For the trial, Swiss Post will deploy devices from Starship Technologies, founded in 2014 by Skype co-founders Janus Friis and Ahti Heinla, with a load capacity of up to 10 kilograms. These robots will travel a distance of around six kilometers during tests to be conducted in the municipalities of Berne, Köniz and Biberist.
Each device will be accompanied by a person who will gather information on its operation. Swiss Posts hopes that in the future, it could tap delivery robots as a crucial addition to its workforce, expecting to see the first commercial applications in three years.
“Some of the conceivable applications include same-day and same-hour delivery, grocery deliveries or even home deliveries of medical products,” Swiss Post said in a statement.
“This kind of ad-hoc logistics on the last mile is currently not covered by mail carriers, which is why delivery robots may one day provide a useful extension to Swiss Post’s supply chain.”
Swiss Post to use swissinfo_en healthcare
— Dr Katrina Bramstedt (@AskTheEthicist) August 26, 2016
The robots, which can automatically avoid danger zones and obstacles, will only travel at a limited distance for quick and flexible delivery of goods, moving at walking pace on pavements and in pedestrian areas. They can also navigate autonomously to their destination.
“Unlike delivery robots, drones can travel further and at a higher speed, so they are beneficial when transporting high-priority consignments or for making deliveries to people who live in isolated areas. Together, the individual benefits of each technology will offer an outstanding combination,” said the postal service.
Although the robot is equipped with Global Positioning System and multiple cameras, a remote operator will take charge during difficult situations. But every trip allows the self-driving device to increase its level of autonomy.
Swiss Post to test selfdriving delivery robots via SwissPost IMExchange Community (@IM_Exchange) August 24, 2016
However, Swiss Post won’t replace deliverymen with robots in the future.
“We don’t believe in substituting the human being part,” said Swiss Post development programs and innovation chief Claudia Pletscher.
In July, Starship Technologies robots invaded the streets in the European cities of London, Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Bern delivering food, groceries, and packages to consumers in a test program making the idea of using delivery robots become a reality.
A similar program will soon be introduced in the United States.
