How to build a fully automated delivery robot using additive manufacturing

Yasuhide “Yasu” Yokoi is the co-founder of the design and technology company Final Aim Inc. He works closely with start-ups and multinational companies to find the most innovative solutions through which ideas are transformed into tangible solutions. In this interesting journey, Ultimaker 3D printers play a leading role, helping to realize prototyping and iterations much faster than what would have been achieved with classical methods. One of the company’s latest projects is OSTAW Camello, an autonomous parcel delivery robot.

How to revolutionize parcel delivery

Camello was designed to solve Singapore’s supply chain logistics issues, which cause high transportation costs and numerous operational challenges. Due to low delivery volumes combined with long waiting periods in loading and unloading areas, package deliveries are often inefficient, a fact exacerbated by high delivery volumes (which take priority) and limited delivery times. To find a solution to this challenge, Final Aim collaborated with a Singaporean robotics start-up OTSAW Digital PTE LTD, of which Camello is the final product.

The Camello is easy to use, offers ergonomic cargo space and a sleek design, optimal for Singapore’s urban environment. Its use is currently being discussed by various major industrial players, delivery companies and retailers in Singapore, generating an improved ecosystem that ensures smooth and efficient delivery to customers, while increasing profit margins for companies using it.

How Camello was born

As with any product, several phases were involved in the design of Camello, with Ultimaker S3, Ultimaker Cura and CAD software acting as Yasu and Final Aim’s best companions throughout the process. First, the development and evaluation of the robot concept took place. From initiation to ideation, he used both hands: Drown design sketches and CAD software. Industrial designer Yasuhide Yokoi with the Ultimaker S3 and Camello prototypes. Once the idea was developed, Yasu began the process of presenting it to upper-level management, frontline members, and end users. This divergent approach allowed Yasu to gain as much feedback as possible, which he could then use to refine, improve and further flesh out his concept.

As with any product, several phases were involved in the design of the Camello, with Ultimaker S3, Ultimaker Cura and CAD software being Yasu and Final Aim’s strong points throughout the process. The first step was to develop and evaluate the robot concept. From inception to concept, Yasu used both hand-drawn design sketches and CAD software. Once the idea was developed, Yasu began the beta testing process to see how end users react to the robot’s features. This divergent approach allowed Yasu to get as much feedback as possible, which he then used to refine, improve and finalize his concept.

First sketches of project ideas

Then comes the prototyping phase. Because Yasu now had numerous ideas with potential, he had to test them quickly, often under tight deadlines. Fortunately, this was a task that 3D printing was able to handle with ease. Compared to other common methods of prototyping, such as sculpting or sculpting from polyester foam, chemical wood, or industrial clay, 3D printing is much more efficient, allowing Yasu to spend time on other design tasks.

“More than just reducing costs, 3D printing added value to my process,” Yasu said.

Completing the intuitive design

Yasu also took care of obtaining a final project of excellent quality. Because his works often incorporate organically curved surfaces and often difficult-to-make silhouettes, he had to create numerous iterations. 3D printing technology uses the contour layers of prints to analyze the curvature of surfaces, essentially an equivalent to zebra mapping performed by CAD software.

“The dual extrusion feature of the Ultimaker S3 was [de asemenea] essential for my everyday design applications,” said Yasu. “Together with the Breakaway material and PVA, my printing experience has become exponentially more efficient. I am deeply satisfied with the resulting quality as it leaves behind no residual support structure.

For the robot to be successful, its design had to be intuitive and accessible at first glance. Therefore, the design process involved divergent ideas, exploring all possibilities, which were then carefully selected. The speed of development was also key to stakeholder requests. 3D printing has made it possible to make a physical product, deepening the understanding of concept and design and simplifying the decision-making process