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SINGAPORE – About 700 households in Punggol will be able to use “courier” robots to deliver their purchases in a new test with autonomous robots.
The year-long trial, which aims to alleviate delivery labor shortages and test the usability of such robots, will see two robot couriers delivering packages and groceries for free in the lobbies of Waterway’s seven-block elevators. Woodcress Housing Board.
Consumers choose when they want their items delivered, rather than having to stick to a fixed delivery schedule.
The test is led by Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), in association with HDB, Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Urban Redevelopment Authority, as well as logistics service provider CM Logistics, supermarket chain FairPrice and technology provider Otsaw .
Speaking at the launch of the trial on Thursday (March 11), State Minister for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary noted that the logistics sector is very labor intensive, and the problem is compounded by the growth of e-commerce, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He said the use of “messenger” robots is expected to reduce labor shortages.
He said: “Hopefully the use of the autonomous mobile robot, such as this test, can provide a better customer experience. It can potentially spawn new business models and will hopefully mean we can scale without relying on manpower as a step. limiting “.
He added that Punggol was chosen as the testbed due to its relatively young demographics. The farm’s infrastructure also allows robots to move smoothly, for example through paths and ramps.
Little effort is needed on the part of the consumer when opting for robotic delivery.
After purchasing food from the FairPrice store in Punggol Oasis Terraces, all the consumer has to do is drop off the items at the supermarket concierge and then, either by informing staff or via a mobile app, arrange for the “Courier” deliver the goods to your block at a specified time.
Robots can be rented from 10 a.m. M. A 7 p. M. From Monday to Friday and from 10 a.m. M. At 2 p. M. Saturdays. They are not rented on Sundays or holidays.
Those who buy products online will use the same app to indicate their preferred mode of delivery once the items arrive at the shipping center.
Consumers will be notified through the app when the robot is en route and when it reaches the destination.
In addition to groceries, the robot could also deliver other items, such as medicine.
A QR code means that only an authorized person will be able to retrieve the products from the robot, which will wait about 10 minutes before returning to the shipping center.
The trial will not only pave the way for the wider use of robots for on-demand delivery. It will also allow an evaluation of the technologies required in artificial intelligence for navigation, obstacle detection and avoidance, as well as the necessary infrastructure, such as communication systems and road networks. Viable business models will be studied for commercial viability.
The two Otsaw robots, each weighing 80 kg, have passed LTA’s safety assessment for supervised use of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
The speed of the robot is limited to walking speeds of approximately 5 km / h, and each robot will be accompanied by a security officer during the test.
Christine Chong, 53, of Punggol, who picked up her purchases from the robot on Thursday, found it convenient.
Ms. Chong, who visits the supermarket at least once a week, said: “Usually I can’t buy all the heavy things together because my muscle strength is quite weak, so I have to make several trips to the supermarket. I can let the robot deliver all my heavy stuff and I don’t have to walk that far to pick it up. “
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