Jacksonville, AL – When JSU announced that Kiwibot would be a new delivery option on campus there was excitement and nervousness. At the 7/25/2022 Jacksonville City Council Work-session there was discussion on potential dangers for traffic and pedestrians. After roughly six months in operation Kiwibot has reported no issues and is very popular on campus. Per Renee Lyons, Marketing Manager, Sodexo for JSU, Kiwibot has been well received at JSU as did 996 deliveries in the month of January.
One of the big questions that is asked is how does Kiwibot navigate autonomously? The robots rely on GPS technology, a high-tech satellite solution that provides high-accuracy locations for self-driving machines. They also employ data from camera sensors combined with AI techniques to avoid obstacles and leverage a navigation system that generates multi-kilometer routes that make it possible to reach a pre-defined goal. The robot receives a point on a satellite map within the campus limits and navigates to it autonomously. This works in suitable, pre-mapped locations, using a combination of location systems that are supported by perception-based systems. “At Kiwibot, cutting-edge technology rolling through the campus will benefit the community by providing efficient delivery services and a source of inspiration for students. Their presence and purpose are to open minds and generate new, sustainable ideas that can improve their own and their community’s life,” said Felipe Chávez, co-founder and CEO of Kiwibot.
The second biggest question seems to be are robots safe for pedestrians? The short answer is yes per Kiwibot. “At Kiwibot we are improving people’s lives with deliveries for everyone. Since 2017, we have been committed to turning last-mile delivery into a convenient service and building a world where robots and humans coexist harmoniously.” To ensure safe navigation, they comply with every regulation and law on campuses and in cities where they have operations, and they rely on the most advanced technology to guarantee pedestrian safety. That, combined with a high-driving automation system, allows the robots to create a virtual picture of the world in real time using high-tech sensors, reflective flags, night lights and a range lidar. Also, if additional help is needed, each delivery bot counts on remote and on-site support to have safe, fast and successful operations. Furthermore, they are completing every robotic delivery with zero carbon emissions, helping reduce our footprint and ensuring sustainable mobility in the cities and on campuses.
Not too long ago, automated vehicles were the stuff of sci-fi fantasy. Now, they are becoming a reality and expected to integrate into our everyday lives in the next two to 10 years. Without a doubt, robotic delivery is the future of delivery tech. This sector had already been growing pre-pandemic, but two years of social distancing and increased demand for food delivery has accelerated innovation and adoption in this space. Jacksonville State University is excited to be one of the campuses highlighting this technology and service.
