Self-driving car
This robo-car could be delivering your food soon
Switzerland's first self-propelled electric vehicle is circling in Ebikon LU, supplying Schindler with Migros products right now. The engineer Lara Amini explains how the service works.
Lara Amini, why do we need an autonomous delivery service?
Loxo benefits several target groups at the same time. Retailers, such as Migros, can supply private customers with greater flexibility, because our service is not limited to fixed working hours. Orders placed by several people are bundled into one delivery, reducing CO2 emissions for cities and municipalities.
Are self-driving vehicles even permitted?
Not until now. But the Federal Roads Office is currently developing a corresponding law, which is scheduled to be presented in 2024. Our pilot project in Ebikon is only authorised for a well-defined area. The 500-metre route runs exclusively on company property - and not along cantonal roads. Our vehicle is also allowed to drive at a maximum of 30 km/h. Sensors ensure that it is safe on the road. During the first phase, the ride is also remotely monitored by a person.
Will we soon be ordering our groceries only via "Migronomous"?
Depending on how the legislator regulates self-driving cars, we might be able to provide a delivery service to a city as early as 2025 - or even offer the service nationally. We are, however, focusing on the test phase for the time being. The technology needs time to evolve.