The Hyundai Motor Group has developed next-generation delivery robots based on key future automotive technologies such as electrification and autonomous driving.
The group has launched a pilot autonomous delivery service that utilizes robots in the mixed-use development ‘Gwanggyo Alleyway’ located in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, and at the ‘Rolling Hills Hotel’ in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do.
The robots deployed for the delivery service are based on the Plug-and-Drive (PnD) module that Hyundai unveiled during CES this January.
The PnD module, which allows for free movement, is integrated with autonomous driving technology, allowing the robots to find the optimal delivery paths in given environments. Additionally, they can dodge obstacles seamlessly without stopping, enabling faster and safer deliveries compared to traditional service robots.
The delivery robots are equipped with a storage unit mounted on the PnD module, enabling them to store and carry items. Screens can be installed on the upper side to provide necessary information to customers, and shelves can be attached to hand over required items to them.
The service recently launched at Gwanggyo Alleyway features a Door-to-Door (D2D) delivery system, where robots deliver food ordered by customers from a shopping center connected to the mixed-use development directly to their apartment doors.
Using wireless communication, the delivery robots can open the main entrance of the apartment complex to enter and, in coordination with the elevator control system, call the elevator to deliver items to the respective apartments.
This service is part of a memorandum of understanding established last March between Hyundai Motor Group and Woowa Brothers to develop delivery robotics. The group is committed to continuously improving technology and services through diverse on-site pilot operations for outdoor delivery robots.
Additionally, the pilot operation at the Rolling Hills Hotel is conducted from 8 PM to 10 PM to explore various services tailored to accommodation facilities and enhance technology.
Guests can order simple food and amenities via a KakaoTalk chatbot without needing to install a separate app. The robots deliver the ordered items or food directly to the guests’ doorsteps, and real-time delivery tracking is also available.
The delivery robots operating in the hotel utilize a deep learning-based algorithm to perceive the environment and recognize individuals. They can detect when a guest’s door opens and identify the person, allowing them to automatically open their storage compartment without the guest needing to touch anything. The robots can also differentiate between service target customers, providing appropriate screens and vocal messages.
Moreover, the robots can move between floors using elevators without human assistance and determine whether to wait for the next elevator if there are too many people inside.
The technology allowing robots to freely navigate indoors and outdoors to deliver food right to the doorstep is considered a significant innovation in last-mile delivery, garnering attention from the logistics and distribution industry.
According to industry reports, the last stage of the transport process, which includes taking the elevator to the door step, consumes approximately 53% of the total costs, indicating that last-mile delivery has a significant impact on the overall efficiency of distribution.
Hyundai Motor Group plans to enhance their service based on the results from this pilot project and gradually increase the number and operational hours of the delivery robots.
Hyun Dong-jin, head of the Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor Group, stated, “The delivery robots developed based on the PnD module, which can be shared, feature smooth evasive autonomous driving, allowing for faster and safer deliveries even in complex environments. Through this pilot project, we aim to steadily expand into various spaces in need of delivery services, like large resorts.”
A representative from Woowa Brothers remarked, “The robot delivery service is expected to create new order demand by being utilized for short-distance deliveries, which often struggle with dispatch and in mixed-use establishments. We are confident that this collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and Woowa Brothers will initiate the advancement of the delivery service industry.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr