Spot, Boston Dynamics' Four-Legged Robot, Could Become an Assistant for Couriers

Boston Dynamics is exploring a new possible use for Spot, the famous quadruped robot already employed in numerous professional contexts. After finding application in industrial inspections and even in monitoring activities at the archaeological site of Pompeii, the robot is now being tested as support for last-mile deliveries, aiming to lighten the workload of couriers.

For this project, the company has developed a new accessory consisting of a transport system that allows Spot to load various packages onto its structure and drop them off automatically in front of residential doorways. The robot receives parcels directly from the delivery vehicle and transports them to the recipient's door without requiring continuous intervention from the operator.

In recent years, various companies have experimented with wheeled robots and drones to speed up deliveries, but the journey from the van to a home's entrance continues to pose a complex challenge. Stairs, uneven walkways, obstacles, and disorderly routes still make human work particularly effective. However, Boston Dynamics believes that Spot, thanks to its four-legged structure, can more easily navigate such environments compared to traditional solutions.

The company has released a demonstration video showing a courier loading packages onto the robot, which then transports them to the customer's home. The goal is to demonstrate that the system can achieve a level of efficiency that justifies the investment required to purchase Spot, whose price is around $75,000.

Boston Dynamics has also stated that they are already in contact with major companies in the logistics sector to evaluate the initiation of operational tests dedicated to last-mile deliveries. The intention is to move from current demonstrations to a true pilot project. According to the company, Spot could provide benefits not only in terms of mobility on complex terrains but also in the organization of work. While the robot completes a delivery, the driver could prepare subsequent packages, thus increasing overall productivity.

Paige Miller, Senior Staff Product Manager for Spot, estimates that for every three deliveries made by the robot, an additional one could be added to the van's load, thereby boosting couriers' operational capacity without increasing physical effort.