Boston Dynamics explores delivery solutions with robotic dogs.

Boston Dynamics’ robotic quadruped, Spot, has already made a name for itself in factory inspections and exploring the ruins of Pompeii, but now it’s eyeing the delivery scene. The company is testing a new conveyor belt accessory that enables Spot to transport packages from a vehicle and autonomously drop them off at a customer’s doorstep, aiming to lighten the load for delivery drivers.

While there have been efforts to speed up and automate deliveries with wheeled robots and drones, humans still excel at navigating tricky obstacles like stairs and cluttered paths to get packages from trucks to doorsteps. A demonstration video showcases a driver loading packages onto Spot for doorstep delivery, and Boston Dynamics hopes the efficiency of this system will make the $75k robot a worthwhile investment.

The company is already in discussions with major logistics firms to test Spot as a last-mile delivery solution, with plans to transition from demos to a full pilot project. Spot’s ability to traverse uneven terrain and tackle complex obstacles makes it a promising delivery assistant. It’s already utilized in search and rescue operations to sift through rubble, and Boston Dynamics believes these skills will help it navigate the often unpredictable environments of suburban neighborhoods, where the route from the curb to the front door is rarely straightforward.

This robotic helper not only aims to ease the physical demands on delivery drivers but also allows them to focus on other tasks, like preparing the next delivery while Spot handles its current drop-off. “For every three packages delivered via Spot, we think we can add another package to the van,” says Paige Miller, senior staff product manager for Spot.