With SameDay bot, FedEx joins robotic delivery push

FedEx is testing a new self-driving robotic vehicle that could one day compete with Amazon in delivering packages or pizzas to homes.

The company unveiled its new SameDay Bot early Wednesday on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

“Using artificial intelligence and an array of sensors, the FedEx SameDay Bot is able to safely navigate to its destination and make deliveries directly to you,” the company says.

Among the partners in the project is Pizza Hut.

“Our success is built around the best-in-class experiences we provide to our customers,” said Nicolas Burquier, chief customer and operations officer, Pizza Hut, U.S. “As we look to advance our business and continue providing experiences that our customers deserve, exploring technology solutions that allow our team members to do what they do on an even greater scale is critical to our success. Testing of the SameDay Bot with FedEx is just one more way we’re looking to the future of delivery at Pizza Hut.”

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FedEx is the latest of several companies, including Amazon, to experiment with sidewalk delivery robots. Initial testing will be limited to transporting packages between FedEx Office locations.

The boxy machine appeared on the “Tonight Show” stage crossing through sand, gravel and shallow water, and climbing stairs, to deliver a pizza to Fallon.

FedEx says it worked with Segway creator Dean Kamen on technology based in part on his company’s iBot, a mobility device for the disabled.

FedEx is partnering on the project with Walmart, Walgreens, Target, AutoZone and Lowe’s.