Robobart, a Los Angeles-based company, has recently introduced a new autonomous delivery vehicle called the RM5. This electric driverless van is equipped with 10 individual lockers, allowing it to pick up multiple items from various stores and make multiple deliveries to different customers. One of the key selling points of the RM5 is its cost-effective delivery model. Unlike competitors such as Instacart and DoorDash, Robobart offers a single flat delivery fee that is significantly lower, making it an attractive option for customers.
The RM5 is essentially a storage locker on wheels designed to revolutionize personal grocery delivery services. By eliminating the need for a human driver, Robobart claims that delivery costs can be reduced by up to 70%. Each locker in the vehicle can accommodate a payload of up to 50 pounds, with a total payload capacity of 500 pounds. The vehicle itself has a maximum range of 112 miles on a full charge and can travel at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour on public roads, ensuring efficient and timely deliveries.
Customers using the RM5 will only have to pay a flat $3 delivery fee, with no additional markups, service fees, or tips. This transparent pricing model sets Robobart apart from other delivery services and makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious consumers. To access their deliveries, customers will need to use a smartphone app to open the appropriate lockers upon the vehicle’s arrival.
In order to bring this innovative delivery service to life, Robobart is currently in the process of signing partnership agreements with retailers. The company plans to launch the service in Austin, Texas, later this year, following a successful pilot program for a “store on wheels” concept in 2020. This initial program involved autonomous vehicles stocked with a variety of goods, which customers could select from directly.
Robobart’s journey began in 2017, and the company has since evolved from a pilot program to an on-demand delivery solution. With the introduction of the RM5 autonomous delivery vehicle, Robobart aims to disrupt the traditional grocery delivery market and provide customers with a cost-effective and efficient delivery option. Stay tuned for the launch of this groundbreaking service in the near future.