Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor) and Kia Corporation (Kia) recently unveiled the new design of their DAL-e Delivery robot. This robot, based on the delivery robot introduced in December 2022, is expected to improve delivery performance, particularly in complex settings, such as offices and shopping malls.
Drawing from the insights gained from Hyundai Motor and Kia’s previous conveyance pilot project, DAL-e Delivery has undergone significant improvements in both design and performance for swift and dependable delivery services in complex indoor environments.
“DAL-e Delivery offers efficient and reliable F&B and parcel dispatch services to ensure customers receive goods promptly,” said Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor and Kia. “Our vision extends to implementing infrastructure interworking across diverse spaces, including offices, restaurants and shopping malls.”
To enhance driving stability, DAL-e Delivery is designed in a square column with rounded corners with the center of gravity at the bottom. The sensors are discreetly integrated, and the sophisticated metal-like design lends DAL-e Delivery a sleek, premium aesthetic.
DAL-e Delivery is based on four Plug & Drive (PnD) modules, a mobility solution that combines a motor with steering, suspension, braking systems and environmental recognition sensors. It can speed up to 1.2 m/s, with the free-moving PnD modules combined with advanced autonomous driving technology to recognize obstacles and easily navigate in congested areas. Also, the robot’s enhanced suspension provides a steady ride over bumps in the floor to ensure stable delivery.
DAL-e Delivery is smaller in size than the previous version allowing it to run smoothly, but the internal cargo space has become larger. With the capacity to hold up to 16 cups of coffee and transport items weighing up to 10 kg, it provides convenient delivery solutions for bulky and heavy packages.
A subtle light installed inside of the cargo enables one to recognize the items easily. When the door opens, the storage tray comes forward, allowing users to conveniently load and take out the items.
The standout feature of DAL-e Delivery is its autonomous driving capability to navigate and transfer to and from all building floors, seamlessly interfacing with the elevator and door control system. Furthermore, it ensures quick delivery service by creating optimal routes in real-time.
When DAL-e Delivery arrives at the destination, it recognizes the recipient through its installed camera. Utilizing advanced AI facial identification technology developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics Lab, the door automatically opens without the need for the recipient to input a password. This facial recognition technology, officially certified by the Korea Internet and Security Agency for its 99.9 percent accuracy, underscores the technological excellence of the Robotics Lab.
The robot features an 11.6-inch high-resolution display, offering a clear representation of the service status. The screen showcases essential information such as destination and operation status, enabling users and pedestrians to intuitively grasp the robot’s service status. Additionally, animated facial expressions displayed on the screen enhance customer intimacy.
Hyundai Motor and Kia will deploy DAL-e Delivery at IGIS Asset Management’s ‘Factorial Seongsu,’ in the second quarter of this year. Located in Seoul, the smart office building is scheduled to open for occupancy in April. Hyundai Motor and Kia signed a business agreement with IGIS in May last year to commercialize the robot-friendly building.
