The Bell & Howell MAILMOBILE Robot: A Glimpse into Automated Office Delivery
Updated 22 May 2024

Origins and Development
Bell & Howell, a company primarily known for its cameras and projection equipment, ventured into robotics to address the inefficiencies of manual mail delivery. The MAILMOBILE was introduced in the mid-1970s as a self-guided vehicle capable of navigating the corridors of corporate offices, delivering mail and small packages.
How it Works

The MAILMOBILE was designed to be an autonomous, self-guided vehicle that could seamlessly integrate into an office environment. Here’s a closer look at how it functioned:
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Guidance System The MAILMOBILE relied on a network of wires embedded in the floor to navigate. These wires emitted a low-frequency signal that the robot could detect and follow. This created an invisible track that guided the MAILMOBILE along a predetermined route throughout the office. -
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Pre-Programmed Stops The MAILMOBILE could be programmed to stop at specific locations along its route. These stops were typically designated mailrooms, administrative desks, or other strategic points where mail and documents needed to be delivered or collected. The stops were programmed into the system, allowing the robot to pause and wait for manual unloading and loading by office staff. -
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Obstacle Detection To ensure safe operation, the MAILMOBILE was equipped with a series of sensors that allowed it to detect obstacles in its path. If an obstacle was detected, the robot would stop and wait until the path was clear before proceeding. This feature was crucial for operating in busy office environments where unexpected obstacles, such as people or other objects, could appear. -
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Load Capacity The MAILMOBILE was designed to handle a substantial load, capable of carrying a significant amount of mail, documents, and small packages. This made it an efficient tool for handling the daily influx of mail and paperwork in large corporate offices. -
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Power and Charging The robot was powered by a rechargeable battery, allowing it to operate continuously throughout the workday. When the battery level was low, the MAILMOBILE could return to a designated charging station to recharge, ensuring minimal downtime. -
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User Interface Office staff could interact with the MAILMOBILE through a simple user interface. This interface allowed staff to program stops, start and stop the robot, and monitor its status. The user-friendly design made it easy for office workers to integrate the robot into their daily routines.
MailMobile in Operation
We have very rare footage showing the MAILMOBILE mail robot in operation. We have also added artwork from the Bell & Howell brochure that compliments this video nicely. The MAILMOBILE was marketed around 40 years ago as the ultimate office robot.
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Impact on Office Efficiency
The introduction of the MAILMOBILE Robot marked a significant improvement in office efficiency. By automating mail delivery, companies could reallocate human resources to more critical tasks, thereby improving overall productivity. Additionally, the novelty of having a robot deliver mail added a futuristic element to the workplace, often boosting employee morale.
MailMobile in Science Fiction?
While Egore the MAILMOBILE might not have starred in any science fiction tales, the concept of automated delivery robots has certainly inspired many sci-fi stories. Think of Isaac Asimov's robots, the autonomous systems in "2001: A Space Odyssey," or even the whimsical robots in "The Jetsons." The MAILMOBILE was an early, real-world counterpart to these fictional robots, quietly doing its job and paving the way for the more glamorous robots of the future.
Legacy
While the MAILMOBILE Robot may seem primitive compared to today's advanced robotics, it laid the groundwork for future innovations in automated delivery systems. Its legacy can be seen in the development of modern autonomous vehicles used in various industries, from warehouses to hospitals.

Conclusion
The Bell & Howell MAILMOBILE Robot was a pioneering technology in the realm of office automation. By addressing the need for efficient mail delivery, it showcased the potential of robotics in enhancing workplace operations. Although it is now a relic of the past, the MAILMOBILE remains a fascinating example of early robotic innovation.
References
- MailMobile brochure (pdf)
- RICM Mailmobile (external)