Demonstration with CJ Logistics and Hyundai Construction
Using Boston Dynamics Robot Dog 'Spot'
Avoids Obstacles and Climbs Stairs... Utilized in PBV Business
Kia explored the potential for a delivery business using robot dogs in collaboration with major companies such as CJ Logistics (000120) and others. On the 25th, Kia announced that it conducted a pilot project for a robot delivery service using Boston Dynamics' robot dog 'Spot' together with CJ Logistics, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and the robot-specialized startup DeHive. The aim was to discover a purpose-built vehicle (PBV) business model combined with robot technology.
This pilot project was carried out by testing whether actual deliveries could be properly made using robots for residents of 'Hillstate Rapiano Samsong' in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. Kia linked CJ Logistics' logistics system so that delivery workers could deliver goods together with Spot. First, the delivery worker loads Spot and the delivery items into a vehicle and moves near the delivery destination. Then, Spot gets off the vehicle, loads the delivery items into its storage compartment, delivers the items to the customer's doorstep, and returns to the vehicle.
The Spot used in this pilot project was equipped with Boston Dynamics' advanced robot technology combined with DeHive's 'RoboPilot' platform functionality. It is explained that Spot can avoid various obstacles during delivery and can move over stairs without any issues.
Based on the results obtained from this pilot project, Kia plans to further verify the business feasibility of logistics solutions using the first mid-size PBV model 'PV5,' which will be launched in 2025. Furthermore, Kia intends to develop functions optimized for robot delivery with the future large PBV 'PV7.'
A Kia official stated, "This pilot project was conducted with CJ Logistics, Hyundai Engineering & Construction"
The vehicle and the robot dog 'Spot' used in the last-mile robot delivery service demonstration project (Photo by Kia)
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