Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have introduced an advanced version of their DAL-e Delivery robot, showcasing its new design through visuals and a promotional video. This latest iteration, building on the initial model launched in late 2022, is tailored for superior delivery efficiency in intricate indoor spaces such as offices and malls.
Leveraging the experience from their prior delivery pilot, the DAL-e Delivery robot has been upgraded for better design and functionality, aiming for quick and reliable service in complex settings.
Dong Jin Hyun, the Vice President and Head of the Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor and Kia, highlighted the robot’s capability for prompt delivery of food, beverages, and parcels. He emphasized the company’s goal to facilitate seamless integration of such technologies across various environments including offices, dining establishments, and shopping centers.
The robot’s design features a square column shape with rounded edges and a low center of gravity for enhanced stability. It’s equipped with subtly integrated sensors and boasts a sleek, modern look.
DAL-e Delivery operates on four Plug & Drive (PnD) modules, which integrate motors, steering, and braking systems along with environmental sensors, enabling speeds up to 1.2 meters per second. Its advanced autonomous driving technology allows for efficient navigation and obstacle avoidance in busy areas. The robot’s improved suspension ensures a smooth ride, even over uneven surfaces.
Despite being more compact than its predecessor, the new DAL-e Delivery robot has a larger cargo space, capable of carrying up to 16 coffee cups or items weighing as much as 10 kilograms, making it ideal for delivering larger or heavier packages.
It features an interior light for easy identification of contents and a sliding cargo tray for convenient loading and unloading. The robot can autonomously navigate to different floors within buildings, working seamlessly with elevator and door systems to optimize delivery routes in real-time.
Upon reaching its destination, DAL-e Delivery identifies the recipient with an onboard camera using AI-based facial recognition technology, developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics Lab, eliminating the need for manual code entry. This technology has been recognized for its 99.9% accuracy rate by the Korea Internet and Security Agency.
The robot also has an 11.6-inch high-resolution display that shows service status, destination, and operational updates, complemented by animated facial expressions to foster a friendly interaction with users.
Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to deploy DAL-e Delivery at the ‘Factorial Seongsu,’ a smart office building managed by IGIS Asset Management in Seoul, marking a significant step towards commercializing robot-friendly infrastructure.
