Dubai, UAE – FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, announced that it has signed a collaboration agreement with Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) to start autonomous trials for Roxo™, the FedEx SameDay Bot®, in the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) community. The trials are also being conducted under an agreement signed previously with Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) as part of Dubai’s self-driving strategy.

Roxo is being designed to be a personal delivery device. Its purpose is to make local same-day deliveries autonomously – with human teleoperators constantly available if intervention is needed – to customers’ homes and businesses. Roxo is battery powered, is 157 cm tall, and weighs 204 kg with a carrying capacity of 45 kg. Its versatile wheelbase can maneuver through rough and uneven surfaces, and also climb up and descend from pavements.   

The Dubai trial includes creating an optimized route along footpaths and roadsides.  Using technologies such as laser detection and ranging sensors (LiDAR), multiple cameras, and radar, and coupled with machine-learning algorithms to avoid obstacles, Roxo, with the assistance of human teleoperators, will navigate a safe path to replicate a door-to-door delivery experience.

The Dubai trial, which FedEx will conduct between Dubai Silicon Oasis Headquarters and Dubai Digital Park, will be the first time Roxo’s autonomous capabilities are tested outside of the United States.

“FedEx is committed to building the future of the logistics and transportation industry. Dubai, with its world-class infrastructure and highly adaptable market for new technologies, is an ideal location for the international mapping and testing of the Roxo autonomous bot, and the support of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority and the Roads & Transport Authority will be vital to the successful completion of the trial,” said Taarek Hinedi, vice president of FedEx Express Middle East and Africa operations.

Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, chief engineering and smart city officer at DIEZ said, “We are delighted to join forces with FedEx Express on these groundbreaking test runs of a first-of-its-kind delivery system in the region. DIEZ and its economic zones have been advocating for high-tech innovations and serving as a proof of concept for innovative solutions, especially in areas related to smart city and autonomous transportation. The decision to run the Dubai trials in DSO is testament to the conducive environment it offers, as well as our track record in introducing new smart solutions to Dubai and the wider UAE. In line with its role within the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, DIEZ is committed to continue working closely with authorities and businesses to assess innovative solutions and roll them out at our integrated technology park.”

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has been active in encouraging FedEx to introduce Roxo to Dubai, and the trial is being conducted with their support and engagement. RTA has supported conducting risk and safety assessments and identifying a suitable location and route in liaison with FedEx Express and DIEZ for the trial. The authority has also identified various cases and scenarios for the trial which will help evaluate the readiness of such operations.

Mr. Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of Transportation Systems, RTA said, "The first mile last mile delivery bots have a huge potential to bring convenience and faster service to different communities in Dubai. We are delighted to bring self-driving technology to our customers and public at large, as this will improve our services and help us achieve our goal to have 25% of all transportation trips in Dubai take place through smart and driverless modes.”

The Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy aims to have 25% of total trips in Dubai through autonomous modes of transportation by 2030. In line with the strategy, on-demand and hyper-localized delivery technologies like Roxo represent a potential for artificial intelligence, robotics, and automated transportation.

Roxo is being designed to optimize autonomous last-mile delivery service by offering a lightweight, reduced-emission solution.

For more information about Roxo™ the FedEx SameDay Bot®, visit fedex.com/thefuture.

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About FedEx Express

FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date.

About FedEx Corp. 

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of $92 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively and innovating digitally under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its nearly 600,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit fedex.com/about.

Contact:
Natali Fahmi
FedEx Express Middle East
natali.fahmi@fedex.com