Philomath Oregon, a small pass through town on the way to Newport, is not the place you’d expect to see robots roaming the streets. But, as you drive through, don’t be surprised to see DAX rolling along the sidewalks. DAX is Philomath’s delivery robot that is semi-autonomous, but hard working.
The Origins of DAX: Philomath’s Delivery Robot
DAX was created by Nova Dynamics, a secretive startup based in Philomath, Oregon. After a lengthy design process, with some help from OSU’s Advantage Accelerator Network, initial testing began on DAX in 2015.
Philomath’s delivery robot was designed to be friendly and welcoming to people. His large sweet eyes and kind nature made him an instant hit among members of the community.
He even has some human tendencies programmed in, such as looking both ways before crossing the street. This habit serves a two-fold purpose. First, it ensures Dax’s system can see all the surroundings to keep him (and his deliveries) safe before crossing. It also shows drivers Dax’s intentions.
To further improve on design and move into a new phase of development, Dax’s creators sought to expand testing. The Nova Dynamics team worked to get permission in 2017 from the city of Philomath for DAX to be tested on the streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, and road shoulders in the town.
By May of 2018, Dax made his first delivery, a burrito order from a cult favorite restaurant called La Rockita. DAX was now officially the Philomath delivery robot.
In early phases, DAX was accompanied by a chaperone wearing a bright shirt. DAX’s helper would make sure he remained safe and all was working correctly, as well as take notes of things that could be improved upon.
After many live tests delivering food, DAX seemed to disappear from the streets for well over a year. Rumors swirled about where he went and what he was up to, but during the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2020, DAX returned.
Philomath’s Delivery Robot in 2020
In 2018, DAX made the rounds with and without a chaperone, before disappearing with no warning or word. We follow his Facebook page and searched it high and low for updates during this time, but found no clues.
In 2019, and early 2020 he attended a few parades, joined community events, and even helped throw the first pitch at a Corvallis Knights baseball game.
The time off wasn’t all in fun though. Over 2019, DAX underwent many updates to both software and hardware, and entered new phases of testing to help him better serve the community.
Some of the things DAX worked on included, navigating hills, determining rough terrain and water, as well as longevity testing to determine DAX’s hardiness. DAX also learned that service dogs walk on the left side of the sidewalk and was programmed to have better interactions with them.
Some physical changes happened during this time as well. Additional rear sensors were added, a new track system, and small or major redesigns to every system at one point or another. For example, when I saw DAX working in 2018, I did not see flashing lights on him when crossing the street, but just last week, I saw him patiently waiting to cross the street. When he did cross, flashing lights lit up to improve visibility for drivers and ensure his safety.
DAX and COVID-19
Dax had impeccable timing when it came to aiding the community during the pandemic. During a rough time for all, he became a bright spot, and brought happiness to many.
DAX’s improvements had been finished and he was ready to hit the road again as the pandemic forced many inside. Philomath’s delivery robot was able to navigate the streets and provide contactless delivery of food, coffee, and even items from the hardware store (as well as smiles.)
As of May 2020, we know there are at least three little DAX’s rolling around, but with the delivery zone rapidly increasing, there are bound to be more added.
The Future of Philomath’s Delivery Robot
When it comes to DAX’s future, we know it will be bright. There is no official word yet, but we do know that the delivery zone for DAX is always increasing.
We can assume more delivery robots are in production to cover the new delivery zones. With robotics, things are never perfect, so DAX will forever be improving and changing to better assist the community.
There have been suggestions of a bigger drawer to hold more volume or larger deliveries. Does this mean larger DAX’s? Only time will tell. But for now, we can enjoy watching DAX bring deliveries and happiness to all he meets.
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