FedEx Bot rolls on with help from Lowe’s
FedEx will begin testing its robot delivery service program in select markets this summer.
And Lowe’s is assisting FedEx to better understand the needs customers through the service.
The FedEx SameDay Bot is designed to provide safe, efficient and environmentally friendly delivery in localized areas. The robot will rely on pedestrian-safe technology to navigate the path to its destination.
Lowe’s says the program could be the answer to helping home improvement professional who break a drill bit in mid-project or a DIYer who finds themselves short a gallon of paint when trying to complete a touchup. The Mooresville, N.C.-based home improvement retailers said customers can pick up a phone or their laptop and place an order online rather than heading out the door to the their neighborhood Lowe’s store.
The Bot is being developed to operate on sidewalks and along roadsides, remain stable and avoid obstacles, while negotiating curbs, unpaved surfaces and tight turns. Gyroscopic technology helps keep cargo level and still. And while that agility can simplify access to a busy construction site, same-day, on-site delivery's greatest value might be allowing contractors to continue working without costly interruptions and delays.
"Consider pros who could save time and money by never leaving the job site for the critical tools and supplies they need from Lowe's," Frieson said. "Rising labor wages cost businesses every time a worker leaves to pick up supplies. Then consider the lost productivity from work that remained untouched while they are gone, and we believe professionals will quickly realize the savings of job site delivery."
HBSDealer first reported about the FedEx SameDay Bot program last month.
And Lowe’s is assisting FedEx to better understand the needs customers through the service.
The FedEx SameDay Bot is designed to provide safe, efficient and environmentally friendly delivery in localized areas. The robot will rely on pedestrian-safe technology to navigate the path to its destination.
Lowe’s says the program could be the answer to helping home improvement professional who break a drill bit in mid-project or a DIYer who finds themselves short a gallon of paint when trying to complete a touchup. The Mooresville, N.C.-based home improvement retailers said customers can pick up a phone or their laptop and place an order online rather than heading out the door to the their neighborhood Lowe’s store.
"We're focused on serving our customers where, when and how they want to be served, and smooth, reliable, timely delivery is critical," said Don Frieson, Lowe's executive vice president of supply chain. "The convenience and capability the FedEx SameDay Bot is being designed to offer has the potential to simplify and speed distribution through same-day delivery from your neighborhood Lowe's. We look forward to exploring possibilities to enhance the service we provide our customers through this innovation – and what this kind of support can mean for our associates."
The Bot is being developed to operate on sidewalks and along roadsides, remain stable and avoid obstacles, while negotiating curbs, unpaved surfaces and tight turns. Gyroscopic technology helps keep cargo level and still. And while that agility can simplify access to a busy construction site, same-day, on-site delivery's greatest value might be allowing contractors to continue working without costly interruptions and delays.
"Consider pros who could save time and money by never leaving the job site for the critical tools and supplies they need from Lowe's," Frieson said. "Rising labor wages cost businesses every time a worker leaves to pick up supplies. Then consider the lost productivity from work that remained untouched while they are gone, and we believe professionals will quickly realize the savings of job site delivery."
HBSDealer first reported about the FedEx SameDay Bot program last month.