Last week, vertical transportation giant thyssenkrupp debuted a novel technology that could transform its parts and materials supply chain in dense urban environments.
As part of a U.S. Senate Field Hearing on automotive innovation, January 24 at the Washington (D.C.) Auto Show 2018, thyssenkrupp showcased its newly developed self-driving delivery robot. Co-developed by software maker TeleRetail, the system is designed to transport spare parts and materials to field technicians working in busy, congested urban markets.
During elevator and escalator servicing sessions, spare parts are needed quickly, and a technician either has to drive back to base in his or her service vehicle or have it delivered by a colleague. With increased traffic clogging up city streets, the pressure on the supply chains is rapidly increasing, according to thyssenkrupp.
Xenia Scholl of TeleRetail poses with the delivery robot at the Washington (D.C.) Auto Show 2018. Photo courtesy thyssenkrupp
“This is a major urbanization challenge that our service technicians are already experiencing today,” said Ivo Siebers, Senior Vice President of Global Logistics, thyssenkrupp Elevator. “With driverless delivery robots, we could fill a gap and get spare parts from our warehouses to the jobsite faster, more efficiently, and with less impact on the environment.”
Measuring 33 inches wide, the delivery robots can travel on sidewalks and can carry payloads weighing up to 77 lbs. An online logistics platform allows technicians and the operations center to track the progress of deliveries in real time.
“Fast-growing American metropolitan areas need intelligent solutions to cover the last mile in delivering spare parts to our technicians,” added Siebers. “In connection with TeleRetail, we are testing autonomous vehicles to solve this growing logistical problem.”
Related Stories
Sponsored | AEC Tech | May 31, 2016
CannonDesign manages a $2 billion hospital design review with digital processes
Collectif Santé Montreal turns to Bluebeam Revu for project efficiency in establishing the largest hospital in Montreal.
3D Printing | May 26, 2016
Dubai opens world’s first 3D-printed office
The 2,690-sf structure took 17 days to print. City officials say the labor cost was only half as much as similar size conventional buildings.
BIM and Information Technology | May 20, 2016
AIA and Autodesk introduce new feature to automate 2030 Commitment reporting data
The new automated connection will allow the more than 350 AIA 2030 committed firms to report their project and portfolio performance to the DDx directly from Autodesk Insight 360.
AEC Tech | May 12, 2016
How graphics can assist with the progress of a campus plan
Decision-making at higher education institutions can be difficult, but SmithGroupJJR's Michael Bostic writes that graphics can help by visualizing data and simplifying complex decisions.
AEC Tech | May 10, 2016
Thornton Tomasetti launches new tech company
TTWiiN initially features six products and will add more via its own incubator.
AEC Tech | May 9, 2016
Is the nation’s grand tech boom really an innovation funk?
Despite popular belief, the country is not in a great age of technological and digital innovation, at least when compared to the last great innovation era (1870-1970).
Big Data | May 5, 2016
Demand for data integration technologies for buildings is expected to soar over the next decade
A Navigant Research report takes a deeper dive to examine where demand will be strongest by region and building type.
BIM and Information Technology | May 2, 2016
How HDR used computational design tools to create Omaha's UNO Baxter Arena
Three years after writing a white paper about designing an arena for the University of Nebraska Omaha, HDR's Matt Goldsberry says it's time to cherry-pick the best problem-solving workflows.
Virtual Reality | Apr 29, 2016
NBBJ to develop virtual reality productivity platform
The Seattle design firm has partnered with Visual Vocal, a startup VR company.
Drones | Apr 25, 2016
The Tremco SkyBEAM UAV is the first to be approved by the FAA for nighttime commercial operation
The SkyBEAM UAV is used for identifying energy leaks, rooftop damage, deteriorating façades, and safety issues without requiring scaffolding or cranes.