Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have revealed the upgraded design of their DAL-e Delivery robot, building on the success of its predecessor introduced in December 2022.
This next-generation robot is poised to revolutionise delivery services, particularly in complex indoor environments such as offices and shopping malls. Both companies will deploy the DAL-e Delivery at IGIS Asset Management's 'Factorial Seongsu' in Seoul, a smart office building set to open in April. This deployment follows a business agreement signed last year to introduce robot-friendly infrastructure in commercial buildings.
According to Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor and Kia, the DAL-e Delivery ensures efficient and reliable food and parcel dispatch services, with a vision to integrate infrastructure across various indoor spaces seamlessly.
Powered by four Plug & Drive (PnD) modules, the DAL-e Delivery can accelerate up to 1.2 m/s, navigating congested areas autonomously with advanced obstacle recognition technology. Its enhanced suspension system ensures a smooth ride over floor obstacles, maintaining stable delivery performance.
Despite its smaller size, the robot features a larger internal cargo space, capable of accommodating up to 16 cups of coffee and carrying items weighing up to 10 kg. An internal-light aids in item recognition, while a sliding storage tray facilitates easy loading and unloading.
The standout feature of the DAL-e Delivery is its autonomous driving capability, seamlessly navigating between building floors, interfacing with elevators and door control systems to ensure swift delivery service.
Utilising advanced AI facial identification technology developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia's Robotics Lab, the robot can recognise recipients upon arrival, automatically opening doors without the need for manual input. This technology, certified for its accuracy, underscores the technological prowess of the Robotics Lab.
Equipped with an 11.6-inch high-resolution display, the robot provides clear service status updates and features animated facial expressions for enhanced customer interaction.
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