MOORESVILLE, N.C., April 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine the
home improvement professional who is mid-project and breaks a drill
bit. Or the DIYer who finds herself short a gallon of paint to
complete a bedroom touchup. Instead of heading out the door to the
neighborhood Lowe's, they grab a phone or laptop and order online –
then go right back to work until a robot rolls up to their location
with that critical item, the very same day.
Lowe's is helping FedEx understand Lowe's customers' needs in an
effort to bring those visions to life with same-day delivery via
the FedEx SameDay Bot.
FedEx is developing this technology to provide safe, efficient
and environmentally friendly delivery in localized areas. The FedEx
SameDay Bot will rely on pedestrian-safe technology to navigate the
path to its destination.
"We're focused on serving our customers where, when and how they
want to be served, and smooth, reliable, timely delivery is
critical," said Don Frieson, Lowe's
executive vice president of supply chain. "The convenience and
capability the FedEx SameDay Bot is being designed to offer has the
potential to simplify and speed distribution through same-day
delivery from your neighborhood Lowe's. We look forward to
exploring possibilities to enhance the service we provide our
customers through this innovation – and what this kind of support
can mean for our associates."
The Bot is being developed to operate on sidewalks and along
roadsides, remain stable and avoid obstacles, while negotiating
curbs, unpaved surfaces and tight turns. Gyroscopic technology
helps keep cargo level and still. And while that agility can
simplify access to a busy construction site, same-day, on-site
delivery's greatest value might be allowing contractors to continue
working without costly interruptions and delays.
"Consider pros who could save time and money by never leaving
the job site for the critical tools and supplies they need from
Lowe's," Frieson said. "Rising labor wages cost businesses every
time a worker leaves to pick up supplies. Then consider the lost
productivity from work that remained untouched while they are gone,
and we believe professionals will quickly realize the savings of
job site delivery."
FedEx aims to begin testing the robot in select markets this
summer.
About Lowe's
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a
FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving more than
18 million customers a week in the United
States, Canada and
Mexico. With fiscal year 2018
sales of $71.3 billion, Lowe's and
its related businesses operate or service more than 2,200 home
improvement and hardware stores and employ approximately 300,000
associates. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports its
hometown Charlotte region and all
communities it serves through programs focused on safe, affordable
housing and careers in the skilled trades. For more information,
visit Lowes.com.
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SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.