HMG and Kia Showcase Enhanced DAL-e Delivery Robot
The auto industry is changing quicker than ever with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, virtual assistants, and autonomous car systems. Another big move is the introduction of robotics, such as robotaxis and robotic helpers that can make day-to-day errands and chores a little easier to accomplish. The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) and Kia have been making large pushes for robotaxis and robotics for years. In fact, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi from HMG and Motional was recently certified to put on U.S. streets. Last year, 2023, HMG and Kia introduced an automatic battery-electric vehicle charging robot to make recharging electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids easier. The latest concept is an enhanced version of a delivery robot that goes by the name of DAL-e
Picture this little image of the future – you have a long day at work, a project with a deadline coming up is all you can think about, and there are still some errands in the back of your mind like groceries or buying new clothes for going out and having a social life. How does the everyday consumer juggle all of that? The former is all on you, but why not let a robot pick up the groceries or a package for you? That’s what the DAL-e Delivery robot is designed to do.
Designed to be able to navigate complex settings, such as offices and shopping malls, DAL-e is expected to become a dependable delivery service that can make the average consumer’s life a little easier. It makes us think of the Domino’s pizza delivery robotaxi that can bring orders to consumers with a special keypad and code to unlock their pizza order, but that’s something completely different. Dal-E Delivery is more like a miniature automobile made of four Plug & Drive (PnD) modules – a motor with steering, suspension, braking systems, and environmental recognition sensors that help the robot navigate its way around indoor spaces.
“DAL-e Delivery offers efficient and reliable F&B and parcel dispatch services to ensure customers receive goods promptly…Our vision extends to implementing infrastructure interworking across diverse spaces, including offices, restaurants and shopping malls.” – Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor and Kia
With a sleek design and center of gravity at the bottom of the robot, DAL-e Delivery is able to keep stable while it travels, provided with enhanced suspension for going over bumps, and advanced autonomous driving technology helps it recognize obstacles and pedestrians in the area. There is no need to worry about this little robot causing any problems for surrounding shoppers, only able to travel less than a mile-per-second. It sounds much faster in meters, able to speed up to 1.2 meters-per-second.
The type of packages the DAL-e Delivery robot can carry varies. For instance, the robot has the capacity to hold up to 16 cups of coffee, or transport items weighing up to 40 pounds. A convenient solution for bulky and/or heavy packages, there’s even a storage tray that comes forward for easy loading and unloading.
When it comes to receiving a package, DAL-e uses advanced AI facial identification technology developed by Kia and Hyundai Motor’s Robotics Lab. Like a phone with facial recognition, all the recipient needs to do is make their face available, and the door opens without the need for a password. With 99.9 percent accuracy, it will be difficult for someone to pose as the recipient…we just hope the doors and storage tray are made of some heavy-duty metal. Like delivery drones, how will DAL-e stop would-be thieves from simply picking it up and running off? Surely some security protocols have been put into place.
Robotics are slowly becoming part of the modern era, and soon we may even have robotic companions, and not just delivery robots. Want to stay up with all the cool stuff HMG and Kia are working on? Follow along with us on Miami Lakes Automall social media.
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