Posten Norge is testing self-driving robots in Oslo

Postens latest project tests how robots can contribute to our logistics in the future – in the middle of one of the country’s busiest areas – Aker Brygge in Oslo.

“We are currently testing two autonomous robots at Aker Brygge, picking up goods from restaurants that customers have ordered through the digital marketplace Amoi. Together with our partners, we want to see and learn about possible future applications for this type of technology which can both contribute to simpler logistics and less noise in the cityscape”, says press manager Kenneth Tjønndal Pettersen at Posten Norge AS.

The robots will be a visible part of Aker Brygge for four weeks In November and December. Three times a day, ordered goods are collected from two restaurants in the nearby area. From there, the goods are transported to Posten’s distribution unit in Filipstad before they are sent out to the customers by courier.

“Self-driving robots have previously been tested by other companies with delivery directly to the customer. In our project, we want to see if and how robots can become part of Posten’s holistic transport solutions. Delivery to the end customer works really well with today’s couriers, but we have identified pain points in the first mile from the restaurants to the distribution unit where the robots can really shine. This interaction between humans and robots offers many new opportunities”, says Sven Richard Tønnessen in Posten’s department for Emerging Techology, which is behind the project.

The autonomous robots are supplied by the Indian American company “Ottonomy” and has a load capacity of 80 kilograms. The net weight is 100 kilograms and the speed during transport at Aker Brygge is limited to 6 km/h.

“Normally, these goods are picked up by our couriers, but the logistics with delivery vans at Aker Brygge is demanding in terms of parking and time consuming. That’s why we wanted to carry out our project in an environment where a lot of people travel normally to see how the robots handle obstacles than can suddenly arise in a living city”, says press manager Pettersen.

• Amoi is a digital marketplace fully owned by Posten Norge AS.
• In November, Posten will carry out a trial project where to self-driving robots will pick up orders from restaurants Winther and Asia at Aker Brygge.
• The aim of the project is to gain experience and insight into whether on how robots can be used in future logistics.
• The Danish company Holo has assisted as expert advisers during the project.

Watch and download videofiles here: