FedEx drops project developing Roxo, same-day delivery robot

FedEx will say goodbye to Roxo, the same-day delivery bot the company began testing in Memphis and three other cities three years ago.  

The autonomous same-day delivery robot prototype launched in 2019, undergoing testing on routes in Downtown and East Memphis. It was created in collaboration with research and development company DEKA to assist with rapid home delivery of things like food and small retail orders.  

FedEx partnered with AutoZone, Lowe's, Pizza Hut, Target, Walgreens and Walmart while testing the robot's ability to deliver orders right to a customer's front door.

The bot, which garnered lots of media attention with its debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and promotional appearances such as delivering awards at the NFL honors, will be put on the backburner for now. 

“FedEx has stepped back from the research and development program for a same day bot as we prioritize several nearer term opportunities,” a representative said in an emailed statement. “We are immensely proud of our role in working with DEKA to advance this cutting-edge technology that has put it on the path to future implementation, and we remain committed to exploring last mile innovations that align with our business strategy.” 

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Representatives did not specify why FedEx decided to drop the program. Although as part of company-wide cost cuts announced in September, FedEx said it was ending many non-critical projects and initiatives to reduce operational expenses.  

FedEx rival Amazon also announced recently it would scale back its own autonomous delivery robot program, the Amazon Scout.  

Niki Scheinberg is the FedEx and logistics reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at monika.scheinberg@commercialappeal.com.