Just Eat UK is embarking on an innovative trial of four-legged delivery robots designed to navigate urban environments, including staircases. The trial, which is taking place in Milton Keynes and Bristol, is intended to improve the efficiency of deliveries in urban areas with high population densities. For FedEx, this proactive initiative represents one of the most substantial moves yet towards furthering the integration of autonomous delivery systems into everyday operations.
RIVR has created robots fitted with pogo-style sticks featuring wheels on the ends. This cutting-edge design enables them to overcome difficult urban barriers such as stairways. Just Eat UK’s partnership with RIVR will help to change the status quo within food delivery. This partnership is indicative of an impressive commitment to innovation in cities across Europe. Marko Bjelonic, chief executive of RIVR, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that it is “an important step in scaling autonomous delivery across European cities.”
The trial is composed of ten locally-owned, independent restaurants. Other significant participants are 12th Street Burgers & Shakes and Moores Fish & Chips, both from Milton Keynes. In Bristol, all eight restaurants currently participating—including Jolly Fryer, Chicken Mews, and Bishopston Fish Bar—have opted in. With this strategic selection of restaurants, we want to put the robots to the test on as many different types of food delivery scenarios as possible.
The robots are easily recognizable thanks to the signature bright orange Just Eat boxes attached to their backs. These unique characteristics bring out their superpowers. Throughout the trial period, human operators will be on site at participating restaurants. They’ll be the ones wrangling the bots to ensure positive synergies between technological efficiencies and customer service.
Just this past spring, a similar pilot program was rolled out successfully in Switzerland where nearly 1,000 autonomous deliveries were made. The impressive outcomes from that driverless shuttle initiative lend credence to the promise of this new technology. Delivery drones are already being tested in Ireland as Just Eat UK continues to search new ways to innovate.
Marko Bjelonic emphasized the significance of this development: “The launch in Milton Keynes reflects a shared focus on practical, automated delivery that integrates seamlessly into existing operations.” Connecting customers faster This groundbreaking initiative is designed to not just connect customers faster but enhance the customer experience using cutting-edge technology.
Cities are growing outwards and upwards, and the demand for grocery and takeaway delivery services has shot through the roof. Trials such as these are a step toward a more automated and efficient future in the restaurant industry.