Just Eat UK has partnered with the company RIVR to test out four-legged delivery robots. They are aiming to recruit ten indie restaurants in Milton Keynes & Bristol to participate in this experimental pilot project. As a result, this innovative project directly addresses the problems posed by urban deliveries. One such approach employs robots that can automatically and efficiently traverse complex, real-world environments like stairs.
The trial includes a range of sit-down eateries in each city. In nearby Milton Keynes, two original diners, 12th Street Burgers & Shakes and Moores Fish & Chips are taking part. At the same time, Bristol is home to eight other eateries, such as Jolly Fryer, Chicken Mews and Bishopston Fish Bar. This new partnership aims to help prove their potential for autonomous delivery systems in crowded urban centers.
The chief executive of RIVR, Marko Bjelonic, said he was excited to be part of the venture. He stated that the partnership represents “an important step in scaling autonomous delivery across European cities.” This sentiment speaks to the broader ambition at the heart of the project that focuses on improving delivery efficiency and customer experience.
The four-legged RIVR robots feature unique wheels that sit on each of its feet. This fantastic design allows them to easily maneuver around the many urban challenges they face. This design is especially useful for food delivery in areas where conventional delivery services often fail. By being tested in real city settings, the robots can provide valuable insights into their operational capabilities and overall effectiveness.
The trial comes after the success of a pilot program run in Switzerland last year that achieved nearly 1,000 autonomous deliveries. Just Eat UK’s previous achievement has laid the groundwork for their newest project. This move indicates a phenomenal conviction on the future and long-term potential of various automated delivery solutions.
In addition to the trials with RIVR robots, Just Eat UK is exploring delivery drones in Ireland, further diversifying its approach to modernizing food delivery services.
Bjelonic remarked on the significance of the Milton Keynes launch, stating that it reflects “a shared focus on practical, automated delivery that integrates seamlessly into existing operations.” This view would lead to easy transition for restaurants. It equally prioritizes making sure that consumers make smooth transitions as automation technology enters the market.
