Robot dogs could soon leave packages at your doorstep — automating delivery's 'final frontier'
Boston Dynamics is testing its robot dog, Spot, to automate the final stage of package delivery from delivery trucks to doorsteps. The company is currently in talks with logistics firms to implement this technology to solve the 'porch gap' in last-mile delivery.
Why it matters
Automating the final 50 feet of delivery could significantly increase logistics efficiency and reduce labor costs for major retailers.
Boston Dynamics is testing Spot, its dog-shaped robot, to make deliveries. Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images Boston Dynamics is testing Spot, its robot dog, for delivering packages to your doorstep. Spot can take packages from delivery vans to houses, the company said Tuesday. It could bring automation to the "final frontier" of delivery, Boston Dynamics said. Getting deliveries from a truck to your front door might soon involve a robot dog. Robotics company Boston Dynamics is testing Spot, its canine-shaped robot, as a delivery worker that can ride along in trucks and hop out to leave packages at customers' doorsteps. The delivery-focused version of Spot includes a conveyor belt. A video posted by the company on Tuesday shows a human worker placing packages on the conveyor belt, followed by Spot walking up to houses and rotating the belt to set them down.
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