Just Eat UK is conducting a trial of innovative four-legged RIVR robots, capable of navigating stairs and other urban obstacles, in collaboration with ten independent restaurants. The pilot program continues in Milton Keynes and Bristol. Here, the bots are on a mission to increase the efficiency of autonomous food delivery.
With tiny wheels on every foot, the RIVR robots can roll and grip their way across unique and rugged city terrain. These robots are equipped to handle a variety of delivery situations. This new positive step marks a significant accomplishment in the growing development of autonomous delivery operations. The trial follows a successful pilot in Switzerland, where close to 1,000 deliveries were made using the same technology.
Back in Milton Keynes, two restaurants are currently testing the RIVR robots. Food manufacturers 12th Street Burgers & Shakes and Moores Fish & Chips are at the forefront of this innovative experiment. Over a third of Bristol’s restaurants—including Jolly Fryer, Chicken Mews, and Bishopston Fish Bar—are taking part in the trial. Throughout the testing phase, an operator controlling the robots from outside each restaurant will be stationed near them. This arrangement will help provide a seamless transition into existing practices.
Marko Bjelonic, the chief executive of RIVR, noted that this partnership would play an important role.
“This is an important step in scaling autonomous delivery across European cities.” – Marko Bjelonic
He stressed that the launch in Milton Keynes sends a clear signal of intent. Our goal with this initiative is to develop real-world automated delivery solutions that fit easily into existing restaurant operations.
The RIVR robots prominently display an orange Just Eat box on their backs during the trial, further branding their mission to deliver food efficiently. In addition, the trial will be about further developing the technology for a live city environment. This will lay the groundwork for more universal approval and adoption of autonomous delivery systems.
Just Eat UK is looking to delivery drones in Ireland, in addition to the above RIVR robots. This latest move demonstrates that their commitment to transforming delivery services through a multi-platform strategy.
Our urban areas are, by nature, dynamic places that are always changing. Smart delivery logistics Just Eat UK adopts a future-oriented stance with RIVR robots by focusing on improving local delivery logistics and addressing the unique challenges that urban obstacles present.