Just Eat UK is currently testing creative new four-legged delivery robots. They’re doing this in concert with RIVR, a new company focused on autonomous technology. The trial includes ten independent eateries in Milton Keynes and Bristol. These robots are designed to move through challenging urban environments, including the ability to climb stairs.
The rollout in Milton Keynes involves two local businesses: 12th Street Burgers & Shakes and Moores Fish & Chips. In Bristol, eight restaurants are participating in the pilot program. Other notable names include Jolly Fryer, Chicken Mews, and Bishopston Fish Bar. Each foot of the robots is equipped with tiny wheels that allow them to zoot around. They deliver meals in the weatherproof orange Just Eat box that’s fixed to their backs.
As RIVR’s chief executive Marko Bjelonic noted, this is more than just an exciting pilot project. He stated that it represents “an important step in scaling autonomous delivery across European cities.” This trial will be the first to test the feasibility of autonomous delivery in the unique environment of high density urban settings. It intends to deploy these new robots into current delivery operations.
Before now, a pilot program of a similar nature occurred in Switzerland where nearly 1,000 autonomous deliveries were completed successfully. That experience has been instrumental in informing the current UK testing phase. The intent is to continue to hone the technology in real-world city settings.
To see all of the robots’ capabilities, including how they bypass challenges like stairs, check out the video above. With growing delivery demands in urban areas, solutions such as these can make a big difference in solving these logistical realities.
“The launch in Milton Keynes reflects a shared focus on practical, automated delivery that integrates seamlessly into existing operations.” – Marko Bjelonic, chief executive of RIVR
Just Eat UK is running trials right now in Milton Keynes and Bristol. Like the rest of the world, they are testing delivery drones in Ireland to build upon their autonomous delivery development. These developments highlight a growing trend towards automation in the food delivery sector as companies look for innovative ways to meet consumer needs efficiently.
As the trial progresses, stakeholders will closely monitor the performance of these four-legged robots and their impact on urban delivery logistics. As our cities become ever-more congested, these kinds of breakthroughs might be the first steps towards ushering in a 21st-century revolution in automated services.