We are almost in the future now! and itโs time to replace the package delivery person with a robot. We have already heard about the amazon delivery drones and self-driving delivery vehicles. But this complete autonomous two-legged walking robot was designed to walk like humans to make doorstep deliveries.
This humanoid robot is called the โDigitโ. It was created by โAgility Roboticsโ a company thatโs working with โFordโ to make package deliveries completely autonomous. Digit is made from lightweight material and surprisingly can hold up to 40 lbs of weight.
What does digit robot do?
The Digit will stay on the trunk of a Ford self-driving vehicle. Once the vehicle arrives at the packageโs destination, the robot will automatically wake up and pick up the package from the vehicle. Then it walks like a human from the car to the recipientโs front door to deliver the package.
The 5-feet tall robot comes with some stereo cameras and LiDAR to easily navigate itself from the car to the door. Fordโs delivery vehicle acts as the main computing power by providing mapping information to the robot wirelessly. Once the package delivery robot found an obstacle on its path, it will contact the vehicle to get an alternative navigation solution to reach the front door.
Once it finishes the delivery, the Digit will fold up its arms and legs tight to the body for storing itself in the trunk. And gets ready for another ride. This robot can go up and downstairs, walk naturally through uneven terrain and even keep its balance if it bumps into something.
Its super lightweight design allows it to work all day. Although Digit can act on its own without human interaction. As of now, its main purpose is to make package delivery automation. In the future, we can use Digit in a variety of jobs such as industrial inspection, warehouses, logistics, and telepresence. Check the Digit on Ford,ย Agility Robotics!
Watch the Fordโs Digit package delivery robot in action
