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
AEC Tech | Jun 28, 2019
In London, Autodesk homes in on construction management
The software goliath sounds the alarm about the urgent need for productivity improvements to address unbridled urbanization.
Giants 400 | Jun 26, 2019
How are the AEC Giants faring in the tech arms race?
About half (42%) say their firm is “on par” with their most-direct AEC competitors.
AEC Tech | Jun 10, 2019
Mortenson joins forces with robotics technology producer
The partners will focus on equipment used for earthmoving in wind and solar projects.
AEC Tech | May 15, 2019
AI and digital twin firm Reconstruct Inc. closing $7.7 million Series A investment
Reconstruct’s AI and digital twin capabilities provide indoor/outdoor views for project stakeholders to track and resolve project issues in a virtual environment before they impact cost and schedule.
AEC Tech | May 7, 2019
Can machines design?
Instead of debating about whether machines can design, why don’t we ask, What if they could? How might architecture change if computers take over the process entirely?
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2019
Report: Contractors invest $1.6 billion in workforce development annually
ABC members increased training spending 45% from 2013, according to a new report.
AEC Tech | Apr 24, 2019
PlanGrid Delivers BIM Data in 2D and 3D Directly to Mobile Users in the Field
One of the construction industry’s most widely-used mobile technologies makes critical data accessible in the field with first major Autodesk integration after acquisition.
Digital Twin | Apr 24, 2019
Can Digital Twin make project management more efficient?
One leading owner’s rep is pushing that idea with its “OneModel” BIM-sharing approach.
Movers+Shapers | Apr 19, 2019
AEC angel investor
Jesse Devitte is among the prescient venture capitalists who’ve bet on the AEC industry finally coming around to design and construction technology.
AEC Tech | Apr 17, 2019
4 fundamental relationships between buildings and machines
If and when AI drives the entire process of design, construction, and operation, buildings could become exponentially smarter with resources, money, time, and performance.
