Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor) and Kia Corporation (Kia) have unveiled the design of their upgraded autonomous Dal-e Delivery robot.
The robot is hoped to improve the pair’s joint delivery offering, particularly in dynamic environments like offices and shopping malls, and builds upon the delivery robot introduced in December 2022.
With upgrades to the robot’s design being informed by a previous pilot project, Dal-e Delivery has apparently undergone substantial improvements in design and performance to ensure a swift and reliable delivery service within indoor environments.
“Dal-e Delivery offers efficient and reliable F&B and parcel dispatch services to ensure customers receive goods promptly. Our vision extends to implementing infrastructure interworking across diverse spaces, including offices, restaurants and shopping malls,” said Dong Jin Hyun, vice president and head of robotics lab at Hyundai Motor and Kia.
The new design features a square column with rounded corners, which was brought in to enhance driving stability, plus discreetly integrated sensors.
Equipped with four plug & drive (PnD) modules, Dal-e Delivery can reportedly reach speeds of up to 1.2 m/s, navigate congested areas autonomously and recognise obstacles to ensure smooth deliveries.
Smaller in size than its predecessor, but with a larger internal cargo space, Dal-e Delivery was designed to hold up to 16 cups of coffee and transport items weighing up to 10kg.
A built-in light inside the cargo space helps the robot recognise items, while AI facial identification technology enables it to identify recipients upon arrival.
Deployments of Dal-e Delivery are scheduled to begin in the second quarter of this year, starting with IGIS Asset Management’s ‘Factorial Seongsu’ in Seoul. This smart office building, which is set to open in April, represents a strategic move towards commercialising robot-friendly environments, according to Hyundai and Kia.
