, Develop &amp;amp; Deliver).We will achieve this by working with our pilot customer to user test our prototypes with a range of different customer and user representatives. 
 
Through user input, we seek to answer a series of pre-defined questions. These include:

 
* Technical questions relating to Zugbox integration with customer infrastructure.
* Commercial aspects including factors that would trigger a purchase decision and potential purchase volumes/timeframes.
* Other questions exploring environmental benefits and other factors influencing adoption.

Project outputs will consist:

 
* Optimised design concepts based on input from at least 5 real customers.
* Lifecycle analysis and design optimisation to reduce environmental impact (eg thinking about use of materials; design for repair; post primary life uses).
* Additional design mock-ups to address identified customer requirements (eg innovative container door arrangements; cargo bike sub containers).
* Cost modelling and market data for commercialisation planning
* User feedback and test results validated by independent expert
* Proof of concept validation with customer and user endorsement</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>