We are proud to announce an important milestone in ARKA’s story: our first parcel locker network outside Europe, in partnership with Penguin Pickup.  

This project is also significant because together with Penguin Pickup we are building Canada’s first open and autonomous parcel locker network - a significant step for out-of-home delivery solutions in North America. 

In Europe, lockers have already reshaped last-mile delivery, making it more sustainable, flexible, and reliable. Seeing this model now take root across Canada is not only exciting but also a confirmation that consumer habits are changing worldwide, and the need for smarter solutions is growing rapidly. 

This is a pilot project for Penguin Pickup, as the North American market is still getting familiar with OOH delivery. An important part of their mission will be to educate customers on the convenience and security of using parcel lockers and helping Canadians make this new habit part of their everyday life. 

Parcel lockers in Montreal and Toronto 

The first ARKA lockers have been deployed across key locations in Montreal, through a strategic partnership between Penguin Pickup and STM (Société de transport de Montréal). Installed at the entrances and exits of metro stations, these lockers make parcel pickup and returns a seamless part of commuters’ everyday routines. 

Instead of worrying about porch piracy or missed deliveries, Canadians can now pick up their parcels securely and efficiently, right on their way to work or back home. After the successful start in Montreal, the project will soon extend to Toronto.  

ARKA’s SunCharge locker for Penguin Pickup 

To meet the challenges of the Canadian climate (from -25°C winters to hot summers) Penguin Pickup chose ARKA’s SunCharge model, our autonomous parcel locker with advanced features that until recently could only be found on plug-in APMs.  

The SunCharge locker is built to deliver high performance with features such as: 

• An advanced solar power management system 
• A battery heating system that ensures reliable operation at subzero temperatures. 
• A robust 4G mobile router with an “always ON” remote connection for real-time monitoring and management. 
• A large 7-inch color touchscreen interface designed for user-friendliness. 
• Long battery life, with autonomy extending up to 10 years under normal operating conditions. 

Built from galvanized steel and treated for UV and rust resistance, the SunCharge locker is designed to last and be reliable. 

Beyond the hardware, we provided the software powering this network. We tailored the user interface to suit Penguin Pickup's needs and ensured smooth integration with multiple courier partners - DHL, Purolator, Canpar Express. Designed for flexibility, our software can quickly scale to accommodate additional integrations and expanding networks. 

Compared to Europe, Canada has some technical differences when it comes to mobile connectivity and data plans for IoT devices like lockers. Our team worked closely with Penguin Pickup to quickly adjust the router configurations and ensure stable, reliable internet access across the network. 

During the early stages of this collaboration, Penguin Pickup’s team visited our factory in Romania, where we provided hands-on training in locker installation and maintenance - an important step in building their in-house expertise. 

Autonomous lockers: The future of last-mile delivery 

This partnership with Penguin Pickup is more than just a technical deployment. It represents a shared belief that smarter, more sustainable urban logistics are not only possible but necessary. As consumer expectations continue to shift toward security, flexibility, and environmental responsibility, the role of autonomous lockers will only grow. 

We are excited to help build that future together with visionary partners.