SameDay Bot designed to fulfill same-day delivery needs for customers, businesses
Imagine needing a last-minute product for a project, but instead of leaving the house to get it, you simply order it online and a robot delivers it to your door the same day?
No need to imagine it. Lowe’s and FedEx are collaborating to better understand customers’ needs and bring this vision to life.
FedEx announced its latest effort in providing delivery solutions: a same-day delivery, autonomous robot designed to deliver smaller shipments to customers. The FedEx SameDay Bot will soon begin testing in key markets, and ultimately will work with several large retailers, including Lowe’s.
“We’re focused on serving our customers where, when and how they want to be served, and smooth, reliable, timely delivery is critical,” said Don Frieson, Lowe’s executive vice president of supply chain. “The convenience and capability the FedEx SameDay Bot is being designed to offer has the potential to simplify and speed distribution through same-day delivery from your neighborhood Lowe’s. We look forward to exploring possibilities to enhance the service we provide our customers through this innovation – and what this kind of support can mean for our associates.”
Lowe’s is excited to play a role in collaboration efforts with FedEx regarding SameDay Bot. To help FedEx and bot developers create the design and application, Lowe’s is providing information about the unique needs of its customers and delivery needs for our business.
The Bot is being developed to operate on sidewalks and along roadsides, remain stable and avoid obstacles, while negotiating curbs, unpaved surfaces and tight turns. Gyroscopic technology helps keep cargo level and still. And while that agility can simplify access to a busy construction site, same-day, on-site delivery’s greatest value might be allowing contractors to continue working without costly interruptions and delays.
“Consider pros who could save time and money by never leaving the job site for the critical tools and supplies they need from Lowe’s,” Frieson said. “Rising labor wages cost businesses every time a worker leaves to pick up supplies. Then consider the lost productivity from work that remained untouched while they are gone, and we believe professionals will quickly realize the savings of job site delivery.”
FedEx aims to begin testing the bot in select markets this summer.
