SAN FRANCISCO: On Wednesday, Amazon began deploying refrigerator-sized robots, called “Scout,” to deliver to customers in a neighborhood outside Seattle.
The robot vehicle, created by Amazon, is electric, has wheels and guides itself along sidewalks at a walking pace, according to Sean Scott, the project's vice president.
Amazon is the latest entrant into the robotic or autonomous delivery market, aimed at transporting meals or other goods to customers.
"We developed Amazon 'Scout' in our research and development lab in Seattle, ensuring that the devices can safely and effectively navigate around pets, pedestrians, and anything else in their path," Scott said in a post introducing the delivery system.
He described the “Scout” as a robot the size of a “small refrigerator” and said six of them are delivering packages to Amazon customers in a neighborhood near Seattle.
“Customers in Snohomish County are ordering as normal and Amazon packages are being delivered either by one of our trusted partners or by Scout,” Scott said.
The delivery robots will move automatically to their destinations, only during the day, Monday through Friday, but accompanied by Amazon employees.
The results of the Scout experiment will determine whether the system will be expanded.
Amazon has developed an extensive logistics network as it works to efficiently deliver goods to customers while controlling costs.
The Seattle-based online retailer and others are working on ways to improve ordering.
Chinese retail giant JD.com is using delivery robots, as are several startups operating in the United States and Europe. Estonia-based Starship Technologies has tested its operation in Washington, and another company, KiwiBot, is delivering to American university students.
