CURBY
LAST-MILE AUTONOMOUS CURBSIDE DELIVERY
Autonomous smart delivery robot designed to enable contactless deliveries for customers while enhancing efficiency for employees. Developed during COVID, Curby was created to provide a safe and seamless delivery solution in collaboration with Walmart.
DESIGNER
Samsung Strategy and Innovation Center
Andy Park (Design Team Lead)
ROLE
Work with engineers to design a contactless delivery robot while overseeing the UI + UX development.
REDUCING FOOTPRINT AND INCREASE SERVICE EFFICIENCY
During the pandemic, curbside pickup services have surged, requiring employees to deliver groceries to 10-15 customers daily. The process is physically demanding, involving heavy loads and extensive walking through large warehouse facilities.
Curby streamlines last-mile delivery, reducing employee workload and optimizing operational efficiency, allowing staff to focus on other tasks while ensuring a seamless customer experience.
CONSIDERATION FOR CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES
In the early phases, we conducted in-depth design research, user studies, and interviews to analyze curbside pickup behaviors, environments, and unmet needs.
By gathering insights from both customers and employees involved in the process, we gained a deeper understanding of the true value and expectations of curbside pickup services.
Based on research insights, we created moodboards and inspiration boards to guide our design direction. From these, we explored concept sketches focused on making the delivery robot feel more approachable and user-friendly.
CURBY’S EYES
Curby is equipped with two Lidars at opposite corners to map its environment and navigate efficiently.
Additionally, six cameras on its body enable obstacle detection, object tracking, and pedestrian awareness for safer operation.
MODULAR COMPARTMENTS
Based on client feedback, we designed two modular top compartments for versatile functionality.
Potential uses also include product stocking, marketing-driven impulse sales, bottle recycling for incentives, and assisting employees with grocery pickup.
By optimizing the interior dimensions of the curbside container design, we were able to fit groceries equivalent to the capacity of a regular shopping cart.
Here are some work-in-progress shots of the V1 prototype, showcasing the Lidar and camera detection testing.
These images highlight the early stages of development, focusing on the integration of sensors for mapping the environment and ensuring obstacle detection for safe navigation.
