Yesterday, when the news about Amazon’s delivery robot went through the press, I had a little déjà -vu from my time in Estonia. Scout, the retail giant’s small robot delivery service, is very similar to Starship Technologies’ delivery robot, which makes the streets of Tallinn unsafe. The automatic helper has already impressed me there. Thanks to Amazon he is now on his way to conquer the world.
Amazon Scout (Source: amazon)
It was, of course, only a matter of time before Amazon would deploy the first delivery robots. Amazon has been researching robotics for years and is constantly bringing new innovations onto the market or into warehouses, albeit frequently for logistics purposes. With Scout, they now want to make their research results available to the general public.
The founders of the aforementioned start-up Starship Technologies are enthusiastic about the developments at Amazon, according to an interview with The Verge:
“We’re huge believers in autonomous delivery robots. As the company that created this category, it’s great to see others realizing the potential.” – Starship Technologies
The details about Amazons Scout are still a bit thin. The Scout has six wheels, is battery operated and moves forward at walking pace. It fits various delivery items, from groceries to fresh foods such as pizza.
Amazon is initially using only six of the robot assistants for the pilot program. Between Monday and Friday, the small suppliers, accompanied by supervisors, will deliver parcels and check their efficiency and safety.
In the long term, however, the scouts are to expand the delivery processes of the eCommerce giant and design them autonomously.
What do you think? Does a development like Scout have the potential to fundamentally change delivery?
Post picture: amazon
