Autonomous mail and parcel robot being developed
Posten Norge (the Norwegian Postal Services) has entered into an agreement with Buddy Mobility to develop the world’s first autonomous (self-driving) mail and parcel robot.
In selected locations, the new robot could replace the mailbox as we know it today. You will be notified that mail and parcels are on the way, and you can decide whether to meet the robot down on the street and pick up the delivery immediately or to book delivery right at your doorstep at a time that suits you. The robot drives itself back to the distribution centre in the evening and is packed overnight for tomorrows deliveries. A single mail and parcel robot can serve up to 100 households.
Advanced technology
– The mail and parcel robot will be equipped with advanced control and sensor technology. It will move at only six kilometres an hour, which means that it poses little or no risk to its surroundings. It also increases the likelihood of commissioning the robot sooner, says CEO of Posten Norge, Tone Wille.
Posten Norge sees several areas where autonomous vehicles can contribute to valuable and efficient services.
Better solutions
– We have great faith in a self-driving future and in the profitable applications in the short and long-term for a logistics company like ours. To some extent, we are still dependent on technology development by the major vehicle manufacturers. At the same time, we also want to stimulate the market to develop more niche-driven solutions, and our innovation agreement with Buddy Mobility is an example of this, says Wille.
Buddy Mobility is a Norwegian mobility company consisting of a consortium of Norwegian and international suppliers and investors. They develop a variety of solutions based on autonomous technology. The company is headed by investor Tharald Nustad, while Per Ivar Selvaag is responsible for the development. Selvaag has worked in the international automotive industry for many years.
Praises Posten
– We believe there is significant potential in autonomous technology and find it exciting that a major actor like Posten is leading the way and contributing to the development and application of solutions like these. This may pave the way for an international initiative because mail and parcel delivery is very similar around the globe, says Per Ivar Selvaag.
Posten Norge will attend the forum for Norwegian politicians and business representatives, the so-called Arendal’s Week in August. There they will promote the use of autonomous solutions in the logistics sector. The prototype for the mail and parcel robot will be demonstrated at this event.
The unveiling of the autonomous mailbox will take place at Posten’s stand at Kløcker’s square in Arendal on Tuesday, August 14th at 11 am.
Minister of Transport and Communications, Ketil Solvik-Olsen (Progress Party) and CEO in Posten Norge, Tone Wille, will be present.
The next step is to test the robot comprehensibly in a residential area in Kongsberg towards the end of the year.
© Posten Norge / #Norway Today
