Introduces SameDay Bot in collaboration with RTA and DIEZ
FedEx Express recently announced that it has signed a collaboration agreement with Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) to start autonomous trials for Roxo, the FedEx SameDay Bot in the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) community.
The trials are also being conducted under an agreement signed previously with Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) as part of Dubai’s self-driving strategy, a press communique indicated.
Roxo is being designed to be a personal delivery device. Its purpose is to make local same-day deliveries autonomously, with human tele-operators constantly available if intervention is needed, to customers’ homes and businesses.
Roxo is battery powered, is 157 cm tall, and weighs 204 kg with a carrying capacity of 45 kg. Its versatile wheelbase can maneuver through rough and uneven surfaces and climb up and descend from pavements.
Optimized route
The Dubai trial includes creating an optimized route along footpaths and roadsides. Using technologies such as laser detection and ranging sensors (LiDAR), multiple cameras, and radar, and coupled with machine-learning algorithms to avoid obstacles, Roxo, with the assistance of human tele-operators, will navigate a safe path to replicate a door-to-door delivery experience.
The Dubai trial, which FedEx will conduct between Dubai Silicon Oasis Headquarters and Dubai Digital Park, will be the first time Roxo’s autonomous capabilities are tested outside of the United States.
“FedEx is committed to building the future of the logistics and transportation industry. Dubai, with its world-class infrastructure and highly adaptable market for new technologies, is an ideal location for the international mapping and testing of the Roxo autonomous bot,” commented Taarek Hinedi, Vice President, FedEx Express Middle East and Africa Operations.
“In line with its role within the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, DIEZ is committed to continue working closely with authorities and businesses to assess innovative solutions and roll them out at our integrated technology park,” remarked Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, Chief Engineering and Smart City Officer, DIEZ.
Huge potential
“The first mile last mile delivery bots have a huge potential to bring convenience and faster service to different communities in Dubai,” noted Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems, RTA.
The Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy aims to have 25% of total trips in Dubai through autonomous modes of transportation by 2030. In line with the strategy, on-demand and hyper-localized delivery technologies like Roxo represent a potential for artificial intelligence, robotics, and automated transportation.
Roxo is being designed to optimize autonomous last-mile delivery service by offering a lightweight, reduced-emission solution.
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