PostBOT deliveries
Deutsche Post DHL Group is testing the use of its PostBOT delivery robot in the German town of Bad Hersfeld. The self-propelled electric PostBOTs will accompany the mail carriers on their routes and can carry up to six post trays, or up to 150kg.
“Day in and day out, our delivery staff performs outstanding but exhausting work. We’re constantly working on new solutions to allow our employees to handle this physically challenging work even as they continue to age,” said Jürgen Gerdes, CEO of the Post – eCommerce – Parcel division at Deutsche Post DHL Group.
“We are already using a variety of tools in this regard, including e-Bikes and e-Trikes for postal deliveries, and are now also looking at innovative robot applications. This current test is expected to deliver important insights into how we can further develop the delivery process for our employees.”
The PostBOT was custom-built, based on a robot from the French company Effidence S.A.S, with input from the delivery staff of Deutsche Post to ensure that it met their specific needs for transporting letters and packages.
The robot’s sensors track the legs of the mail carrier, following behind them automatically throughout the entire route. It can navigate around obstacles or stop when needed.
The test will initially run for roughly six weeks, followed by a period of assessment. Insights from this trial will then flow into another round of tests and improvements.
