FedEx reveals another testing location for SameDay Bot to join Memphis tests

FedEx’s new robots won’t only be rolling around Memphis later this year.

The FedEx SameDay Bot will conduct pilot tests in Plano, Texas, as well, according to FedEx.

The location has an obvious connection for bot testing, as FedEx Office is headquartered in Plano.

In Memphis, the FedEx SameDay Bot will deliver items from FedEx Office locations starting in July or August to test the robot. Rebecca Yeung, vice president of service, experience, leadership for FedEx Corp., said in March the exact routes in Memphis are still being determined.

The autonomous bot is still in its prototype stage, but FedEx envisions the bot eventually delivering goods from nearby retailers, pharmacies and restaurants to a customer’s doorstep that same day. Current partners include Memphis’ AutoZone, Lowe’s, Pizza Hut, Target, Walgreens and Walmart.

FedEx has not disclosed when it expects the bot to move out of its testing stage.

This story will be updated.

► The future of jobs:Will robots replace logistics workers? Not if they learn how to fix them.

Max Garland covers FedEx, logistics and health care for The Commercial Appeal. Reach him at max.garland@commercialappeal.com or 901-529-2651 and on Twitter @MaxGarlandTypes.