Tough NYC reception for FedEx SameDay Bot
The FedEx “SameDay Bot” made its debut in Manhattan over the weekend.
And while the automated deliver robot was simply on display and making maneuvers through the city’s streets, the device received an unwelcome reception from New Yorkers.
FedEx said the robot was not making any actual deliveries in the city and only visiting the Big Apple. The pilot program is undergoing tests in a number of markets across the country and has partnered with several major retailers, including Lowe’s Home Improvement.
The FedEx SameDay Bot.
Also known as “Roxo,” the robots use artificial intelligence and an array of sensors to safely navigate to its destination and make deliveries directly to consumers. The robots have an intelligent wheel system that is designed for allowing Roxo to traverse various kinds of terrain. An innovative compartment also allows Roxo to carry all kinds of cargo, even hot or cold items.
But those who encountered the device over the weekend were puzzled by its appearance, with some New Yorkers claiming the robot was cutting into the territory of the city’s delivery drivers.
In a Nov. 23 post on his Twitter account, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city had not received any prior notice about the robots and they weren’t necessarily welcomed.
“First of all, @FedEx, never get a robot to do a New Yorker’s job. We have the finest workers in the world. Second of all, we didn’t grant permission for these to clog up our streets. If we see any of these bots we’ll send them packing,” de Blasio Tweeted.
Patch.com also compiled a list of social media posts from New Yorkers directing hostility, questions and speculation toward the robot and FedEx.
And while the automated deliver robot was simply on display and making maneuvers through the city’s streets, the device received an unwelcome reception from New Yorkers.
FedEx said the robot was not making any actual deliveries in the city and only visiting the Big Apple. The pilot program is undergoing tests in a number of markets across the country and has partnered with several major retailers, including Lowe’s Home Improvement.
The FedEx SameDay Bot.Also known as “Roxo,” the robots use artificial intelligence and an array of sensors to safely navigate to its destination and make deliveries directly to consumers. The robots have an intelligent wheel system that is designed for allowing Roxo to traverse various kinds of terrain. An innovative compartment also allows Roxo to carry all kinds of cargo, even hot or cold items.
But those who encountered the device over the weekend were puzzled by its appearance, with some New Yorkers claiming the robot was cutting into the territory of the city’s delivery drivers.
In a Nov. 23 post on his Twitter account, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city had not received any prior notice about the robots and they weren’t necessarily welcomed.
“First of all, @FedEx, never get a robot to do a New Yorker’s job. We have the finest workers in the world. Second of all, we didn’t grant permission for these to clog up our streets. If we see any of these bots we’ll send them packing,” de Blasio Tweeted.
Patch.com also compiled a list of social media posts from New Yorkers directing hostility, questions and speculation toward the robot and FedEx.