Swiss Post to test robots to deliver parcels, maybe even chocolate?

By Bruce Brown Published August 27, 2016

Press 1 for drone delivery, 2 for delivery by robot. Switzerland’s postal service is already testing mail delivery by drones. Starting in September, Swiss Post will begin trials with Starship Technologies‘ self-driving robots. The machines will be used to deliver parcels within a 5km (3.1 mile) radius, according to CNN Money.

The 6-wheel delivery robots will be hauling dummy packages during the first few months of the test, according to Claudia Pletscher, Swiss Post head of development programs and innovation. There is no plan to use the robots exclusively for ground deliveries. “We don’t believe in substituting the human being part,” said Pletscher.

Recommended Videos

The first objective is to measure pedestrian and customer reactions to the five robots in the initial testing. If the feedback is positive, then Swiss Post will decide about further deployment and use with real packages.

Customers will control the delivery system, which starts when placing an order. A customer that selects robot delivery also specifies a delivery time. For example, you might order a prescription from work, but want it delivered when you’re at home.

The robot is programmed to avoid or stop for pedestrians, animals, and vehicles en route. An onboard GPS location system guides the robot to its destination and allows the dispatch center to track its progress. When it shows up at a customer’s door, a preselected passcode unlocks the parcel compartment on the robot’s top surface.

The metallic mailman can operate day and night. LED lights alert pedestrians to its presence and forward motion lighting not only lets others see it moving, but also illuminates the space a short distance ahead so the robot’s cameras can detect obstacles.

Starship Technologies’ delivery robots are also being tested in Great Britain and Germany. Testing will start in Washington, D.C. later this fall.

The current Starship Technologies robot isn’t appropriate for all delivery sizes and types, but it could be perfect for automated delivery of prescriptions, late night cheesecake, or even an anniversary card you forgot to buy while you were out.

Contributing Editor

Bruce Brown Contributing Editor As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce…

Topics

Cars

The Ioniq 5 is once again eligible for the $7,500 tax credit

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5

After a brief and confusing absence, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is once again eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit — and this time, it's sticking around (at least for now). So, what happened? Let’s unpack the ride.

The Ioniq 5, a sleek and tech-savvy electric crossover, initially made headlines not just for its design, but for being built at Hyundai’s brand-new Metaplant in Georgia. That domestic assembly qualified it for the EV tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which requires vehicles to be made in North America with batteries sourced from trade-friendly countries. But early in 2025, the Ioniq 5 vanished from the list. Why? Likely due to its battery packs, which were then still being sourced from SK On’s Hungarian facility.

Entertainment

Sebastian Stan lays out Bucky’s future after Thunderbolts

Sebastian Stan in Thunderbolts.

There are some spoilers ahead for the ending of Marvel's Thunderbolts. Stop reading now if you don't want to be spoiled.

Earlier this year, Captain America: Brave New World briefly introduced a new direction for James "Bucky" Barnes, a character Sebastian Stan has been playing since 2011 in Captain America: The First Avenger. In Brave New World, the former Winter Soldier apparently retired from being a reformed hero and went into politics by running for Congress. Thunderbolts reveals that Bucky won his election to the House of Representatives. But his stay in Congress was short.

Cars

Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?

jeep compass ev us newjeepcompassfirsteditionhawaii 4

Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
This is a brand new electric version of the Jeep Compass, and being built on Stellantis' STLA platform—the same architecture underpinning models like the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008—it looks much slicker and packs a lot more inside than previous versions of the Compass.
Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
But here’s the thing: even though production starts soon in Italy, Jeep hasn’t said whether the Compass EV is coming to America. And the signs aren’t promising.
Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.