Swiss Post to test robot parcel service

Starting in September, the Swiss Post will send small, autonomous robots out onto city sidewalks and pedestrian zones to deliver packages in a series of tests authorised by Switzerland’s Federal Roads Office. The tests, which will be conducted in the Swiss capital Bern as well as Köniz (Bern), and Biberist (Solothurn), are the result of a partnership with British company Starship Technologies. In a statement on Tuesday, the mail service’s PostLogistics division announced that the robots will be used to test delivery of special mailings, including packages that require flexible and rapid local delivery. They could also be used in the future for same-day and same-hour delivery of food or medicine. Similar commercial tests were launched with partners in the UK and Germany last month. “The addition of Swiss Post to our testing programme is an exciting development for Starship Technologies,” said COO Allan Martinson in a statement on Tuesday. “Not only do we extend ...