{"id":13416,"date":"2020-11-26T15:31:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-26T22:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/?p=13416"},"modified":"2025-02-23T22:00:33","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T03:00:33","slug":"rev-1-is-a-tiny-autonomous-delivery-robot-of-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/rev-1-is-a-tiny-autonomous-delivery-robot-of-the-future","title":{"rendered":"REV-1 is a Tiny Autonomous Delivery Robot of the Future"},"content":{"rendered":"

Developed by the University of Michigan\u2019s spinoff company, the REV-1 aims to revolutionize autonomous delivery systems.<\/p>\n

The next time you happen to find yourself ordering lunch in Ann Arbor, Michigan, don\u2019t be surprised if your food is delivered by a silver three-wheeled driverless pod thingy. Chances are you will be served by an autonomous delivery robot.<\/p>\n

The REV-1 has been specifically built by Refraction AI for last-mile deliveries in urban communities. A few of such robots are currently in use in the Ann Arbor community of Michigan. Within the specified 2.5-mile operating radius, customers can summon the robot to deliver their food when ordering from 6 partner restaurants.<\/p>\n

\"Refraction<\/p>\n

The way it functions is also relatively simple; when customers place orders from a dedicated app, the REV-1 shows up at the restaurant\u2019s doorstep, and an employee will place the food in its rather spacious, 16 cubic-feet storage compartment. Then the REV-1 will navigate itself to the customers. Upon reaching its destination, the customer will get a text message notifying them about the robot\u2019s arrival. The text will also include a four-digit passcode that the customer will need to access the storage compartment.<\/p>\n

To power itself, the robot uses a small electric motor to achieve a top speed of 12 mph. As it only weighs 100 lbs, the lightweight and low-power approach adopted by Refraction AI enables the REV-1 to be classified as an e-bike, allowing it to use dedicated bike lanes to travel safely.<\/p>\n

The robot relies on a combination of different positioning systems such as GPS, LIDAR, radar, and ultrasound sensors to navigate the busy streets. Moreover, the REV-1 also has 12 onboard optical cameras providing a 360-degree view of its surroundings.<\/p>\n

We are looking forward to seeing how many delivery chains opt for roadgoing autonomous robots instead of quadcopter drones.<\/p>\n

More details on Refraction AI’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n