DPD is the first UK parcel delivery company to use Ottonomy’s fully autonomous locker robot with multiple compartments.
The robot, named Ottobot, is larger than DPD’s current autonomous delivery robots. It can carry up to 70kg, features eight compartments for parcels of different sizes, and can also handle collections.
Ottonomy was founded amidst the challenges of a global pandemic, turning adversity into opportunity.
With decades of collective experience in autonomous technology, the company is dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions.
Their focus lies in enhancing the quality of delivery services through innovative, best-in-class service robots designed to provide efficient and user-friendly operations.
Ottobot in action: Smarter deliveries fast
Ottobot’s four-wheel swerve drive, independent steering, and suspension offer unmatched maneuverability. Equipped with advanced sensors, including lidar and cameras, it autonomously navigates even the trickiest environments.
DPD’s first Ottobot will debut in Milton Keynes, building on the success of Cartken robots. These have operated there since July 2022 and expanded to Raunds, Bristol, and Lincoln.
- Strategic base: The Ottobot will operate from DPD’s Milton Keynes depot in Knowlhill, leveraging the city’s traffic-free Redway network for seamless access to residential neighborhoods.
- Efficient deliveries: With eight compartments, the robot can handle multiple deliveries in a single trip, maximizing efficiency.
- Capacity for larger parcels: Two of the compartments are 38 liters in size, allowing the Ottobot to accommodate larger parcels with ease.
DPD parcel pickup made easy
Once the locker robots finish mapping their routes, they operate entirely on their own. Recipients receive an SMS when the robot arrives at their property and can use a secure one-time PIN to open the locker and collect their parcel.
The robots have a six-hour battery life, with the option to swap in a fully charged battery at the depot, ensuring continuous operation.
Customers’ ever-changing demands
Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications and sustainability DPD group UK says: “This is the next chapter for us in terms of autonomous deliveries after a very successful roll-out across a number of different locations.”
Jones adds that Ottobot potentially gives the company a big uplift in terms of productivity. It will give the business the ability to deliver up to eight parcels at a time before the robot needs to return to the depot to be restocked.
Ritukar Vijay, founder and CEO of Ottonomy says: “Our autonomous robot technology is designed to help brands meet customers’ ever-changing demands in new ways and provide the scalability to be a truly effective solution.”
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Photo Credit: DPD UK
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
