World’s First Underground Autonomous Delivery System
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Pipedream has initiated the world’s first underground autonomous robot delivery system, which can travel at 64 kph and accommodate packages weighing up to 18 kg.
This underground logistics solution aims to eliminate emissions and congestion issues that are often associated with current delivery infrastructure. Pipedream claims its system will “make delivery of more than 95% of consumer products extremely low-cost, emission-less, and congestion-less forever through our autonomous, underground delivery system.”
According to Interesting Engineering, Pipedream’s system consists of totes that carry the payload and are designed to accommodate over 95 percent of the goods for both delivery and pickup. An above-ground interface equipped with temperature control (called “a portal”) will accommodate orders weighing up to 18 kilograms, while the system’s autonomous electric robot can travel at 64 kph.
The underground infrastructure uses off-the-shelf pipes that form a conduit for its rail network featuring junctions designed for easy turns that enhance the agility and navigational capabilities of the robots, according to the Pipedream website.
When placing an order, Pipedream’s mobile robots navigate the tunnel and autonomously transport items like food, packages, groceries, and household goods. This modern-day solution streamlines delivery processes, offering a futuristic and efficient experience for customers.
This new sustainable and car-free system can greatly benefit businesses requiring quick delivery of goods to homes, offices, stores, and restaurants. Pipedream claims that its vision for 2030 is to attain the reliable delivery of items in under 10 minutes, costing less than $1, seamless return processes, revenue sharing with the city, and the reduction of emissions and congestion to zero. Pipedream is poised to facilitate a shift toward a more circular economy, making deliveries not only greener but also more affordable and widely accessible.
