Amazon said it’s getting positive feedback for its six-wheeled delivery robots, called Scout, that have been deployed onto the sidewalks of Irvine on a test basis.
The local trial run started earlier this month after testing near Amazon headquarters in Washington state that made “thousands” of package deliveries to customers.
It’s the first use of the autonomous delivery vehicles for package delivery outside the e-commerce’s giant’s home state.
Amazon’s used Irvine as a testing ground for prior product launches; the city was among the first to get an Amazon-led food-delivery service in 2016.
The company has a modest corporate presence in the city, primarily for its A2Z app and gaming division.
Ambassador Assistance for Now
An Amazon spokesperson said the Irvine feedback has been positive, while the rolling devices have been welcomed into neighborhood areas.
Amazon said that it is “starting with a small number” of Scout delivery vehicles deployed in Irvine, though it declined to tell the Business Journal how many are in operation.
The internet and retail giant said the deliveries are accompanied by a human “Amazon ambassador” to be sure everything runs smoothly.
Field Test Mode
The bright blue delivery robots resemble ice coolers on go-kart wheels as they scoot around on electric power.
“We’re still in field test mode and our expansion to the Irvine area is just another in the many steps forward for this new delivery system,” Sean Scott, vice president of Amazon Scout, wrote in a blog post on Aug. 6.
“The future is right around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited.
“The devices have safely and autonomously navigated the many obstacles you find in residential neighborhoods—trash cans, skateboards, lawn chairs, the occasional snow blower, and more,” Scott added.
“These devices are small and move slowly on sidewalks at a walking pace,” the company said. “Amazon Scout devices use camera and sensor data for route planning, navigation, and to improve the service.”
Amazon said the robots have been developed with safety and convenience in mind “from the design of the robotic hardware to the development of the back-end tech that operates the device.”
The company has started Scout deliveries Monday through Friday, during daylight hours.
Customers in the Irvine area order just as they normally would and their Amazon packages will be delivered either by a carrier partner or by an Amazon Scout.
