In a move aimed at revolutionizing the delivery industry, Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. have unveiled a new design for their DAL-e Delivery robot.
The robot, which the companies said improves on the delivery robot introduced in December 2022, is designed to enhance delivery performance, particularly in complex settings such as offices and shopping malls.
Hyundai iterates on mobile robot design
In December 2022, Hyundai Motor Group started two pilot delivery service programs using autonomous robots based on its Plug & Drive (PnD) modular platform at a hotel and a residential commercial complex in the outskirts of Seoul. This latest mobile robot release iterates on that initial pilot program and product design.
Hyundai is also the controlling owner of robotics company Boston Dynamics, having paid $880 million to acquire the ownership from SoftBank.
“DAL-e Delivery offers efficient and reliable food and beverage (F&B) and parcel dispatch services to ensure customers receive goods promptly,” according to Dong Jin Hyun, vice president and head of the Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor and Kia. “Our vision extends to implementing infrastructure interworking across diverse spaces, including offices, restaurants, and shopping malls.”
The new version of the mobile robot features an upright, square center column with an embedded, and locked cargo area. On top of the robot is a touchscreen user interface to communicate with the users and launch the robot on its delivery missions. The sensors on the robot are discreetly integrated, giving the robot a sleek aesthetic.
Built on Hyundai Plug & Drive
The robot leverages four Hyundai Plug & Drive (PnD) modules, which combines a motor with steering, suspension, braking systems, and environmental recognition sensors. The PnD module concept is core to Hyundai’s various mobility platform, as the company attempts to engineer the building blocks for mobility and automation that can be used for any new product concept.
It can drive up to 1,200 mm/s (2.68 mph), and the free-moving PnD modules enable omnidirectional motion. DAL-e also features advanced autonomous driving technology to recognize obstacles and easily navigate congested areas.
The robot’s enhanced suspension provides a steady ride over bumps in the floor, ensuring stable delivery.
DAL-e to navigate complex environments
The development of the DAL-e Delivery robot is a significant step towards improving the delivery industry, particularly in complex indoor environments.
With its advanced design and features, the robot is poised to revolutionize the way goods are delivered, providing a more efficient, reliable, and seamless experience for customers.
