The iconic mopeds of delivery drivers everywhere are set to be ousted by 'ground drones' that can navigate city streets by themselves.
After more than 3,000 hours of testing in London, Starship Technologies' delivery bots are scheduled to start local deliveries in Greenwich next month.
The robot was invented by Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis who hope their machine will be appealing for small businesses who could send up to 20lbs of goods to local customers.
Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, the Starship’s bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags.
Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving. It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology to find its way to the customer's address.
Walking on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet.
- The boxy drone can 'walk' at 4mph, cross the road and avoid obstacles
- The battery-powered bot is going to start delivery trials in Greenwich
- If anybody tries to snatch it, it alerts an operator and takes images of a thief
My Opinion: THIS IS FREAKEN' COOL.
Resources: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3459854/The-end-courier-Self-driving-ground-drone-takes-streets-London-make-drops-capital.html
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