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| Panasonic is testing Japan's response to delivery robots |
Panasonic is testing autonomous delivery robots in the Fujisawa Sustainable City as part of a six-year urban development plan in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
The first test phase began in November 2020 and lasted until December 2020 with the aim of testing autonomous driving robots on public roads.
The second phase starts in February 2021 and ends in March 2021. In the second phase, robots will be used to provide home delivery services to the residents of the area.
The entire experience is designed to test how Japanese citizens will interact with the new delivery service experience.
The robot can work independently and avoid most obstacles. However, it is monitored remotely by a control center agent who can take over the tasks as required.
The speed of the delivery robot can reach four kilometers per hour. “Our goal is to provide a new type of delivery service using robots that work closely with people to build a vibrant community,” Panasonic said in a statement.
The company said the pandemic caused the move as more and more people were ordering food and goods online and needing contactless options.
Panasonic believes there is a serious shortage of delivery personnel to support these services, and people are increasingly concerned that autonomous robots will eventually take over human jobs.
Testing self-driving cars, including delivery robots, on public roads in Japan requires approval from local police.
These experiences are based on a Japanese Growth Strategy Action Plan published in July 2020, which includes experiments with delivery robots to inform decision-makers and give them the information they need to formulate further strategies. Wide.
Panasonic is participating in a public-private committee promoting the delivery of robotic robots sponsored by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Part of the company's research, development and field testing activities is also supported by government technology development projects to accelerate the diffusion of independently provided technologies.
In October 2020, Japan Post began testing automated delivery robots on public roads in Tokyo.
Since taking office in 2014, Panasonic has been operating in the smart and sustainable city of Fujisawa. The project can accommodate more than 2000 people and is located on the site of the former Panasonic plant in Fujisawa.
Society wants it to be a citizen-centered model of sustainable development that demonstrates how technology can solve energy, safety, transportation, and health challenges in urban areas.