Communications of the ACM
Your Next FedEx Delivery Could Be a Pizza
FedEx has unveiled an early model of an autonomous delivery robot as part of a delivery program it is developing.
Credit: FedEx/Reuters
FedEx has unveiled an early model of an autonomous delivery robot, as part of a delivery program it is developing with Pizza Hut, Walmart, Walgreens, and other retailers.
Designed by FedEx in partnership with Dean Kamen’s DEKA Research and Development, the delivery bot will traverse sidewalks and streets, using technology originally developed for DEKA's iBot powered wheelchair, and will feature radar, laser-based LiDAR mapping tools, and several cameras.
FedEx said the bot will be tested in multiple cities, pending approval, where it will complement the company’s existing same-day delivery service, which relies on uniformed employees.
FedEx's Brie Carere said, "The bot represents a milestone in our ongoing mission to solve the complexities and expense of same-day, last-mile delivery for the growing e-commerce market in a manner that is safe and environmentally friendly."
From The Washington Post
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Abstracts Copyright © 2019 SmithBucklin, Washington, DC, USA
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