Just Eat UK has commenced trials of its innovative delivery robots in real city environments, specifically in Milton Keynes and Bristol. These robots are designed to address challenging urban obstacles such as staircases. In doing so, they are helping European cities and autonomous delivery developers realize a more balanced, efficient future.
The four-legged RIVR robots have multi-directional wheels on each foot allowing them to navigate extreme terrains. Currently, they are putting that to the test, in partnership with those ten restaurants. In Milton Keynes, 12th Street Burgers & Shakes is taking part in the trial. Moores Fish & Chips is on board. Or, just next door in Bristol, eight restaurants are participating in a unique and exciting pilot program. Among them are the Jolly Fryer, Chicken Mews and Bishopston Fish Bar.
These delivery robots run on electric power and carry an orange Just Eat box on their backs which enables them to deliver food quickly and easily. While on trial, operators positioned outside each participating restaurant take control of the robots. It’s because they provide a smooth integration between the technology and the restaurant business.
Marko Bjelonic, chief executive of RIVR, said the trial is important because. He stated, “The launch in Milton Keynes reflects a shared focus on practical, automated delivery that integrates seamlessly into existing operations.” He added that this pilot is “a significant step towards scaling autonomous delivery across European cities.”
A similar pilot program that happened earlier this year in Switzerland resulted in nearly 1,000 successful autonomous deliveries. This prior experience has paved the way for Just Eat UK’s current trials. It reinforces perceptions of the glitzy promise of urban autonomous delivery solutions.
City-based trials of such robots are already in progress across the UK. At the same time, delivery drones are being tested over in Ireland, highlighting a trend more apparent every day toward automated delivery solutions, in all formats. These developments are a testament to change, innovation, and the fast-moving world of food delivery. Companies such as Just Eat UK are actively investigating cutting-edge ways to improve efficiencies and increase customer experience.
With trials still ongoing in Milton Keynes and Bristol, there are many stakeholders closely watching what happens. If these delivery robots are found to be successful, this will lead to wider trials and potentially roll-outs to other European cities.
