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efeuCampus: First autonomous delivery robot goes into operation
The efeuCampus Bruchsal GmbH has developed and now presented Germany's first autonomous driving vehicle robot. The robot, realized in collaboration with SEW-Eurodrive and other project partners such as the big. bechtold group, FZI Research Center for Information Technology, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences - Technology and Economics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) as well as PTV Group, delivers parcels to residents on the last mile. At the same time, the robots take back returns or waste. For safe operation, the company, which claims to be Germany's first innovation center for autonomous urban goods logistics, has ensured the latest sensor technology.
Next step: From indoors to outdoors
According to SEW-Eurodrive, a manufacturer of driverless transport systems, autonomous vehicle robots have been in productive operation for some time. These move at walking speed in the factory and function as assistants in the context of human-machine collaboration. efeuCampus is now bringing these robots into the outdoor area. Numerous adjustments to the new environment were necessary for this, such as weather resistance and a certain climbing ability for curbs or inclines, as well as the ability to navigate independently on routes in a significantly larger and more complex area and to recognize all surrounding objects.
"It is a completely different interaction than in a factory. They must react in time if an unexpected obstacle appears, such as a child playing and running after a ball," explain the developers.
Redundant: Reliable Safety Concepts and Sensors
These adaptations have only become possible through innovative technologies. For instance, the 5G mobile standard enables smooth communication between robotic vehicles and is absolutely necessary, as 4G is not sufficient here. In addition, a camera technology is used that recognizes objects based on neural networks (artificial intelligence). Furthermore, state-of-the-art laser scanners are employed. The sensor fusion of both components is intended to ensure that the weaknesses of one technology are compensated by the other. This guarantees that the robots, moving at walking speed, can react correctly to any event and stop if necessary, assures the provider.
Wireless: Inductive Charging is Key
The inductive charging technology from SEW also allows for automatic, contactless recharging – in the future even for cargo bikes and e-sprinters, as announced. The specially developed axle technology and chassis kinematics (all-wheel drive with four individually driven wheels) are set to make the robots fit for road use.
How the Parcel Delivery of the Future Works
The robot is also supposed to fit into the model of a future delivery process. In this scenario, the provider envisions micro depots located on the outskirts of the city or in a specific urban area. Courier, express, and parcel services would hand over the goods to autonomous vehicles at these depots. The recipient could then order the package to be delivered to them via an app when they are at home (synchronous delivery), or use a drop-off station to retrieve it at any time (asynchronous delivery), as further illustrated. Authentication would also be done via the app. In any case, the packages would reach the recipient reliably, securely, and contactlessly, it is promised. On the way back, the robots take returns or waste with them to avoid empty trips.
Application for Drones is Also Seen
In the future, they also want to open up the "air route" and employ so-called Volodrones from drone pioneer Volocopter at efeuCampus. In the InnovationLab, Hubwerk01 in Bruchsal, strategies are already being developed jointly with cities and municipalities as part of "Tomorrow Camps" through modeling, it is further described. Solutions for an applicable future are to be developed there, as well as the digitization of workflows, infrastructures, and business ideas.
Goal: Last Mile Efficient and Climate-Friendly
With LastMileCityLab, the city of Bruchsal is becoming an experimental space for the urban logistics of the future, the municipality promotes. Innovative traffic concepts and technologies are being tested here with project partners - within the framework of smart city concepts. The project's goal is to make the last mile to the customer not only significantly more efficient but also climate-friendly using digital technologies.
Translated automatically from German."The aim is to raise awareness of the CO2 problem, improve the quality of life in cities, and provide industry and municipalities with concrete solutions," the provider further explains.
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