FedEx Using Robots for Future Deliveries

The final leg of delivery to customers (referred to as the “last mile”) is often the most expensive leg of the journey.  In a commoditized market, FedEx is trying to find a way to reinvent the last mile and give themselves differentiation and a lower cost structure versus their shipping competitors.  FedEx revealed plans for utilizing an autonomous delivery robot which they descriptively but unimaginatively named the “FedEx SameDay Bot” to manage same day deliveries.    The article also talks about Amazon’s foray into this space with their “Amazon Scout”.  Target, Walmart, and Pizza Hut are all on board as initial customers utilizing the FedEx service.  This logistical innovation will help them provide greater customer experience and presumably lower costs as well.