FedEx Ends Its Robot Delivery Program

FedEx is pulling the plug on its robot delivery program following a pilot program to test using robots instead of humans for last-mile delivery....
FedEx Ends Its Robot Delivery Program
Written by WebProNews
  • FedEx is pulling the plug on its robot delivery efforts following a pilot program to test using robots instead of humans for last-mile delivery.

    FedEx is one of several companies that has been investigating the possibility of using robots for delivery. The company was running a pilot program in conjunction with DEKA Research and Development Corp. According to Robotics 24/7, the company is ending the program.

    “Although robotics and automation are key pillars of our innovation strategy, Roxo did not meet necessary near-term value requirements for DRIVE,” Sriram Krishnasam, chief transformation officer, wrote in an email to employees. “Although we are ending the research and development efforts, Roxo served a valuable purpose: to rapidly advance our understanding and use of robotic technology.”

    The company confirmed the news to Robotics 24/7, saying it was focusing on “several nearer-term opportunities.”

    It’s been a bad week for robotics, with The Verge reporting that Amazon has similarly canceled its robot delivery pilot program.

    Get the WebProNews newsletter delivered to your inbox

    Get the free daily newsletter read by decision makers

    Subscribe
    Advertise with Us

    Ready to get started?

    Get our media kit