Robomart, a Los Angeles-based company, has introduced a new delivery robot, the RM5, aimed at enhancing the economic feasibility of on-demand delivery. The vehicle is classified as a level-four autonomous machine, resembling the size of a shuttle bus and capable of carrying up to 500 pounds. Unlike traditional delivery robots, the RM5 has no space for a human driver and features 10 individual lockers designed for customer orders, enabling it to deliver multiple items in a single trip.
The co-founder and chief strategy officer, Emad Suhail Rahim, stated that Robomart strives to provide a profitable channel for retailers while offering consumers affordable delivery options. The company plans to launch a dedicated app, similar to existing services like Instacart and Uber Eats, where customers can select items from various retailers and restaurants. Robomart has set a delivery charge of $3 per order, which it claims avoids markups, service fees, and tips.
Robomart asserts that their operational costs will be 70 percent lower than those of human couriers; however, details on how this figure was reached have not been disclosed. The concept of robot delivery faces a number of challenges, including the significant initial investments required for hardware and AI technology. The RM5 is designed to operate at low speeds, with a maximum of 25 mph and an electric range of 112 miles. Each of its climate-controlled lockers can hold approximately 50 pounds.
Once an order is placed, the RM5 will visit a retailer for pickup before undertaking delivery routes that can be adjusted dynamically based on orders. The company has been testing its services for several years and is set to launch in Austin, Texas later this year, having partnered with retailers like Ahold Delhaize and Mars. Robomart has secured less than $5 million in funding since its inception in 2018.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/765167/robomart-autonomous-food-delivery-locker-rm5