Dax…A Friendly Delivery Robot Born in a Small Rural Oregon Community

Nova Dynamics LLC is a tech and innovation company in the small rural community of Philomath, that holds boasting rights of being the birthplace of Dax the semi-autonomous robot.  In 2018, Dax arrived on the scene of Philomath’s neighborhood businesses, sidewalks and doorsteps providing a unique and charismatic delivery service merging small town USA and the future of technology and robotics, approaching technology with friendliness over just functionality.  Dax has proven to be irresistible and remains a welcome and inspiring part of the Philomath community and a sure part of it’s future.  For a town that prides itself its’ logging roots and is mostly known for the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo, it’s a new day when this quirky and irresistible robot is making headlines that are rippling throughout town and the robotic and tech industries nationwide.

Founder, Joe Sullivan a long-time resident with deep family ties in  Philomath believes in the value of a robot that the community can share space with…both young and old alike, the townspeople are open and welcoming to the idea of this unusual technology.  Creating a robot with a personality, that can engage with human or dog-like characteristics only increases Dax’s appeal, and those who have met Dax on the street, are first inquisitive, but then quick to succumb to Dax’s charm, as he flashes his heart-shaped eyes, like a blushing suitor and then rolls quickly away, while looking both ways before crossing the streets safely.  Dax became even more of a local star when during the pandemic, he would make deliveries of burritos, coffee, medicines, and other goodies to neighbors throughout town who were sheltering safely at home.  Needless to say, if you have met Dax, you are a diehard fan.

“Sullivan predicted that his robot would thrive in densely populated metros, but he wanted to prove its potential in the most unlikely of places.  If the technology could work in Philomath, it could work anywhere.” Oregon Business - DAX the robot comes to Philomath

At the time of Dax’s launch in Philomath, in 2018, the Dax robot concept was on the cutting edge in an industry where there were less than 300 robots of similar nature, making the Nova Dynamic team’s poised to capture as much as 10% of the delivery robot market.  Since then, Nova Dynamics has continued development and testing, focusing on the technology that makes the company’s product unique; a secure, local delivery robot, working in a rural residential setting and remaining “some of the only interactive urban robots in existence.” Robotic Delivery | Daxbot

Dax has continuously been introduced to the local test market as if he were a member of the community and leads with friendly faces and human-like interactions that deliver the message of safety and community values as part of his persona.  Dax takes the fear out of technology with his personality and down-home roots, and as he goes out into the rest of the world, such as a recent test market trip to Coronado, California, he takes that irresistible charm with him.  Locally, he continues to participate in local events, parades, kid-friendly activities, community marathons and often shows up in some of the most unexpected places throughout Philomath, always sure to deliver a smile.  Engaging in press releases, social media through Facebook, news broadcasts and direct person-to-person market, Dax is an easy sell, but that isn’t to say that there are not some obstacles to overcome in taking this product to the next level.

One of the initial limitations of Dax’s ability was his range and capability to tackle tough terrain, as evidenced with the anxious pleas of local residents who initially were unable to receive Dax deliveries, either because of limited service capabilities or accessibility constraints.   Both issues have been high on the list of challenges to correct and with persistence, the company has continued to see Dax’s delivery area expand as well as his ability to safely navigate rugged terrain to reach more delivery locations. The overwhelming evidence shows however, that with these improvements, the Nova Dynamics will continue to bring Dax to a larger market with broader service needs…a step that in 2021 is truly beginning to be realized.

What People are Saying…

Facebook comments show many people just can’t seem to get enough of Dax.  He’s a show-stopper and when he is seen in town…cars pull over, kids rush to him, many grab their phones for a quick picture or just pause their busy days to watch him roll down the street to his next destination!  Dogs either love him or just aren’t quite sure what to make of him…but the majority consensus is that Dax the robot is a welcome member of our community, making everyday deliveries that support our local businesses and offering an appreciated service to many.

 

 

 

Many more enthusiasts cannot wait for Dax to be made more accessible to communities far away from Philomath as Dax’s friendly robotic service capability and community value becomes more mainstream in cities everywhere.  The Dax marketing team has made it a priority to engage their fans, but also to encourage and develop new ones.  By bringing Dax right into the face of the consumer through persistent strolls through town, the team has developed a tremendous amount of good will toward robots and technology…whether you are a delivery customer or not, you are a fan!

Dax’s Facebook page now has 1037 followers and celebrated the 1000 follower milestone on April 19, 2021.  With his faithful followers, Dax is a bonafide local hero bringing technology and all of its potential to a community which has embraced the future of robots co-existing in their town. The marketing approach of bringing Dax to the people of the community has been successful, and the power of that has proven to be a tool that has almost allowed Dax to market himself.  Competitors, while offering comparable services, simply cannot offer the same interaction which has proven to be a considerable advantage for Nova Dynamics. 

 To illustrate the point take a look below at an example of other robots entering the market from other tech companies and you will see Dax’s clear advantage through his approachable and lovable character

Ask yourself…which robot would you rather have come to your door with pizza and soda for the family?

The company founder and CEO, as well as the entire staff is a delight to work with, having experienced them in person.  The continue to provide opportunity for community engagement and feedback as well as soliciting participation in how the Dax program continues to grow through market surveys and one-on-one feedback.  At the risk of simply agreeing with their marketing campaign, if I were the Nova Dynamics brand manager, it would be hard to point to any notable deficit in the carefully curated development of the Dax branding, the level of community participation, industry journal press releases and social media engagement.  Nova Dynamics and Dax are that rare and unique product that has very little competition and the ability to build a brand from ground up at a pace that meets their ability to conquer the tech to bring a remarkable product to the market. 

For the Dax company review, it’s hard not to enjoy researching a unique business- like Nova Dynamics who builds a product that offers a great service, while bringing countless smiles and a tech-human interface that is the thing only in our dreams for so many.  Dax is that rare convergence of a value-based product that can provide a service and deliver a guaranteed smile all at the same time!

 

 

For more updates on Dax, where he has been, and where he is going…

Delivery Robots In The News | Daxbot – videos and publications

https://fb.watch/v/19vUkjvfT/ - golf course video spot

Robotic Delivery | Daxbot – videos, specs and more

Philomath's self-driving robot, Dax, provides free contactless delivery during pandemic (koin.com) – Dax delivers free during the pandemic