Local, flexible, fast and inexpensive delivery? In future by a self-driving delivery robot.

Delivery robots and drones

Swiss Post tests alternative delivery solutions

A blood test to be sent to the lab or a hot meal for an elderly person: autonomous delivery robots may in future be capable of setting off at any time of day when someone is in need of an urgent delivery. Since autumn 2016, they have been on the road for testing, accompanied for now, in Berne, Köniz and Biberist. As is the case with drones, the robots could in the future supplement Swiss Post’s delivery logistics.

Moving at walking speed, the delivery robots navigate safely to their destination using a range of different sensors. They should be ready for commercial use in three years at the earliest. Robot traffic jams on the pavement are not something to worry about: the majority of parcels will continue to be delivered by people.

Combination of both technologies

While the delivery robots are to be used for fast consignments in urban areas, drones may one day be delivering high-priority special consignments to remote locations. The recently tested drones can carry loads of up to 5 kg and have a range of 20 km. Together, the individual benefits of each technology will offer an outstanding combination.