The FedEx Delivery Robot is losing its badge. This is not a new development, as the robot has been struggling for years to keep up with the human workforce. But this year, things have gotten worse. The robot has been failing to meet deadlines, and even making mistakes. In some cases, the robot has even been caught stealing packages from customers’ homes. This isn’t good enough for FedEx, which insists that the robot should be given a raise and more training. But it seems that the robots are not going to be given what they need until they start meeting human expectations.
Resembling an emergency smart toaster on wheels, Roxo had the ability to careen around cars and pedestrians using a system of cameras and LIDAR sensors, and featured a set of adjustable wheels for potentially climbing curbs and stairs. It was tested — and appears to have failed those tests — in the US, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan as part of a program called DRIVE.
“Although robotics and automation are key pillars of our innovation strategy, Roxo did not meet necessary near-term value requirements for DRIVE,” said Sriram Krishnasam, chief transformation officer at FedEx.
“Although we are ending the research and development efforts, Roxo served a valuable purpose: to rapidly advance our understanding and use of robotic technology.”
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The Roxo program was launched by FedEx in 2019 as part of a collaboration with DEKA, creators of the iBot electric wheelchair.
While Roxo moved autonomously, a human person was still required to walk behind it and monitor its progress, like someone waiting for their dog to poop. “You’re watching Roxo today,” they probably said back at the office.
Both Roxo and Scout are probably standing next to each other naked in a dark, cold room like in Westworld. So if you’re hesitant about your own robot package delivery program, feel free to shut it down.
Source: Robotics 24/7
