DPD has announced that it will be using AI-powered robots to make short deliveries in the UK, expanding the fleet after a successful trial run.
Robot AI technology
The combination of robots and AI technology has already been integrated into a wide variety of applications, whether we know it or not, with many industries capitalising on specific technology known as Robotic Process Automation (RPA). RPA is also known as Rule-based Process Automation, due to the fact it operates on a set of pre-programmed rules – in other words, this technology is not Machine Learning, and simply follows the required set rules.
Typically, RPA is used in business settings to automate repetitive tasks such as bookkeeping, invoice checking, data extraction, file migration, logistics calculations, and so on. More unique applications include the online casino industry. This introduction of RPA into online casinos has been spearheaded by various brands, with the aim to use the technology to automate background tasks and streamline the user experience. For example, when users play roulette online for real money, RPA can be used to ensure that the game is fair, communication is effective, and everything runs smoothly, ultimately providing the opportunity to elevate customer satisfaction.
Potentially the most common use of robot AI technology, however, is chatbots. These bots are equipped to handle simple queries, taking the pressure off customer service offerings. With all this in mind, virtual robots have typically been used to automate time-consuming tasks to free employees up for more value-adding tasks.
However, with DPD’s announcement, robotic automation is traversing from the virtual to the physical realm.
DPD rolling out robot deliveries
After a reportedly successful trial back in 2022 in Milton Keynes, DPD will continue its partnership with AI robotics brand Cartken to introduce robot deliveries across various towns and cities in the UK in the next 12 months. It is said that the robots will make their way to 10 locations over the next year, starting with Northamptonshire.
These robots will be able to travel within one mile of up to 30 different DPD depots. The robots will travel along the footpaths using cameras for navigation, making them the first to be approved to do so. This is down to Cartken’s level 4 autonomy and innovative navigation technology, which has earned the title of one of the safest delivery solutions available.
The first location to receive the robots will be Raunds in Northamptonshire. The robots will pick up the parcels from its Warth Park depot, storing them in one of three separate compartments. The robot will traverse the pavement network to deliver the parcels and can continue to do so for up to 12 hours.
In order to make the delivery system efficient, the recipient of the parcel will receive a notification that they will be granted robot delivery. Once they have confirmed they will be present to receive the delivery, the robot will begin its journey. The recipient can then track the robot throughout the journey, and receive notification when it has arrived. A pre-sent code can then be used to open the respective compartment to unlock the parcel, which dispatches the robot to its next location.
The robots are just one part of DPD’s wider sustainability initiative, as they look to reduce the carbon emissions produced during their delivery service. As such, the robots should prove to be a more sustainable alternative for short-range deliveries, and make these deliveries more efficient.
