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Serve — Postmate's autonomous delivery vehicle
Today we’re introducing something that we’ve been working on for the past two years, Serve. Serve is the new addition to our fleet; an internally developed autonomous delivery rover. Serve is a first of its kind with socially aware navigation that combines design and technology.
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So here it is: Serve - a small but incredibly powerful addition to the Postmates fleet. I'm excited to share Serve with everyone today after working on it for almost two years. Ask us anything.
@basti how do you deal with anti social behavior ( e.g. stealing what’s inside)?
@basti @alexgiess At the surface level you have a locked compartment, cameras, a screen that an operator can appear on to speak with anyone interfering, etc. At a deeper level this is about creating a design that encourages empathy and discourages bullying or vandalism.
@steven_masters Serve moves at the speed of people around it, and stays on the sidewalk unless it's crossing at an intersection.
@michael_baker4 I'm guessing several engineers got jobs for this, also a couple of designers, a product manager and some data analysts.
@woakin Because that makes up for the displaced hundreds/thousands if potential of this robot is achieved.
@michael_baker4 the personal computer did too. and then it opened up a whole new industry.
@ginoferrand1 it's a normal evolution, just like tractors or any other technological advancement. Hundreds/thousands of jobs will be created on a new industry.
@woakin @ginoferrand1 The “displaced” hundreds/thousands can take advantage of the millions of courses available for free online or in libraries to become part of this new workforce. The only constant is change, learn to adapt and embrace the ever-changing world.
My thoughts about this robot
1) looks too small to have sufficient range of movement for practical commertial using
2) most likely has a small vandal resistance and has no means of scaring, protection of cargo
3) based on the estimated size can hardly carry on board a developed autonomous intelligence, and therefore will depend heavily on the cloud
4) the selected chassis will not be able to overcome the stairs, and at least how many significant thresholds, and will be limited only applicable in urban areas without snow, sand and dirt.
5) it's not like he has a system of 360 degree overview of what's required to succeed in an urban environment with high traffic of people and vehicles
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