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Delivery Robots Take a Trial Lap Around Tokyo

Technology Convenience Stores Robots Stay Home

Project officials have begun testing in Tokyo the use of delivery robots that handle orders from multiple stores. In the trial, a customer uses a smartphone to place orders from up to four participating shops. The orders are sent to the stores and to the delivery company.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ-vZTDykcg

A delivery person goes to pick up the goods and places them inside a robot’s container. The vehicle then carries the load to the destination, accompanied by a staffer. When the robot arrives, a notice is sent to the customer, who uses a QR code on the smartphone to open the container door.

Currently, the robot needs support from human staff when picking up and delivering the products. Officials are aiming to operate the robot remotely to reduce human contact. They are considering parking the robots at gas stations for charging. The robot delivery is expected to begin in fiscal 2022.