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CJ Logistics-Kia / Robot 'Spot' conducts home delivery demonstration project

Robot 'Spot' delivers parcels in demonstration project room

PBV-Robotics Technology Linkage to Advance 'Last Mile Solution'

2024/05

CJ Logistics, Kia Motors, Hyundai E&C, and robotics startup D-Hive announced that they have conducted a demonstration project for last-mile robotic delivery of parcels using Boston Dynamics' robot SPOT. The demonstration project was conducted to examine the applicability of robotics technology in the last-mile delivery stage, where goods are delivered to customers for the last time.

By testing the introduction of delivery robots in the last mile of parcel delivery, CJ Logistics plans to take the lead in implementing future logistics technology by actively incorporating advanced technologies across all stages of logistics, from sorting and picking to the final delivery stage. Kia will promote advanced solutions for logistics innovation by linking PBV and robotics technologies.

The demonstration project was conducted from April 17 to 25 in the form of delivering parcels to residents of Hillstate Rapiano Samsong, located in Deokyang-gu, Goyang-si. CJ Logistics delivery drivers loaded Spot and the parcel into a Bongdo EV vehicle and traveled to the delivery location, then unloaded Spot and the parcel, and Spot delivered the parcel to the customer's doorstep with the parcel in the cargo box. After the delivery is complete, the Spot returns to the vehicle to pick up the remaining packages and make additional deliveries.

The Spot used in the demonstration project was equipped with Boston Dynamics' advanced robotics technology, combined with the capabilities of DeHive's Robopilot platform, to avoid various obstacles during the delivery process and to navigate complex routes such as stairs in buildings.

CJ Logistics provided the necessary environment, including delivery vehicles and volumes, for the demonstration project, and the test was successfully completed with the delivery of actual parcels to customers. Through this test, CJ Logistics will collect data on the efficiency and improvements of introducing robots in real delivery environments and utilize it to upgrade its last-mile services in the future.

CJ Logistics expects to be able to operate last-mile delivery in a collaborative manner with humans and robots when applying robot delivery services. In areas with high delivery difficulties, such as residential areas or hilly roads, robots will deliver while humans will be in charge of apartment areas, or couriers will pick up additional packages while robots deliver.

Based on the results of this demonstration project, Kia will use the PV5, its first mid-sized PBV model, when it is launched in 2025, to further verify the business viability of logistics solutions that combine PBVs and robotics technology. In addition, CJ Logistics plans to further enhance its business model for last-mile logistics services by developing functions optimized for robot delivery using the PV7, a large PBV.

“CJ Logistics is making efforts to apply AI, big data, and robotics technologies across all stages of logistics to grow the logistics industry,” said Kim Kyung-hoon, director of TES Logistics Technology Research Center. ”Based on this demonstration project, we plan to build a future logistics service model by introducing innovative technologies at the last mile stage.”

Meanwhile, CJ Logistics is jointly developing a 'Korea Logistics-type Purpose-Based Vehicle (PBV)' specialized for delivery with Kia.