myflexbox partners with ARKA and launches autonomous next-gen lockers to expand their smart locker network in Germany and Austria

Fri May 23 2025

We are pleased to announce our new partnership with myflexbox, the largest open smart locker network in the German-speaking region, and key player in transforming last-mile delivery infrastructure.

Since the foundation, the company is focused on reducing CO₂ emissions through open, multi-carrier parcel locker networks. Unlike proprietary locker systems tied to a single courier, myflexbox’s software-agnostic platform allows couriers such as DPD, GLS, DHL, UPS, FedEx, and Austrian Post to access the same locker network, creating more flexibility, lower emissions, and convenient access.

Currently, myflexbox operates more than 630 parcel stations in Austria and around 540 in Germany, with plans to expand to over 1,000 locations in Germany by the end of 2025. 

 

Engineering the Most Advanced Autonomous Locker for myflexbox

The collaboration between ARKA Smart Parcel Lockers and myflexbox began over a year ago, when ARKA’s R&D department started developing the Lumen locker according to specific requirements. The process went through five prototype iterations, continuously refining the hardware and implementing electronic updates before arriving at the current version, which is now being deployed in the field.

 

What Makes This Locker Next-Gen?

 Here’s what sets the Lumen locker apart from other autonomous lockers on the market:

  • 12-inch high-resolution LED touchscreendisplay - a user interface built for intuitive navigation and seamless user interaction
  • 4-direction adjustable solar panels - allowing orientation in any direction for optimal sun exposure
  • Advanced power management system - engineered to optimize power consumption and oversee peripheral management
  • Voice module and speaker - a key feature for ensuring accessibility and inclusion
  • High-performance battery – requiring no replacement for up to 10 years
  • Integrated thermal management – keeping battery performance stable even at temperatures as low as -25°C
  • Video surveillance system - with remote access
  • XS compartments - allowing better space optimization and capacity in dense urban areas

From a hardware perspective, the locker is both durable and intelligent – built from galvanized steel, protected against UV and rust, and fully compatible with myflexbox’s agnostic software platform. Our firmware and electronics have been seamlessly integrated to support their backend systems with minimal adaptation.

 

From Pilot to Rollout: The Project Timeline

The official contract was signed in February 2025, following successful prototype testing. Together with myflexbox, we are carrying out a phased deployment of extended lockers, which include one master unit and three expansion units, providing a total of 99 compartments in a single locker:

  • Pilot batch of 50 units, with the final units to be delivered by end of June 2025.
  • 60 additional units in July, a mix of autonomous (solar-powered) and classic plug-in lockers.
  • 301 more units scheduled as part of the broader rollout strategy.

A Collaboration with a Shared Vision

We have always enjoyed collaborating with partners who push the boundaries of what’s possible - and myflexbox does just that. This project was as much about engineering as it was about shared ambition: to build logistics infrastructure that is more sustainable, flexible, and future-ready.

Jonathan Grothaus, CEO & Founder of myflexbox said "Our collaboration with ARKA goes far beyond a technology project – it's a shared vision: to create smart, sustainable logistics solutions that integrate seamlessly into urban environments. ARKA brings outstanding technical expertise and innovative strength, perfectly matching our ambition to redefine last-mile infrastructure. Together, we're building systems that are not only efficient, but truly future-ready."

Lucian Ulmanu, CEO of ARKA Smart Parcel Lockers also declared "Our collaboration with myflexbox is particularly exciting as it showcases some of our most significant and innovative features to date – including the largest 12-inch LED touchscreen, a high-capacity locker with 99 compartments, and an advanced power management system.

Each unit of the locker is equipped with its own solar panel, featuring a unique four-sided orientation system that allows panels to be positioned toward any of the four directions. This design ensures optimal solar exposure and maximizes energy efficiency.

The system also includes multiple remote-control functions and is fully compatible with myflexbox’s software-agnostic platform. Without a doubt, this is the most advanced locker ever developed by ARKA, offering reliable, fully autonomous operation even in the most challenging environments, including low solar input and temperatures as low as -25°C."