Atlanta Suburb Becomes First to Test Underground Consumer Delivery System
Garrett McCurrach, the CEO of PipeDream Labs, is revolutionizing the world of delivery with the launch of the first underground autonomous robot delivery system. The system aims to make delivery more cost-effective and efficient for everyday consumers. McCurrach, recognizing the increasing expenses and delays associated with online delivery, believes that autonomous delivery has the potential to solve these issues. Implementing the delivery system underground offers even greater advantages.
Peachtree Corners, a city in Georgia known for its real-world connected infrastructure and 5G capabilities, has been chosen as the testing ground for PipeDream’s subterranean system. Currently, the system spans one mile, connecting a busy shopping center to a 25,000-square-foot smart city innovation center. This allows employees to test on-demand delivery during their lunch breaks.
Comparing the system to the New York City subway, albeit on a smaller scale, McCurrach explains that the delivery robots, or fast autonomous cars, traverse the one-mile underground tunnel, transporting various items such as food, packages, groceries, and household goods at a faster rate than traditional delivery methods.
The tunnel itself measures a mere 18 inches across, but McCurrach reassures that there is ample space to accommodate items. In fact, over 95% of groceries and over 90% of e-commerce items can be transported within this confined space.
To facilitate the delivery process, drawers are compressed into walls at both ends of the tunnel. When an order is ready for delivery, the store or restaurant can place the item inside the drawer for the robot to retrieve at the appropriate time. Once the robot reaches its destination, the recipient can open the opposite end drawer and collect their item.
Apart from the cost and time-saving benefits, the autonomous robot delivery system also greatly contributes to a more sustainable and efficient environment. It eliminates carbon emissions, reduces traffic congestion, and minimizes noise pollution.
Peachtree Corners Chief Technology Officer Brandon Branham lauds the system as a continuation of the city’s efforts to create a sustainable and equitable community. With this technology, McCurrach aims to transform delivery nationwide and plans to establish citywide systems in the coming year. The team will evaluate potential target cities over the next few months.
It is important to note that underground tunnels are not the only means of achieving autonomous delivery. Other companies are exploring alternate methods, such as autonomous drones. Zipline, recognized as the largest autonomous delivery system, recently introduced a platform for precise autonomous drone delivery to homes in cities and suburbs. Additionally, Amazon, Walmart, and Domino’s have already commenced their own trials of drone and self-driving delivery.
For PipeDream, the goal is to create a seamless delivery experience without compromising the aesthetics of the overall infrastructure. McCurrach emphasizes that the underground system is invisible to the average observer, blending seamlessly into the cityscape.
With the advent of autonomous delivery, consumers can expect greater convenience, faster service, and reduced environmental impact. The future of delivery is on the horizon, and PipeDream Labs is taking the lead in transforming the way we receive our goods and services.
