Peachtree Corners has announced the launch of the first underground robotic delivery service, a cutting-edge system designed by Pipedream set to reduce traffic and the city's carbon footprint.
The new system operates through a dedicated one-mile tunnel that stretches from a local shopping center to the Curiosity Lab's innovation hub, and during peak lunch hours, smart city staffers will be treated to on-demand food delivery straight from nearby eateries. As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, the innovative initiative aims not only to expedite delivery times but also to limit street-level congestion that traditional delivery traffic typically contributes to.
In a statement obtained by Cities Today, Brandon Branham, Peachtree Corners' CTO and also the executive director of the Curiosity Lab, said, “When we think about wear and tear [on infrastructure] and the kerb management of deliveries, they’re often delivering one package to thousands of people a day,”
Pipedream robots, capable of reaching speeds up to 72 kilometers per hour, shuttle goods through tunnels 1.8 to 2.1 meters beneath city streets, making the trip in approximately five minutes, delivering food initially, but with plans of expanding to groceries and other packages, Branham told Cities Today the innovative approach foretells a future where traffic delays and stop lights no longer hinder the efficiency of urban delivery systems.
Assistant City Manager and CTO of Peachtree Corners Brandon Branham proclaimed, "By bringing the delivery system underground and directly to the customer, Pipedream is showcasing the future of logistics technology that will not only bring added convenience to our residents and businesses but also reduce traffic, noise, and emissions from delivery vehicles on our roads."
Garret McCurrach, CEO of Pipedream, in a show of excitement about the project's potential expansion beyond Peachtree Corners, said, “Underground delivery feels like something just teleported into your living room, and thanks to the leadership of Peachtree Corners in pushing forward and implementing smart city world-first technologies and infrastructure, this is a reality today. We’re excited for people to experience that here at the Curiosity Lab and are planning to bring it to many more cities over the next couple of years.”
