Hyundai’s DAL-e Bot Tackles Morning Coffee Deliveries

Hyundai and Kia are targeting office mailroom tasks with the launch of the DAL-e Delivery robot, capable of autonomously distributing packages within a building and even handling coffee runs.

The latest delivery robot from the Hyundai/Kia Robotics Lab is distinct from the humanoid DAL-e model unveiled in 2021. Instead, it is based on a model introduced at the end of 2022, utilizing Hyundai’s Plug & Drive platform, which integrates “intelligent steering, braking, in-wheel electric drive, and suspension hardware” into a single modular unit.

Enhanced Delivery Features of the DAL-e

The DAL-e Delivery also incorporates four Plug & Drive modules, with upgraded suspension ensuring that your coffee remains undisturbed during transit. Despite being shorter in stature compared to its predecessor, the new bot boasts an expanded cargo hold capable of accommodating up to 16 cups of coffee or packages weighing up to 10 kg (22 lb).

Equipped with onboard sensors, the delivery bot can navigate complex or congested environments while safely maneuvering around obstacles. It can also compute optimal routes in real-time to facilitate swift deliveries. Although it achieves top speeds of up to 1.2 m/s (2.7 mph), this is slightly slower than the current model.

The previous version could connect wirelessly with a building’s smart system servers, enabling it to call for an elevator. Using its camera and AI, it assesses occupancy safety before entering or waits for the next available elevator.

Afterward, it ascends to the desired floor and navigates to the designated office or room without needing a button press. Hyundai/Kia confirmed its capability to interface with elevator and door control systems in modern smart buildings.

Efficient Delivery Handling and Recognition

Upon reaching its destination, the built-in camera facilitates AI facial recognition with 99.9% accuracy. The robot’s cargo doors automatically open to the correct recipient or designated worker without requiring a password or keycode.

An interior light illuminates contents, and a retractable tray aids in easy access.

Square Column with Rounded Corners

The cute, curved design of the past has been replaced by a square column design, albeit with rounded corners.

The animated circular “eyes” have been substituted with a blocky matrix, and the halo-like interface atop the head has been replaced by an 11.6-inch tablet-shaped high-resolution display. This display provides service status information and features face-like animations to “enhance customer intimacy.“

The DAL-e Delivery robot is specifically targeted at indoor food/beverage and parcel delivery services. It is set to debut shortly after the opening of IGIS Asset Management’s Factorial Seongsu smart office in Seoul, South Korea, in the second quarter of this year. You can preview the service bot in action on Hyundai’s YouTube channel.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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