Buzzy Bot draws inspiration from the organic shapes and colors of honey bees, incorporating them into its sleek and futuristic design. The hexagonal shape of the storage compartments, reminiscent of honeycombs, not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also provides a functional and efficient storage solution. The symmetrical architecture of the vehicle, inspired by horse-drawn carriages, ensures optimal visibility and maneuverability.
What sets Buzzy Bot apart from other delivery vehicles is its medium size and autonomous capabilities. With a total of 34 separate automated storage compartments equipped with an Electronic Drawer system, Buzzy Bot can service a large number of clients in a single trip. Its adaptive ground clearance allows it to overcome road obstacles effortlessly, ensuring smooth and efficient deliveries.
One of the standout features of Buzzy Bot is its use of solar panels on the roof, providing an additional source of electric power. This not only reduces its carbon footprint but also ensures uninterrupted operation even in remote areas. Additionally, Buzzy Bot is equipped with a cargo drone specifically designed for transporting medium-sized packages, further enhancing its delivery capabilities.
The construction of Buzzy Bot utilizes a combination of lightweight metals such as aluminum and titanium for the chassis, providing strength and durability. Stainless steel is used for mechanical kinetic assemblies, ensuring resistance to shocks and moisture. The external formwork and smaller parts are made from thermoformed and injection-molded plastics, offering both functionality and aesthetics. The darkened-transparent doors of the compartments are made of polycarbonate with integrated transparent OLED displays, adding a touch of modernity to the design.
Technical specifications of Buzzy Bot include a length of 3000 mm, width of 1450 mm, and height of 1850 mm. It is equipped with a GPS autonomous navigation system, a 360-degree camera vision field with automatic recognition of pedestrians, road signs, and traffic lights, and a lidar for automatic detection of ground terrain topology. The radar detection system ensures the vehicle's safety by detecting other vehicles and objects, enabling automatic braking and acceleration. In critical situations, the vehicle can be controlled remotely by an operator in the control center.
Buzzy Bot's interaction with users is seamless and user-friendly. Its system of independent rotation of all four wheels by 90 degrees allows for efficient maneuvering and parking in confined areas. The vehicle can move in all four directions, making it highly versatile. The indoor climate micro-system enables the transport of hot or cold food, ensuring the freshness of perishable goods. Each compartment is equipped with an OLED info-display that shows the temperature and order client code, providing real-time information to both the delivery personnel and the clients. The built-in QR scanner and contactless payment credit card reader allow for convenient and secure payment directly on the robot itself.
The Buzzy Bot project was realized in Belgrade, Serbia, starting in September 2022 and finishing in January 2023. The design process involved extensive research into the growing demand for online shopping and delivery services. The goal was to create a delivery vehicle that could efficiently serve multiple clients in a single trip, eliminating the need for multiple return trips to the base.
Overcoming various creative, technical, and research challenges, Marko Lukovic successfully created a design that seamlessly integrates functionality, aesthetics, and innovation. Buzzy Bot's futuristic design and advanced features have earned it the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Robotics, Automaton, and Automation Design category in 2023. This award recognizes its well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements.
Buzzy Bot is set to transform the delivery industry, offering a more efficient and sustainable solution for the ever-growing demand for online shopping and delivery services. With its autonomous capabilities, innovative design, and advanced features, Buzzy Bot is paving the way for a future where deliveries are faster, more reliable, and environmentally friendly.
Project Designers: Marko Lukovic
Image Credits: Marko Lukovic
Project Team Members: Designer: Marko Lukovic
Project Name: Buzzy Bot
Project Client: Marko Lukovic