FedEx debuts stair-climbing robot to bring pizza, packages to your door

FedEx is now joining Amazon in the race to be the champion of robotic short-range deliveries.  The company is now experimenting with their new “FedEx SameDay Bot,” which would deliver packages or even pizzas to people’s front doors.

The robots are battery-powered, has a top speed of 10 mph, and is designed to traverse sidewalks, streets and even stairs.  It has radar, laser-based LIDAR mapping tools and multiple cameras to accomplish the task.

FedEx says the robots are autonomous, meaning they can steer around people and traffic using the LIDAR sensors similar to the ones in self-driving cars.  FedEx Executive Vice President Brie Carer told Fox Business the robots will be able to go up curbs, go on paved or unpaved surfaces, and even climb stairs.

The announcement comes not long after Amazon announced the "Amazon Scout," which is their own autonomous vehicle that could deliver packages.  Amazon follows Domino's and Pepsi, who are also rolling out robotic delivery methods in specific parts of the world.

According to the Sun Sentinel, FedEx is teaming up with Pizza Hut, Walmart, Walgreens and other companies on their new delivery program.  FedEx said the robots will be tested in multiple cities pending approval. They would complement FedEx's existing same-day delivery service, which relies on actual human employees.

According to CNBC, shippers and retailers are experimenting more with robots, drones and self-driving cars as they try to use automatic to drive down delivery costs for what's known as the "last mile."  The "last mile" refers to the final step of the logistics process: getting some from the warehouse or (pizza) kitchen to someone's front door.