# 106. Last Meter Delivery Robots

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2023-01-24
- Length: 25m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-24-106-last-meter-delivery-robots
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/106-last-meter-delivery-robots-P7N1_ywv

## Summary

Daniel and Forbode discuss Earth Robotics, a Miami-based startup, and their autonomous delivery robot, Lou, designed to solve the 'last meter' delivery problem in apartment complexes and office buildings. They analyze the ecosystem, which includes elevator control systems and ground-level storage, noting that 95% of buildings are currently overwhelmed by package volume. The hosts highlight Lou's technical robustness, such as zero-turn radius steering and redundant power, as key factors for safe human coexistence, comparing the convenience to the futuristic predictions of The Jetsons.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-24-106-last-meter-delivery-robots#t=0) Introduction: The Last Meter Problem and Earth Robotics
- [2:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-24-106-last-meter-delivery-robots#t=125) Context: Package Volume, Subscriptions, and Failed Locker Solutions
- [7:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-24-106-last-meter-delivery-robots#t=461) The Solution: Earth Robotics' Ecosystem and Lou the Robot
- [10:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-24-106-last-meter-delivery-robots#t=648) Design Details: Communication, Navigation, and Capacity
- [15:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-24-106-last-meter-delivery-robots#t=919) Safety and Robustness: Coexisting with Humans in Buildings
- [19:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-01-24-106-last-meter-delivery-robots#t=1191) Adoption and Future: The Jetsons Comparison and Market Potential

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Logistics & fulfilment](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/logistics-and-fulfillment)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Earth Robotics (company)
- Lou (product)
- Starship Robotics (company)
- UBS (company)
- USPS (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Viam opens beta of new robotics platform; Amazon/FedEx end testing of delivery robots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-10-14-viam-opens-beta-of-new-robotics-platform-amazon-fedex-end-testing-of-delivery-ro) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [The Evolution of Last Mile Delivery | Krakul's Jaan Hendrik Murumets | Internet of Things Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-09-22-the-evolution-of-last-mile-delivery-krakuls-jaan-hendrik-murumets-internet-of-th) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [Episode 158: Autonomous robot deliveries - Ahti Heinla](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-05-29-episode-158-autonomous-robot-deliveries-ahti-heinla) (Robot Talk)
- [Relay Robotics launches expanded cargo Relay2 robot](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-06-09-relay-robotics-launches-expanded-cargo-relay2-robot) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Ali Kashani on the Future of Last-Mile Logistics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-03-28-ali-kashani-on-the-future-of-last-mile-logistics) (The Robot Report Podcast)

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