Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced a new design for their DAL-e Delivery robot. The robot is aimed at enhancing delivery performance, especially in complex indoor settings such as offices and shopping malls.
The robot has undergone significant improvements in both design and performance for swift and dependable delivery services based on the insights gained from Hyundai Motor and Kia’s previous conveyance pilot project.
The new delivery bot is not based on the DAL-e humanoid launched in 2021 but a delivery robot introduced in December 2022.
DAL-e Delivery has been designed to provide better driving stability. Its square column with rounded corners and the bottom center of gravity enhances its stability. Additionally, the sensors have been integrated discreetly, and the metal-like design of the robot gives it a sleek, premium aesthetic look.
The robot is based on four Plug & Drive (PnD) modules that combine a motor with steering, suspension, braking systems, and environmental recognition sensors. It can move up to 1.2 m/s, and its advanced autonomous driving technology enables it to recognize obstacles and navigate congested areas with ease. Furthermore, the robot’s enhanced suspension provides a steady ride over bumps in the floor to ensure stable delivery.
The new DAL-e Delivery is smaller in size than the previous version, allowing it to run smoothly, but it has a larger internal cargo space. It can hold up to 16 cups of coffee and transport items weighing up to 10 kg, providing convenient delivery solutions for bulky and heavy packages.
The subtle light inside the cargo sounds like a useful feature to easily identify the items. And the storage tray coming forward when the door opens is a smart design for easy loading and unloading.
The DAL-e Delivery system has an impressive autonomous driving capability that allows it to efficiently navigate between building floors while interfacing seamlessly with the elevator and door control system. This feature helps to ensure quick delivery services as the system creates optimal routes in real-time.
Once the delivery robot reaches its destination, it uses its advanced camera to recognize the recipient. With the help of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics Lab, the robot uses facial recognition technology to verify the recipient’s identity, eliminating the need for them to input a password. This technology has been certified by the Korea Internet and Security Agency for its exceptional 99.9% accuracy, proving the technological excellence of the Robotics Lab.
Moreover, the robot is equipped with an 11.6-inch high-resolution display that shows essential information such as the service status, destination, and operation status. This feature helps users and pedestrians to quickly understand the robot’s service status. Adding to this, the animated facial expressions displayed on the screen enhance customer intimacy, making it even more friendly and approachable.
Hyundai Motor and Kia are deploying DAL-e Delivery at IGIS Asset Management’s ‘Factorial Seongsu’ in Seoul, a smart office building that is scheduled to open in April. They signed a business agreement with IGIS last year to commercialize the robot-friendly building.
