Robot delivery fleet takes over streets as DPD tests new self-driving machines
DPD starts testing new self-driving robots with multi-compartment storage for package delivery. These wheel-based machines can carry up to 70kg and work independently on city streets
In a ground-breaking move DPD introduces self-driving “lockers-on-wheels“ to handle package deliveries. The new multi-compartment robots (called Ottobots) will take over delivery duties from human workers in select areas
The tech-savvy machines feature eight separate storage units and can handle packages up to 70kg. When your delivery arrives customers get a text message and use one-time pins to grab their stuff; its that simple.
The customer feedback continues to be incredibly positive and weʼve learnt a lot about maximizing the robots effectiveness
Recent data shows that more than 2/3 of people had delivery problems in past 6 months - from missed deliveries to wrong drop-off spots. These auto-robots might fix these issues but some worry about theft risks; DPD says their anti-theft system includes high-pitched alarms
The company has been testing smaller bots in Milton-Keynes since about 2 years ago and expanded to other cities:
- Bristol
- Lincoln
- Raunds
Milton-Keynes (known for its well-marked pedestrian streets) will be first to get these new bigger Ottobots. The cityʼs been a robot-testing spot since Starship Technologies started food deliveries there about 6 years back
The smart-machines use high-tech sensors cameras and four-wheel drive to move around. They work for 6 hours per charge - and can swap batteries at depots to keep going. DPD says no jobs will be cut; workers still need to load packages and watch the bots
