POSTBOT: THE ROBOTIC MAILMAN

Deutsche Post has just selected its test site for the new autonomous driving robot: PostBOT. The German postal service has selected the town of Bad Hersfeld, where the yellow and black machines will accompany mail deliverers on their routes while carrying their mail items. 

The little robot is being introduced to help the human deliverer by freeing up their hands. It can carry up to six post trays, making it easier for the mailmen to distribute the mail. Deutsche Post will be watching the pilot project carefully to see how well the robots support staff with their physically demanding work. 

"Day in and day out, our delivery staff perform outstanding but exhausting work," explains Jürgen Gerdes, CEO of the Post – e-commerce – parcel division at Deutsche Post DHL group. "We’re constantly working on new solutions to allow our employees to handle this physically challenging work even as they continue to age." The company already uses e-bikes and e-trikes to aid postal deliveries. 

The yellow and black machine is custom-built with considerable input from the delivery staff of Deutsche Post to ensure that it met their specific needs for transporting letters and packages. The robot can carry loads of up to 150 kgs and follow the mail carrier by censoring their legs throughout the entire route. The PostBOT can navigate around obstacles when needed and the robust structure – which includes control elements on both sides of the unit to promote good ergonomics for the back and joints – means it can be used in all weather conditions.