Ford Motor Company and Agility Robotics have joined efforts do design and produce a range of automatic delivery bots that would be able to work together with autonomous aerial delivery drones. The companies claim a tandem like this would eliminate the need for human couriers.
Meet Digit, a lwo-legged android capable of transporting packages weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 lbs). It can find its own way around obstacles, climb and descend steps, and keep its balance in the event of a collision. Agility Robotics says its creation could be useful for running the last part of the delivery route to the client, with an aerial drone or other means of transportation handling the rest of the route.
Once deactivated, the small bot easily fits inside the trunk area of a self-driving car. When active, it uses on-board cameras and sensors to find its way around. It can also connect to the car’s navigation system to request an optimum delivery route.
Photos: theverge.com