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
BAS and Security | May 26, 2022
Can your intelligent building outsmart hackers?
ESD's security services studio leader Coleman Wolf offers tips, advice, and lessons for protecting real estate assets from cyberattacks.
Architects | Apr 26, 2022
Low-tech skills architects need to keep in a high-tech world
As architects continue to lean into learning and mastering the latest technologies, let us not forget the foundational, fundamental skills that are still expected by clients. RS&H National Design Director Philip Robbie explains.
AEC Tech | Apr 19, 2022
VDC maturity and the key to driving better, more predictable outcomes
While more stakeholders across the AEC value chain embrace the concept of virtual design and construction, what is driving the vastly different results that organizations achieve? The answer lies within an assessment of VDC maturity.
AEC Tech | Apr 13, 2022
Morphosis designs EV charging station for automaker Genesis
LA-based design and architecture firm Morphosis has partnered with automotive luxury brand Genesis to bring their signature brand and styling, attention-to-detail, and seamless customer experience to the design of Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Stations.
AEC Tech | Apr 13, 2022
A robot automates elevator installation
Schindler—which manufactures and installs elevators, escalators, and moving walkways—has created a robot called R.I.S.E. (robotic installation system for elevators) to help install lifts in high-rise buildings.
Hotel Facilities | Apr 12, 2022
A virtual hotel to open in the metaverse
A brand of affordable luxury hotels that launched in 2008, citizenM has announced it will purchase a digital land site in The Sandbox, a virtual game world owned by Animoca Brands.
Modular Building | Mar 31, 2022
Rick Murdock’s dream multifamily housing factory
Modular housing leader Rick Murdock had a vision: Why not use robotic systems to automate the production of affordable modular housing? Now that vision is a reality.
AEC Tech Innovation | Mar 9, 2022
Meet Emerge: WSP USA's new AEC tech incubator
Pooja Jain, WSP’s VP-Strategic Innovation, discusses the pilot programs her firm’s new incubator, Emerge, has initiated with four tech startup companies. Jain speaks with BD+C's John Caulfield about the four AEC tech firms to join Cohort 1 of the firm’s incubator.
AEC Tech | Feb 11, 2022
Trimble Dimensions+ 2022 Call for Speakers Now Open
Trimble has opened its Call for Speakers for the Trimble Dimensions+ 2022 User Conference, which will be held November 7-9 at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
Coronavirus | Jan 20, 2022
Advances and challenges in improving indoor air quality in commercial buildings
Michael Dreidger, CEO of IAQ tech startup Airsset speaks with BD+C's John Caulfield about how building owners and property managers can improve their buildings' air quality.
