The Hyundai Group has started two pilot programs of delivery services with autonomous robots based on the Plug & Drive modular platform at a hotel and residential/commercial complex in the suburbs of Seoul. The delivery robot consists of an integrated storage unit on top of a PnD drive unit. Next to the compartment used for deliveries, one connected screen show information for customers.
Introduced for the first time at CES 2022, the PnD modular platform of the Group is an all-in-one monowheel unit that combines intelligent steering, braking, electric drive and suspension, including a steering actuator for 360-degree rotation. The robotic module moves autonomously with the help of LiDAR sensors and cameras, while the integrated storage unit allows it to transport and deliver products to customers. With the integration of the autonomous driving, the PnD robot can find the optimal route within a space and deliver parcels to recipients, and it is also able to recognize and avoid stationary and moving objects and drive smoothly, ensuring fast delivery times. The Rolling Hills Hotel, one of the companies involved in the Group’s pilot programmes, uses the robot for room service from 20.00 to 22.00 each day, delivering items, food and drinks requested by customers.
The robot in service at the hotel uses an algorithm based on deep learning to recognize the surroundings and people. When the robot arrives in the room, it recognizes the opening of the door and, once it senses the addressee, it automatically opens the glove compartment. The robot is able to communicate appropriately through its screen, also adjusting the tone-of-voice according to the recipient. Also, when moving between floors, the unit can determine the number of people boarding an elevator and wait for the next elevator if the first one is crowded. The self-driving robot is also capable of avoid obstacles and collisionseven in narrow hotel corridors, and can move between floors unaided thanks to the connectivity with elevators, thus completing deliveries following the best path.
“Delivery robots based on the PnD platform speed up delivery times and guarantee a greater security thanks to the use of self-driving technology, which includes the ability to quickly avoid obstacles – commented Dong Jin Hyun, Head of Robotics LAB of Hyundai Motor Group – It is our intention to continue to improve mobility services, comfort, safety and accessibility for customers through our pilot programmes”.
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