Robot couriers started working in Switzerland

A pilot project using robots for the delivery of mail and food products has been launched in Switzerland.

BAKU.WS reports with reference to foreign media that the project is being implemented through a joint initiative of Swiss Post, Migros Online service, and RIVR company.

The delivery robots called RIVR ONE are commercial versions of the ANYmal model developed by ETH Zurich. These robots have a four-legged structure with wheels installed in place of their legs. When the wheels are locked, the robot can climb stairs and overcome obstacles, and when unlocked, they provide fast movement on asphalt and flooring.

The robots are equipped with LiDAR, cameras, and GPS systems. Loads are transported in special locked containers. During the testing phase, the robots will move alongside Swiss Post trucks and deliver Migros Online orders as well as customers' postal packages directly to addresses.

Although the robots operate mostly autonomously, operators monitor their activities and can intervene in control if necessary.

It should be noted that RIVR ONE has previously been tested in Zurich and Austin, USA, and during that period was used for both postal deliveries and food delivery.