BOT DROP
DPD set to roll out fleet of robo-posties which can drop off parcels at EIGHT homes on single run
There are also plans for it to be used as a drop-off point for punters to send parcels
A MAJOR courier firm is to roll out a fleet of robo-posties which can drop off parcels at eight homes on one run.
DPD plans a UK-wide introduction of the 70kg capacity, four-wheeled autonomous bots that can run for six hours on a single charge.
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The “Ottobot” — which can be juiced up on its return to depot — uses light sensors and cameras to navigate busy streets.
Customers are notified it is outside their home by text, which includes a one-time PIN for them to access their parcel.
There are also plans for it to be used as a drop-off point for punters to send parcels.
The Ottobot will first be seen in Milton Keynes, Bucks, before a nationwide roll-out.
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It is the first of its size to be deployed by the firm, which introduced smaller bots in 2022.
Marketing director Tim Jones said: “This is the next chapter for us in terms of autonomous deliveries after a very successful roll-out across different locations.
“It’s well over two years since we began autonomous robot deliveries and the customer feedback continues to be incredibly positive.
“We’ve also learned a lot in terms of how best to deploy the technology and how to maximise the effectiveness of the robots day to day.
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“Ottobot potentially gives us a massive uplift in terms of productivity, with the ability to deliver up to eight parcels at a time before the robot needs to return to the depot to be reloaded.”
In 2020, the Co-op was the first firm to use autonomous robots in the UK. Its Starship bots were also piloted in Milton Keynes before being introduced nationwide.
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