Ottonomy Inc., a developer of mobile robots for curbside, last-mile, and indoor deliveries, has announced a strategic partnership with Harbor Lockers, an on-demand public marketplace locker network platform. The companies will collaborate on Ottonomy’s customized locker-on-robot called the Ottobot Locker.
The partnership will augment Harbor Lockers’ existing locker network for first- and last-mile delivery in the San Francisco Bay Area. Ottobot Locker will run on Harbor’s app ecosystem. The partners said it will add a new dimension to fixed smart lockers.
“Harbor is focused on how lockers can innovate logistics and the future of customer experience with new services and applications,” said Tad W. Jenkins, said general manager of Harbor Lockers, in a release. “This strategic partnership will be the first autonomous delivery partnership of its kind. We are excited to be at the forefront of innovation for contactless customer service while fulfilling our vision of creating the world’s largest public locker network.”
Ottonomy customizes technology for partnership
Ottonomy customized its patented Level 4 autonomous system for the development of the Ottobot Locker. The company said this allowed it to create streamlined services for end customers in a hyperlocal space for pickup, drop-off, and delivery.
“Our autonomous robot technology is changing the way brands can meet growing customer demands,” said Ritukar Vijay, co-founder and CEO of Ottonomy. “This partnership with Harbor Lockers is the first of its kind. Ottobot Lockers is a game changer in the industry, which is not only focusing on quick commerce, but [also] drop, pickup, and delivery to enable a variety of businesses.”
The partnership is backed by a strategic investment from Locker One Ventures, the venture arm of Assa Abloy.
Ottobot Locker is a new initiative that aims to add mobility to fixed smart lockers. With Ottobot Locker, businesses can strategically move their lockers, enhancing overall service coverage.
Ottonomy’s delivery robots tackle a variety of situations
Ottonomy’s delivery robots, called OttoBots, have been deployed in airports, city sidewalks, and more doing last-mile deliveries.
Last year, the company completed a proof-of-concept (PoC) demonstration at the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport near Rome. Following the successful demonstration. ADR Ventures announced its initial venture investment in the company.
During the PoC, Ottonomy reached the following benchmarks at the Fiumicino International Airport:
- More than 150 km (93.2 mi.) traveled in terminals by Ottobots
- Zero accidents at the airport
- More than 300 clients used the service
- Three minutes delivery time on average
Last year, Ottonomy also deployed robots in Spain with the help of Goggo Network, a European last- and middle-mile logistics company. Starting in Alcobendas and Zaragoza, Spain, the company’s robots use public sidewalks to make last-mile deliveries for Goggo’s partner network of retailers and restaurants.
