Delivery bots are on the rise, literally. These robots are growing not just in technological savvy but also in physical size. Traditionally, delivery robots have been small, nimble machines, primarily navigating sidewalks to complete tasks. But now, innovation in the field has brought about larger, more advanced robots capable of sharing public roads with traditional vehicles.
One notable example is Clevon, which has been actively operating and delivering on public roads for over three years in six different countries. While the image of autonomous vehicles is often associated with robotaxis for human passengers, Clevon diverges from this path, focusing solely on logistics and delivery. Their latest creation, CLEVON 1, is a driverless, electric-powered platform-based robot designed for versatility and efficiency on public roads.
The benefits of using such driverless delivery robots are multifaceted. These vehicles are lighter after eliminating the need for a driver on board and the associated cabin and safety systems. Firstly, from an energy efficiency standpoint, they address the inefficiency of using large vehicles for small deliveries, such as a conventional vehicle delivering a single pizza. This approach significantly reduces energy consumption and emissions. Secondly, the safety aspect is noteworthy. Lighter and lower-speed vehicles pose a lower risk to pedestrians in the event of an accident.
A key advantage of driverless robots is their capability for teleoperation, which allows teleoperators to control or supervise these robots from thousands of miles away. Clevon’s record is 8,500 miles—operating robots from Texas to Estonia and vice versa. This aspect of technology not only makes the delivery process more efficient but also opens up new job opportunities. A single teleoperator can oversee multiple robots simultaneously, enhancing productivity. This multi-robot management approach represents a significant leap in operational efficiency, combining human oversight with the precision and reliability of robotic delivery systems.
This system acts as a safety fallback, where a teleoperator can remotely intervene in challenging situations and plays a crucial role in building legal and public trust. This feature demonstrates a commitment to safety and reliability, essential factors in obtaining the necessary legal approvals, and public confidence for operating such advanced technology in shared urban spaces.
As the world of autonomous delivery evolves, there’s a gradual but noticeable shift in legal frameworks and public perception. Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly recognizing the need to adapt legal structures to accommodate these innovative technologies. For example, Clevon’s robot is street-legal in five different states in the US. Simultaneously, the public is becoming more accustomed to the presence of delivery robots on their streets. This growing familiarity and acceptance are crucial in paving the way for a future where autonomous delivery bots are an integral part of urban infrastructure and daily life.
Innovators can’t afford to simply wait for legal and social norms to catch up. Instead, they’re proactively shaping the future, paving the way for broader acceptance and integration of these technologies.
