CAPTION: The Deutsche Post wants to expand their tests with the "PostBOT" to cities of Japan. (picture alliance/Swen Pförtner/dpa/archive)
The German postal company Deutsche Post is pushing forward with a unique project of testing robots to help mail carriers.
"We are working on the development of the next generation of companion robots," a company spokesman in Frankfurt told dpa.
About a year ago the Deutsche Post successfully carried out a practical test over a six-week period in the city of Bad Hersfeld and afterwards drew a "very positive conclusion," the spokesman said.
The robot proved to be reliable and safe and had provided additional important information. The aim is to see how robots might ease the work of employees in their physically demanding labour.
Named "PostBOT," the robot is a four-wheeled vehicle 1.5 metres tall that follows the mail carrier every step of the way. It can carry parcels of up to 150 kilograms. The electric-powered companion robot stops at obstacles and is able to overcome curbs.
After the Bade Hersfeld test the robot was presented at fairs and other events. At the moment, "PostBOT" is being used in Japan for demonstration purposes and for gathering further experience in the cities of Tokyo, Yokohama, Sapporo and Fukuoka. The country is technology-friendly, the spokesman said, beyond which one finds similar local conditions such as those in Germany.
Bonn-based Deutsche Post stresses that the robot is not meant to endanger jobs. The aim is to help and support employees in handling heavy loads.
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