Deutsche Post tests postal delivery robot


Deutsche Post has selected the German town of Bad Hersfeld as its test site for a robot to accompany mail deliverers on their routes and carry their mail items. The project was announced at a joint press conference between the mayor of Bad Hersfeld and Jürgen Gerdes, CEO of the Post – eCommerce – Parcel division at Deutsche Post DHL Group.

Residents of two delivery districts in Bad Hersfeld can immediately expect to start seeing the self-propelled electric “PostBOT” accompanying the mail carrier. The robot can carry up to six post trays, relieving carriers of their heavy loads. It also frees up the deliverers’ hands, making it easier for them to distribute the mail. Deutsche Post will be watching the pilot project carefully to see how well the robot supports staff with their physically demanding work.

“Day in and day out, our delivery staff performs outstanding but exhausting work. We’re constantly working on new solutions to allow our employees to handle this physically challenging work even as they continue to age,” explains Jürgen Gerdes. “We are already using a variety of tools in this regard, including e-Bikes and e-Trikes for postal deliveries, and are now also looking at innovative robot applications. This current test is expected to deliver important insights into how we can further develop the delivery process for our employees.”

The “PostBOT” was custom-built, based on a robot from the French company “Effidence S.A.S”, with input from the delivery staff of Deutsche Post to ensure that it met their specific needs for transporting letters and packages. The robot can carry loads of up to 150 kg. Its sensors track the legs of the mail carrier, following behind them automatically throughout the entire route. It can navigate around obstacles or stop when needed. The robust “PostBOT” can be used in all weather conditions. The control elements have been placed on both sides of the unit to promote good ergonomics for the back and joints.

The test will initially run for roughly six weeks, followed by a period of assessment. Those insights will then flow into another round of tests and improvements.

Source: Deutsche Post DHL

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