Autonomous delivery robots hit Japanese streets, NHK WORLD JAPAN News 2021.01.05
Source: NHK, Japan
A robot knocks on your door to deliver a freshly brewed cup of coffee, which you ordered just minutes earlier with one tap on your smartphone. This vision of the future could soon turn into reality as Japanese companies have started testing autonomous delivery robots on public streets. This comes as the need for social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic has pushed up demand for autonomous delivery services.
Japan Post began testing a self-driving mail delivery robot on the streets of Tokyo last September. The prototype can carry packages weighing up to 30 kilograms, and travel at a speed of 6 kilometers per hour, slightly faster than walking pace. Built-in cameras and sensors enable the robot to wait at red lights and avoid pedestrians and cars. The ongoing trials aim to determine if the robot can be safely operated using a remote monitoring system.
Electronics giant Panasonic has also joined the self-delivery race and is tapping into its immense resources to get a leg up. The company is currently testing a robot on the streets of its Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town facility located outside of Tokyo. The robot is designed to be able to make several stops, picking up and delivering groceries at a number of stores and homes on a particular route. Panasonic says it also hopes to use big data to make the robot responsive to individual customer needs.
E-Commerce giant Rakuten started running trials of a delivery robot in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture last month. The city is struggling with an aging population and hopes Rakuten's robots can help residents who have trouble traveling on its winding roads and steep slopes.