FedEx SameDay Autonomous Delivery Robot

Looking like a hybridized mini-fridge/bomb-disposal robot/space anime sidekick, the FedEx SameDay Bot autonomous delivery robot shows us what the future of short-range package delivery looks like, and it doesn’t involve a guy in purple shorts and black Reeboks. FedEx just announced it will begin testing various versions of the robot for the purpose of using them for short-range deliveries since about 60% of FedEx deliveries occur within three miles of FedEx stores. In partnership with DEKA Development and Research, creators of the Segway (no helmeted tours, folks), the SameDay Bot will use self-driving car technology known as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and cameras to navigate sidewalks and around pedestrians, along with six wheels and rugged tires to handle unpaved paths and stairs. Testing starts this summer in Tennessee, and other locations will follow as approvals are pending. We’re just waiting to find out if SameDay has a Rottweiler defense mode.