When talking about high tech and latest information system,
I always wonder that it is good that my company (Pos Malaysia Berhad) to
implement high tech such as a self-driving parcel-delivery
robots in our services. The theme ‘Delivering More, Connecting
People’ reflects our ongoing commitment as the nation’s designated postal
operator to deliver accessible and affordable services at all times as well as
being the link that connects people from all walks of life across the country,
and beyond as well as in the era of information technology.
But, what is a self driving vehicle? Self-driving vehicles have been defined as “vehicles in which
operation occurs without direct driver input to control the steering,
acceleration, and braking”,1 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. In this type of vehicle, the driver is “not expected to constantly
monitor the roadway while operating in self-driving mode”. In the context of self-driving parcel delivery robots, it is a futuristic solution for the fully automated delivery of goods
is the self-driving parcel. This would be able to control its own integrity (ensuring
the correct temperature and appropriate handling throughout its journey) and
find its own way directly to the recipient.
A self -driving parcel delivery robots is a futuristic
solution for the fully automated delivery of goods is the self-driving
parcel. Previously, Starship Technologies, a British robotics startup
launched by two founders of the online video conference network Skype, has
announced plans to begin U.S. trials of its fleet of single-package,
self-driving delivery vehicles by April 2016.
The company however has not yet released the sites of those
tests or the names of organizations involved, but is launching initial tests
now in the U.K.
The service is intended to replace last-mile, urban delivery
vans with fleets of small robots. Each battery-powered vehicle can carry a
small parcel or grocery bag within a three-mile radius of Starship's parcel
hubs.
By allowing parcel carriers to drop all their packages at a
single drop-off point instead of visiting every address, the system would save
money compared to conventional delivery routes.
Starship robots look like six-wheeled picnic coolers loaded
with sensors and a tall antenna. They travel on pedestrian sidewalks, using
their sensors to navigate, cross streets, and avoid collisions, the company
says. Human controllers track the 40-pound robots throughout the trip and can
seize control from a machine at any time.
Consumers awaiting deliveries can track their parcels
through a smartphone app as the robot travels to them, then unlock the robot
when it arrives by entering a secure code on their phones.
Self-driving vehicles are already deployed in a range of
applications across a number of different industries. These working examples provide
inspiration for the use of autonomous driving in logistics, and also highlight best
practice. In Postal services, DHL also in the midst to implement self-driving autonomous vehicle inclusively the self-driving parcel delivery robots. Ideally the self-driving robot is look like the Starship robot.
(Source: http://www.delivering-tomorrow.de/wp
content/uploads/2015/08/dhl_self_driving_vehicles.pdf)
Thus, to imagine how can a self-driving parcel delivery robots work you may watch this video:
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEWfsVPqKi4
Never heard of such self driving machines. May be these are for small and perishable goods. My sister sent few protein shakes and toys for my son. Received parcel through Delivery services Fort Worth yesterday morning. Was amazed to see the quality wrapping and prices charged are less as well.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this article, and found it quite informative. And especially the part about driving machines. Thanks for sharing! I generally prefer WPS to send parcel to Spain and would recommend it to all.
ReplyDelete