Swiss Post will continue using Starship delivery robots for last-mile deliveries in several locations throughout Switzerland, following from the success of recent trials held in partnership with online retailer Jelmoli in Zurich.
In the past six weeks, the three trial robots have completed almost 170 deliveries within the city center to locations chosen by recipients. This equates to a total of 375km (233 miles). The next test will take place in Dübendorf and is expected to last for a year. It will focus on integrating the technology into existing supply chains.
Potential applications include food deliveries, sending medical products, and same-day delivery of special items. From November they will be used to deliver contact lenses for the Discountlens online shop.
Regarding the trial in Zurich, the delivery robots were accompanied and monitored by specially trained employees while on their delivery rounds. They only needed to intervene occasionally, such as in the case of unexpected obstacles on the pathway.
October 17, 2017