Have you seen the robots floating around Walmart yet? It seems that robots are the new thing in retail, and now thanks to FedEx, robots are also the new trend for delivery service.
FedEx is ready to partner with multiple retailers and restaurants, using robots for SameDay delivery. Look for the FedEx SameDay Bot to start delivering soon.
Who’s partnering with FedEx?
Walmart has a delivery service of its own, but this major retailer plans on partnering with FedEx for home delivery as well. FedEx also announced partnerships with Pizza Hut, Lowe’s, AutoZone, Walgreens and even Target. So if you need someone to snag your groceries for you, may as well send a robot to Target or Walmart while you get the rest of your chores done!
via FedEx.com
How does the delivery work?
Okay, okay, you can’t actually send the robot to the store. Here’s how it really works. When you order something from one of the partners, that retailer can send off a robot with that shipment. According to FedEx, 60 percent of customers live within a three-mile radius of these retailers. That means sending off a robot to do that quick same-day delivery is completely probable.
By using a robot, FedEx hopes to increase the need for hyper-local delivery. So, if you need a few things for dinner that night, may as well have FedEx’s SameDay Bot run that errand for you. The robot is created to travel on sidewalks and roadsides and can even climb stairs!
When will these robots hit the streets?
FedEx plans on testing this initiative in select markets this summer, including Memphis, Tennessee (pending final city approvals). Right now, FedEx offers SameDay city service in 1,900 different cities. The company hopes to replace this service with the FedEx bot in the future.
“The FedEx SameDay Bot represents the next chapter in our long legacy of delivering innovation and outstanding service, supported by an already existing FedEx logistics ecosystem,” says Brian Philips, President and CEO of FedEx Office, in FedEx’s recent post. “We are excited to bring this technology to address new markets and better support our customers.”
In the meantime, you may as well make some delicious Pizza Hut right at home with our best copycat recipes!
No Robot Yet? Just Make a Copycat Pizza Hut Dish at Home
I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Dazzle your family and friends with pizzas fresh off the grill. We top them with Asiago, Parmesan, veggies and fresh basil. Pile on the toppings you love. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
I love to experiment in the kitchen with simple ingredients like refrigerated biscuits. The results are usually a big hit—these super fast breadsticks are an example. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
A prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
My sister-in-law used to own a pizza restaurant and gave me this awesome recipe that features ground beef, cheddar and Thousand Island dressing. We like it on whole wheat crust. —Katie Buckley, Wyoming, Delaware
When I want a lighter dinner, I use lean turkey bacon in this recipe. It gives the pasta that richness you want without all the extra fat. —Courtney Harris, Denton, Texas
I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida
My fun twist on typical pizza is an excellent way to use up leftover pesto. And since it’s loaded with protein-rich chicken and black beans, it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba
This is so much fun to do with company on a summer night. Each person can adjust the ingredients as they see fit. The dough is easy to work with and grilling it gives the crust deliciously different flavor.—Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas
Here's a lighter, scrumptious twist for pizza night. It makes good use of convenience items and keeps everyone's taste buds happy with help from nutty-flavored fontina cheese and crushed red pepper flakes. —Brittney House, Lockport, Illinois
These delightful golden twists are perfect for a spring brunch or lunch. The brown sugar and cinnamon give them a delicate spicy flavor. People can rarely eat just one.
—Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois
Fans of spicy chicken wings will love this rendition that turns it into pizza. Serve it up with blue cheese dressing and crisp celery, just like the tasty original. —Shari DiGirolamo, Newton, Pennsylvania
Although this pizza doesn't have sauce, it gets unforgettable flavor from a blend of cheeses, vegetables and garlic. Using frozen bread dough appeals to folks who don't care to bake. —Davis Johns, Hurst, Texas
When you're in a hurry to make dessert, here's a "mix of mixes" that's so convenient and quick. The result is a big pan of very rich, fudgy brownies. Friends who ask me for the recipe are amazed that it's so easy. —Denise Nebel, Wayland, Iowa
I love this recipe because the crust is so flavorful—tomato juice replaces most of the oil. It's one of my kids' favorite meals! —Karen Shipp, San Antonio, Texas
Our daughter, Stephanie, makes this pizza for her dad whenever he has a craving for it. Meat eaters will definitely get their fill with a slice of this deep-dish delight.—Nancy Jo Leffler, DePauw, Indiana
This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes, and it's something that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey