Although FedEx and Amazon have taken their leave, the delivery bot sector still has seasoned and growing players. Leaders at these tech companies say using their robots to bring goods to consumers — versus a human courier using a vehicle — can offer advantages that have become more evident in recent years.

Chief among them is the potential to lower costs within the final mile of delivery, considered the most expensive step in the shipping process. With autonomous or remotely operated capabilities, delivery bots are insulated from climbing courier wages that standard providers pass on to the end customer. Additionally, they aren’t as exposed to jumps in gas prices that took a toll on carriers — and then their shippers — last year.