Snapdeal Deploys Robots In Its Delivery Fleet

Homegrown ecommerce platform Snapdeal along with Dover-based autonomous mobility startup Ottonomy IO conducted trials in Noida and Gurugram for the last-mile contactless delivery using robots on Tuesday (September 15). 

Gurugram and Delaware-based OttonomyIO, owns the IP of the designs and has a proprietary software stack for autonomously navigated AI-enabled robots and routing systems.  

Deep tech solutions for contactless delivery like drones and robots have been jostling with regulatory issues. After Dunzo, Bengaluru-based B2B ecommerce startup ShopX collaborated with aerospace and robotics company Omnipresent, to test its last-mile drone delivery trial from September 1. 

Ottonomy IO has developed delivery robots for autonomous last-mile and local deliveries which can actually run along sidewalks and local streets autonomously.

“We are investing heavily in artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop future-oriented capabilities. Delivery via robots is part of the evolving future of logistics and we are excited to partner with Ottonomy IO to test these technologies. Contactless delivery via robotic vehicles is a step in building a safer and convenient future for shoppers”, said Snapdeal spokesperson in a medial release.

How Does This Function

The robots use specialised AI algorithms to navigate through crowded areas and use machine learning, fuse data from 3D Lidar and cameras to have a clarity of the external world.  The robots can be remotely monitored and controlled whenever human intervention is needed

It is made and programmed with the layout of the delivery areas which eventually helps the robots to reach the consumer. The customer receives an alert after the robot arrives and through a QR code, the hold area of the robot can be unlocked and the customer can retrieve their order.

Commenting on the partnership,  Ritukar Vijay, co-founder, Ottonomy IO said, “Contactless delivery is a need of the hour to ensure shopper safety and enhanced experience. Automating the last-mile delivery process and clubbing it with contactless interaction helps address safety concerns of both shoppers and delivery professionals.” 

Game Of Drones

Meanwhile, homegrown food aggregator business Zomato and hyperlocal delivery platform Dunzo are expected to start the trials of their drone deliveries services this month. While Zomato has been allocated Alwar in Rajasthan for the test, Dunzo will be conducting its trials in the outskirts of Bengaluru.

Ottonomy IO is a tech startup that builds autonomous robot fleets to make contactless deliveries for ecommerce, logistics, and retail industries.

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