Amazon ‘Scouts’ new tech

Amazon is piloting a test of a new self-driving delivery device called Scout, which looks like a drone on wheels.

According to CNBC, Scout is the size of a “small cooler” and can roll along sidewalks, delivering packages safely to a customer’s doorstep. The device is currently operating in Snohomish County, Wash.

It’s the latest development in Amazon’s growing logistics business and possibly its cutest last-mile solution idea yet.

“The devices will autonomously follow their delivery route but will initially be accompanied by an Amazon employee,” Amazon said in a statement to CNBC. “We developed Amazon Scout at our research and development lab in Seattle, ensuring the devices can safely and efficiently navigate around pets, pedestrians and anything else in their path.”

According to CNBC, the company is starting with just six Scout devices operating during weekdays and daylight hours. Amazon customers in Snohomish County — just north of Seattle — can order packages as they normally would. Scout navigates to the customer’s door and automatically opens a top hatch allowing the customer to retrieve the package.

To read the CNBC article, click here.