The Gitamini is a smaller, smarter transport bot.

In 2019, Boston-based Piaggio Fast Forward launched the first iteration of an automated pedestrian freight transporter, dubbed the Gita (pronounced JEE-tah). Two years and several design improvements later, PFF is set to release a smaller, more agile version that they call the Gitamini. this month of October.

With a cargo volume of up to nearly 2,000 cubic inches and capable of hauling up to 40 pounds of gear and moving at a top speed of 6 mph, the original Gita was a surprisingly large machine capable of holding heavy loads. grocery shopping carts and follow cyclists. However, the size of the Gita made it a liability for other pedestrians when navigating crowded sidewalks, especially earlier versions that relied on a belt-mounted tracker to know where its owners were.

The Gitamini, meanwhile, is about the size of a Border Collie (990 square inches of cargo space) and weighs just 28 pounds. It can carry up to 20 pounds of equipment and thanks to the external handles the mini can easily be hoisted over sidewalks, stairs and other obstacles, even when fully loaded. The mini is designed for a maximum range of 21 miles or about six hours of use before needing a recharge. Additionally, PFF swapped the belt tracker for advanced optics and machine vision. At the touch of an on-board button, the mini will autonomously find, recognize and track its “leader” using only visual and radar cues like color and movement – the robot does not require a GPS, cellular or wireless network connection to do this.

The mini is also equipped with what the company calls “pedestrian tag software”. This trains the robot to follow its leader at a safe distance and speed while proactively anticipating the movements of those around it. The minis the wheels are powered independently, allowing it to do Rivian-style zero-radius tank turns, while a third motor is dedicated to maintaining the robot’s balance during acceleration and braking.

“Seeing the initial consumer response to Gita proved to us just how pioneering the product is in the consumer robotics industry,” said Greg Lynn, CEO of PFF, in a prepared statement. what we’ve heard from people and create something different for a new segment of consumers? ” Gitamini is the company’s response.

The Gitamini is expected to go on sale for $ 1,850 on October 15, while the original, larger Gita will see its price drop to $ 2,950 at the same time.