Innovative Automated Delivery Robots Test Launch in Large-Scale Apartments

Innovative Automated Delivery Robots Test Launch

Starting from August 22, 2025, Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. and WATT, Inc. will initiate a groundbreaking pilot project that leverages automated delivery robots in large-scale residential buildings. This initiative aims not only to enhance the convenience for residents but also to alleviate the workload of delivery drivers, thereby creating a more efficient last-mile delivery model.

Overview of the Pilot Project

Objectives

To address the unique delivery needs inherent in large residential complexes, this pilot will evaluate the operational efficiency of the delivery robots, assessing aspects such as accuracy, productivity, and their ability to navigate obstacles. Additionally, it will analyze the improvement in convenience, resident satisfaction, and operational cost-effectiveness that the introduction of these robots may bring.

Process Flow

The automated delivery process will unfold as follows:
1. A staff member will place parcels in a smart delivery box.
2. The delivery box will read the parcel's size and delivery information.
3. Residents will receive an email with a URL to select their preferred delivery date and time.
4. The smart box informs the automated delivery robot to retrieve the parcel, which it does autonomously.
5. The robot will operate an elevator and unlock security doors to reach the designated delivery point.
6. Upon arrival, the robot notifies the recipient via email, providing a password for unlocking its compartment. If the resident prefers in-person delivery, the robot will ring a doorbell.
7. Residents can input the provided password on the robot’s screen to retrieve their items, or they can choose for the robot to leave the parcel at their doorstep without direct interaction.

Pilot Locations and Duration

1. Proud Shin-Urayasu Palm Court (Chiba Prefecture, Urayasu City)
Period: August 22, 2025 – September 24, 2025
Delivery Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

2. Proud Tower Meguro MARC (Tokyo, Shinagawa City)
Period: Tentatively scheduled for October 23, 2025 – December 10, 2025
Delivery Hours: To be determined

Note: Only residents who have obtained prior consent will be included in this pilot. The project is supported by Nomura Real Estate Group and the MEGURO MARC association.

Equipment Used

To facilitate this innovative delivery system, the following equipment will be utilized:

- Smart Delivery Box: 1 unit, Model: W-Station

- Reads delivery slips and automatically determines destination; links with the robotic delivery system for seamless handover.

- Interactive Automated Delivery Robot: 1 unit, Model: James mW

- Can operate elevators and security doors, delivering parcels to specified locations.

- Non-Contact Delivery Robot: 1 unit, Model: James W

- Designed for drop-off deliveries without direct resident interaction.

Context and Future Plans

With the growing number of large residential complexes in urban and redeveloped areas, exceeding 1,000 units, the demand for diverse parcel delivery solutions has risen. Through this pilot project, both companies aim to validate the delivery needs in unique high-rise environments and the additional conveniences provided by round-the-clock automated delivery solutions. In the coming years, they plan to expand the pilot regions and adapt to the delivery requirements of other logistics companies and industries in preparation for practical implementation by 2026.

References

- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: Promotion of Various Delivery Methods. Access here for more information on the subsidy program.
- About WATT: Founded in March 2020 and headquartered in Seoul, WATT specializes in developing autonomous delivery solutions for internal logistics within buildings. Visit their website for further insights.