Although it is a business not many are aware of, sidewalk robots are set to become an industry with annual sales of $ 1bn within a decade, estimates IDTechEx, a British firm of analysts. These four- or six-wheeled autonomous machines, usually the size of a suitcase, are already delivering groceries and other goods in America, China and Europe.
That puts them ahead of many driverless cars, buses and lorries being developed. Those bigger vehicles are held back not by technology but regulation, says Zehao Li of IDTechEx. This means having a “safety driver” on board ready to take over if there is a problem, which is hardly labor-saving.
For these larger vehicles regulators want to see safety systems thoroughly proved. But there are legal hurdles, too. In January Britain’s Law Commission, which reviews legislation, recommended that it should not be the person in the driver’s seat who faces appeals if a vehicle in autonomous mode crashes, but the manufacturer behind it.
Meanwhile, sidewalk robots are getting on with the job. Typically, these robots carry a few bags of groceries using a variety of sensors, including cameras, radar and GPS to navigate and avoid obstacles and people. Their progress can be monitored on a phone app, which also unlocks them for goods to be retrieved (检索). As they are small, move slowly and are “telemonitored” by people in a control room who can take over, authorities seem more willing to give them a green light.
Robotic versions which operate on roads are also appearing. Nuro,a Silicon Valley firm, makes one about the size of a small car that can carry 24 bags of groceries. It has frozen and heated cabinets for food and drinks. Udelv, also a Californian firm, is developing a larger type called Transporter to operate at highway speeds. Being much further along the road in earning their keep, these delivery bots are helping to pave the way for the time when bigger autonomous vehicles can join them.
12. What can be inferred from Paragraph 1?
A.Sidewalk robots are hardly accepted. |
B.Sidewalk robots have made 1bn sales so far. |
C.Sidewalk robots are a promising business. |
D.Sidewalk robots resemble a suitcase. |
13. Which is a rule for bigger driverless vehicles?
A.They should develop with sidewalk robots. |
B.They should be accompanied by a driver. |
C.They should be labor-saving. |
D.They should be problem-solving. |
14. Who is to blame in auto-mode accidents by Britain’s Law Commission?
A.The regulators. | B.The legal systems. |
C.The driver. | D.The manufacturer. |
15. What is the purpose of the article?
A.To applaud delivery bots. |
B.To further develop delivery bots. |
C.To show the technology behind delivery bots. |
D.To pave the way for autonomous vehicles. |