US unveils world’s first underground robot delivery service

The United States recently showed the world’s first underground robot delivery service. US-based logistics firm Pipedream created it for the Peachtree Corners in collaboration with Curiosity Labs in Georgia. Soon, its creators believe it could reduce emissions and achieve hyper logistics, which involves delivering items in less than 10 minutes.

More experts worldwide are developing smart cities that aim to improve communities with cutting-edge technologies. Pipedream’s underground delivery system might become one of the essentials for creating such an urban environment. As a result, future societies could lead us to a brighter and more sustainable future.

This article will elaborate on the United State’s underground robot delivery service. Next, I will discuss the latest delivery innovations, such as drone deliveries.

How does the underground robot delivery service work?

Pipedream designed its delivery service as an underground tunnel system that links directly to households in Peachtree Corners. Totes or wheeled robots run along its tracks, delivering various goods. 

An above-ground interface called a portal accommodates orders weighing up to 40 lbs or 18 kg. It has temperature control and ample space for weekly groceries and family meals. 

Interesting Engineering says its autonomous electric robot can reach 40 mph or 64 kph to deliver goods quickly and efficiently. Moreover, off-the-shelf pipes reinforce its rail network with 90-degree turns for enhanced agility and navigational capabilities. 

The logistics company’s network spans nearly 1 mile or 1.6 km, linking a shopping center to Curiosity Lab’s 25,000 sq. ft. or 2,322.5 sq.m smart city innovation hub.

Curiosity Lab members can order numerous food and on-demand convenience items during peak lunch hours from Monday to Friday. Place an order, and the underground robot delivery robots navigate the tunnel to transport goods. 

You may also like: Robots on call for Singapore home deliveries

Its creators say it could minimize traffic congestion and pollution in Peachtree Corners. After all, the underground bots can replace the delivery vehicles on the road. 

The system also aims to solve the challenges of last-mile logistics. Insider Intelligence says it refers to the problem “when a package’s real-time status online reads ‘out for delivery,’ but customers still have to wait for an extended period of time before they receive it.”

“By bringing the delivery system underground and directly to the customer, Pipedream is showcasing the future of logistics technology that will not only bring added convenience to our residents and businesses but also reduce traffic, noise, and emissions from delivery vehicles on our roads,” said Brandon Branham, Assistant City Manager and CTO of Peachtree Corners.

Other delivery innovations

Pipedream is revolutionizing underground deliveries, but Zipline is taking them to the skies. It uses Platform 1 or P1 drones to deliver up to 5 lbs of cargo across a 60-mile radius.

It looks and works like a regular airplane. The company uses a catapult system to launch the Zipline drone quickly into the air. Then, an artificial intelligence system enables the unmanned aerial vehicle to locate and reach the delivery location automatically.

Once it reaches its destination, the drone drops the package from the air. Of course, parachutes ensure deliveries land softly and safely. Afterward, the drone automatically returns to the landing pad. Then, the user could swap out the batteries for a new one for the next flight.

Zipline became Rwanda’s national drone delivery provider six years ago, efficiently delivering blood bags, medicines, and vaccines. Also, NASA is developing a lunar delivery service.

You may also like: AI algorithm prepares for drone-filled future

Hearing “lunar delivery” might make you think of your Amazon driver dropping off packages at the International Space Station. However, only 14 companies will conduct deliveries under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. 

They will deliver various payloads for NASA, “including payload integration and operations, launching from Earth and landing on the service of the Moon. The space agency said these shipments will “perform science experiments, test technologies, and demonstrate capabilities to help NASA explore the moon and prepare for human missions.”

NASA believes CLPS would “radically” increase the science we could achieve. “This high-risk, higher-reward initiative will invest in and leverage the entrepreneurial spirit of American innovation to launch a commercial, lunar marketplace, advancing technology, and exploration for all of us,” the video above said.

Conclusion

The United States announced the world’s first underground robot delivery service. It is a subterranean network where robots deliver goods to households directly.

It is only active in Peachtree Corners in the US state of Georgia at the time of writing. However, your country may deploy a similar system soon. 

After all, more countries, such as Japan and Indonesia, are developing smart cities. Check out more digital tips and trends at Inquirer Tech.