Exploring the behavioral adoption of automated parcel locker systems under COVID-19

Automated parcel locker (APL) systems have been proposed as a means of overcoming last-mile delivery challenges, including long delivery times and high operating costs. Recently, APL systems have attracted attention because of the increasing demand for parcel delivery and the preference for contactless delivery during the COVID-19 era. The aim of the present study aims to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological and latent factors underlying the decision to adopt APL systems. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to present an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) using data from 459 consumers in Seoul, Korea. The findings provide valuable insights into the reasons for adoption of APL systems. Specifically, the perceived risk of COVID-19, distrust, and their personal innovativeness significantly influenced their adoption of the systems by affecting their perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. In addition, use experience has a significant moderating effect on the adoption. The findings revealed in this study could help policy makers, urban planners, and system operators to accelerate the adoption of APL systems.