FedEx Unveils Autonomous Delivery Robot
FedEx announced a development in cutting-edge delivery solutions to meet the rapidly changing needs of consumers — the FedEx SameDay Bot — an autonomous delivery device designed to help retailers make same-day and last-mile deliveries to their customers.
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With the bot, retailers will be able to accept orders from nearby customers and deliver them by bot directly to customers’ homes or businesses on the same day.
FedEx is collaborating with companies such as AutoZone, Lowe’s, Pizza Hut, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart to help assess retailers’ autonomous delivery needs.
On average, more than 60 percent of merchants’ customers live within three miles of a store location, demonstrating the opportunity for on-demand, hyper-local delivery.
“The FedEx SameDay Bot is an innovation designed to change the face of local delivery and help retailers efficiently address their customers’ rising expectations. The bot represents a milestone in our ongoing mission to solve the complexities and expense of same-day, last-mile delivery for the growing eCommerce market in a manner that is safe and environmentally friendly.”
Brie Carere, executive vice president and chief marketing and communications officer for FedEx
The FedEx bot is being developed in collaboration with DEKA Development & Research Corp. and its founder Dean Kamen, inventor of many life-changing technologies, including the iBot Personal Mobility Device and the Segway.
The FedEx bot is designed to travel on sidewalks and along roadsides, safely delivering smaller shipments to customers’ homes and businesses.
Bot features include pedestrian-safe technology from the iBot, plus advanced technology such as LiDAR and multiple cameras, allowing the zero-emission, battery-powered bot to be aware of its surroundings.
These features are coupled with machine-learning algorithms to detect and avoid obstacles, plot a safe path and allow the bot to follow road and safety rules.
Proprietary technology makes the bot highly capable, allowing it to navigate unpaved surfaces, curbs, and even steps for an extraordinary door-to-door delivery experience.
FedEx to Test Delivery Bot in Home Town
FedEx plans to test the bot this summer in select markets, including Memphis, Tennessee, pending final city approvals. Memphis is the world-headquarter for FedEx.
“We couldn’t be more excited that FedEx chose its hometown as one of the pilot cities for this revolutionary innovation. We look forward to working with FedEx to continue introducing technologies that will help improve the quality of life in our community.”
Mayor Jim Strickland, City of Memphis
The initial test will involve deliveries between selected FedEx Office locations. FedEx Office currently offers a SameDay City service that operates in 32 markets and 1,900 cities using branded FedEx vehicles and uniformed FedEx employees. The FedEx bot will complement the FedEx SameDay City service.
“The FedEx SameDay Bot represents the next chapter in our long legacy of delivering innovation and outstanding service, supported by an already existing FedEx logistics ecosystem. We are excited to bring this technology to address new markets and better support our customers. The companies who have provided feedback on its potential use have been instrumental in ensuring we are looking toward the future of eCommerce.”
Brian Philips, President and CEO of FedEx Office
The FedEx SameDay Bot will support retailers in several segments, and the first group of retail customers to view the prototype have recognized the value the technology can bring to their industries.
The bot made its first public appearance during NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday, February 26.
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Richard Meldner
Richard is co-founder of eSeller365. He has over 17 years of experience on eBay which includes tens of thousands of sales to buyers in over 100 countries and even has experience with eBay’s VeRO program enforcing intellectual property rights for a former employer. And for about two years Richard sold products on Amazon using Amazon FBA in the US.
To “relax” from the daily business grind, for a few weekends a year, he also works for IMSA as a professional race official.