OSAKA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic Corporation today announced that it will begin its demonstration experiments with the Autonomous Delivery Robot, "HOSPI(R)," from mid-January 2017 in cooperation with the Narita International Airport Corporation and the ANA Crowne Plaza Narita.
HOSPI(R) is a robot that can deliver goods autonomously on behalf of humans. Based on preprogrammed map information and using high performance sensors and advanced collision-avoidance algorithm, the robot can move about while staying aware of its surroundings, enabling it to deliver items safely and efficiently without colliding into passersby or various objects along its route. Unlike traditional delivery systems, equipment does not need to be embedded into the walls or ceilings, and guide tapes do not have to be laid down along the route, so delivery destinations and layout changes to facilities may be easily made and at low cost. Being recognized for these features, the HOSPI(R) has already been adopted by 4 hospitals in Japan and other countries for the delivery of pharmaceuticals and specimens.
In the demonstration experiments to be conducted, the robots will be retrieving used dishware in the airport lounge and offering drink service in the hotel lobby. Through these demonstration experiments, Panasonic will be verifying the utility of the HOSPI(R) in performing other types of delivery services and accelerating the commercial development of the HOSPI(R).
[Video] Demonstration Experiments of HOSPI(R), the Autonomous Delivery
Robot, at an Airport and Hotel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkAOuyWWjaQ
Overview of the Demonstration Experiments
1. Drink service.
Period: Jan 14 (Sat) - 18 (Wed), 2017
Location: ANA Crowne Plaza
Narita, 1F Lobby
Description: The robot will move around the lobby
offering bottled beverages to hotel guests. It will also provide
information about bus departures.
2. Dishware collection.
Period: Jan 23 (Mon) - 27 (Fri), 2017
Location: Narita
International Airport, "Narita Travel Lounge"
Description:
The robot will retrieve used dishware and deliver them to the relevant
counter.
*At the moment, there are no plans to introduce the HOSPI(R) to the Narita International Airport and the ANA Crowne Plaza Narita more permanently. With its personal care robots, Panasonic will help realize a safe, secure, and convenient lifestyle.
About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the
development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for
customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, enterprise
solutions and device industries. Since its founding in 1918, the company
has expanded globally and now operates 474 subsidiaries and 94
associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of
7.553 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2016. Committed to
pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the
company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world
for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: http://www.panasonic.com/global.
