Amazon Unveils Scout — A Cute Robot On Your Doorstep

But is he your friend?

The robotic package delivery game has been in talks since last year, and now Amazon is all set to give it a go.

Last week, the e-commerce giant introduced a six-wheeled sidewalk robot called Scout to deliver packages from now on. Initially, these devices will start off delivering ordered items in the vicinity of Seattle, and if successful, will spread to the rest of the State.

If you’re wondering how it works, then take a look at the promo below

Scout looks like a large cooler on six wheels, powered by an electrical battery, with Amazon’s Smile logo stamped on it. Do not be under the impression that its battery powered element will allow the company to deliver packages faster than long-haul truck drivers. It will NOT by any means. Considering the extreme weather conditions, steep sometimes rocky roads, the robot will move at a walking pace on sidewalks. As of now, only six devices are currently being tested in the Snohomish County — just north of Seattle, which will make deliveries during weekdays in daylight hours.

Doubts regarding its navigation system have already been cleared out by the company itself. These robots are designed to navigate around obstacles such as pets and pedestrians. In-transit theft and vandalism are already out of question, as the device has a hidden camera installed in it. Which implies a customer will have to use an app to unlock the lid and then retrieve the items.

Not to mention, Amazon also reckoned, this GPS oriented device will autonomously follow the route, however, a worker will have to accompany it initially. In the moment something goes wrong, they can take control of it immediately.

Amazon isn’t the leader, so what’s the hype about?!

Yes you’ve read it right. Similar delivery bots have already been piloted in more closed-off locations like college campuses and office complexes. Therefore, Amazon isn’t the first one hitting the streets today.

I’m attaching some YouTube videos to the description below for you to analyze how smartly Amazon copied its predecessors:

Checkout Kiwibots, delivering meals to hungry Berkeley students. They’ve been rolling around the University of California for two years.

Also, Starship robots, delivering Blaze pizzas, Starbucks lattes, and Dunkin Donuts to George Mason University students — all for $1.99

My Take-On

Honestly, I never received a text asking if you want Starship to roll the pizza on over to your home. And if I ever will, of course I’ll say yes — it’s a robot filled with food, after all.

Getting back to Amazon…

On a serious note, this drone-delivery idea doesn’t seem viable to me. These might operate well in a brand new neighborhood that has smooth roads with fewer bumps, and potholes. But obviously the world isn’t like that, and neither the entire United States. Keeping those challenges in mind, it’s quite impractical to fully automate all those mainstream delivery methods unless they have designated roads for bots to function uninterruptedly.

Right now, this sounds highly unrealistic to me. Maybe by 2030, we shall have separate robot lanes just opposite to the bike lanes we have now in metro areas.

Nevertheless, I must admit it is indeed an intelligent step towards the advancement in robotics.

Are Robots More Efficient than Human Labour?

Quick Answer: No

Amazon has already been using robots to move inventory in its vast network of warehouses for years. Hence, nothing new on their part.

What’s mind-boggling is that this autonomous device takes around half an hour or more to deliver a single package, while a courier can deliver 50 parcels in one go.

I wonder how many robots they’ll churn out to cater the rising on-demand revolution. I’m sure people won’t wait forever to have their essentials especially groceries delivered to doorstep, just because a bot isn’t available at the moment. Now that implies, its technological cost will supersede labour salaries, doing more harm than good in terms of money.

To me, it’s an Enemy in Disguise

No, I am not going to whine about these self-driving machines putting low-skilled labor jobs at stake. That’s mainly because the machines are only capable of covering short distances without drop-off locations, so probably won’t displace truck drivers. To put it simply, they will work as complements to traditional delivery drivers and not replacements.

What’s bothering me is that people live in urban centers not because they sit on the couch, eat chips and get everything delivered to their door. Walking has social and health benefits, while a robot could easily pose a threat to elderly and/or disabled citizens. The idea may comfort a grandfather who lost his driving license and looks out for someone to pick up medicine from the pharmacy. Otherwise, its convenience will kill the older generation socially and mentally.

Personally, I feel awkward witnessing engineering walking out of our lives. Sidewalks are there for humans to walk safely, for homeless to rest and sleep. Now, these driver-less machines will be no less than a nightmare clogging our sidewalks. I know most Americans don’t use them, but come on! (Correct me if I’m wrong).

Time is not too far, when they have 50,000 robots taking control over sidewalks, and people will be seen walking on the streets with the cars, or maybe jostling them to find a bit of space to walk. I highly suspect, things will go out of our hands someday.

Are you excited about the idea of robots delivering groceries, posts, medicines and what not to your doors? Would love to hear your constructive opinion on this topic.

Also, this is my first blog on Medium, I’m all ears to any feedback you have on your mind while reading!