Ottonomy IO

Ottonomy IO develops an autonomous droid pitched toward curbside, last-mile, and indoor delivery environments. The robots can navigate at Level 4 autonomy (i.e., fully autonomous but limited to specific locations or conditions) and its behavior-based contextual navigation technology facilitates precise mapping, enabling its robots to navigate within densely populated settings 24/7. The robots feature built-in disinfection of packages and temperature control. The robots are equipped with AI and machine learning, 3D cameras, and LiDAR for navigation. The robots are capable of carrying a payload of around 88–100 lbs. They also feature multiple compartments, allowing it to make multiple deliveries in one trip. 

The company introduced the latest version of the robot “Yeti” in January 2023, which features an automatic package dispensing mechanism that eliminates the need for a human to be present to receive the package. The debut followed its introduction of “Ottobot 2.0,” in August 2022, which brought improved mobility to the droid. Its four-wheel drive system facilitated directional mobility, allowing the droid to move sideways and make zero-radius turns. 

Ottonomy IO offers its droids on a delivery-as-a-service business model. As of January 2024, the company had operations in 14 cities, including Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), Oslo (Norway), and Madrid (Spain), with plans to expand to include more locations in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asian markets.

Key customers and partnerships

Ottonomy IO has piloted droids in partnership with companies including Snapdeal, Crave, Presto, the Norwegian postal service, and Goggo Network. The company has also deployed its droids at airports such as Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport, Rome Fiumicino Airport, and Pittsburgh International Airport.

The company also has product partnerships with portable cooler manufacturer Cooler Keg and public locker network Harbor Lockers to co-develop autonomous beverage delivery and pick-up/drop-off robotics solutions dubbed “Ottobot Locker” and “Ottobot Brew,” respectively (January 2024).

Funding and financials

In June 2023, Ottonomy IO received a strategic investment from Aeroporti di Roma (ADR)’s, venture fund, the operator of the Rome Fiumicino Airport. The investment was part of ADR's long-term strategy of using the latest technology and innovation to enhance customer experience. Previously, in August 2022, the company raised USD 3.3 million in a seed funding round led by Pi Ventures to scale its operations to support fully autonomous deliveries to airport, retail, and restaurant partners.