Arlington, which became the first city in the country last year to offer ongoing autonomous shuttle service to the public, has developed a reputation for its interest in exploring technology-based mobility solutions. Arlington is also on its way to becoming the first city in Texas to offer on-street autonomous vehicle transportation service to its residents and visitors through a pilot program that could begin in October, pending City Council approval on August 21.
The City is not providing funding for Marble's innovative sidewalk delivery pilot program, but it is working to provide a supportive environment. As part of the City Council's resolution, companies are allowed to operate autonomous, electric robotic delivery devices on city sidewalks to deliver packages.
These walking-pace devices, which would require the intended recipient to enter a code to access their delivery, typically travel three to four miles per hour and are designed to make shorts trips ranging from a few blocks up to two miles. For example, from a store to the front of a resident's home.
Marble's goal is to have the robot interact safely and politely while operating in the public domain. The robot, which drives autonomously, is monitored by a Marble Ambassador at all times.
Marble is currently mapping areas to assess optimal routes from the store to door and return. During the process, Marble will determine the location of sidewalks and addresses within the area that the robot can reliably use for delivery. The Marble robot uses LIDAR, cameras, and other sensors to understand the world around it. It knows when people are nearby and can politely and safely navigate amongst them.
"The mapping process in Arlington lays the groundwork for the delivery robots to understand the environment and learn routes that will support more efficient and reliable deliveries of groceries, packages, and common goods," Delaney said.