Japan to test first delivery robot

Japan is paving the way for autonomous delivery robots to become part of everyday life, with social distancing efforts required during the coronavirus pandemic making the push all the more vital, Report says, citing Mainichi.

The coronavirus crisis has increased the appeal of services that allow for reduced human contact, and Japanese firms are counting on the potential of robots that can, in the not so distant future, deliver a range of products from nearby warehouses or shops to consumers.

In August, an autonomous delivery robot developed by ZMP Inc., dubbed the DeliRo, will deliver Japanese soba noodle dishes to customers in a trial in Tokyo.

Customers can place orders via tablet devices during the event from Aug. 12 to 16 near JR Takanawa Gateway Station, make a cashless payment, and have their food delivered by the robot within a designated area.
"We want to explore what kinds of autonomous delivery services are possible and what the DeliRo can offer when new lifestyles are called for amid the coronavirus outbreak," a ZMP official said.

The DeliRo, measuring about 1 meter in height with a load capacity of 50 kilograms, can detect and avoid obstacles blocking its way using advanced autonomous driving tech. It travels at a maximum speed of 6 kilometers per hour.