Just Eat UK is currently trialling a fleet of four-legged delivery robots designed to navigate challenging urban environments, including stairs. The pilot program is currently active in Milton Keynes and Bristol. It’s being done in partnership with RIVR. This initiative represents a huge step forward in integrating autonomous delivery systems into cities across Europe.
These four-legged robots with wheels on their feet are designed to walk upstairs and tackle other challenges of an urban environment. Each robot is equipped with an unmistakable orange Just Eat delivery box on its back. They wear, drive, and brandish the logo with pride as they fly around the congested streets. The trial in Milton Keynes is supporting two local food outlets: 12th Street Burgers & Shakes and Moores Fish & Chips, while the Bristol trial involves eight restaurants, including Jolly Fryer, Chicken Mews, and Bishopston Fish Bar.
As articulated by RIVR’s chief executive, Marko Bjelonic, this partnership is key to moving the world toward autonomous delivery. He stated,
“The launch in Milton Keynes reflects a shared focus on practical, automated delivery that integrates seamlessly into existing operations.”
This trial follows on from a successful pilot in Switzerland. Throughout the course of that pilot, almost 1,000 autonomous deliveries were successfully made, proving what that technology can do. To make delivery more efficient and diversify Just Eat’s service portfolio in fast-paced urban environments is the next joint mission of the two partners.
Just Eat UK is taking a new approach to delivery with the addition of robotic deliveries. They’re created a test project for delivery drones to use in Ireland, displaying their interest in varied, competitive deliveries. The Milton Keynes and Bristol trials involve ten independent restaurants, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting local businesses while innovating its delivery processes.
Bjelonic commented on how important the move is for precedent going forward, calling it an…
“important step in scaling autonomous delivery across European cities.”
As the trials continue observers have spotted food deliverers using robots to stand outside restaurants awaiting orders. If true, this would be a watershed moment for food delivery services. A core purpose of the initiative is to simplify their operations but to stand out and offer customers a distinct experience.
