Just Eat UK has launched an initial trial with four-legged delivery robots known as RIVR robots. To do this, they’re working with ten independent restaurants in Milton Keynes and Bristol. This innovation challenge is designed to push the next generation of autonomous delivery solutions to effectively traverse multifaceted urban environments, including tough barriers such as stairs.
The trial features some really great entrants such as 12th Street Burgers & Shakes and Moores Fish & Chips from Milton Keynes. It showcases eight of Bristol’s brilliant independent chippies, including Jolly Fryer, Chicken Mews and Bishopston Fish Bar. When set loose, these RIVR robots run autonomously and super fast like playground cheetahs. Their patented four-legged design, with tiny wheels on each foot, means that they can move seamlessly across extremely varied outdoor terrain, from grassy slopes to overgrown hedges.
Speaking about the importance of this partnership, Marko Bjelonic, the chief executive of RIVR said. He stated that it represents “an important step in scaling autonomous delivery across European cities.” The robots will improve delivery efficiency while coexisting within the day-to-day operations of participating restaurants.
The Milton Keynes and Bristol trials follow on from a successful pilot in Switzerland. Over there, they recently crossed the finish line on their 1,000th autonomous delivery! This success illustrates just how practical and effective autonomous technology can be, particularly for last mile food delivery services. It also opens the door for very promising advancement in our cities.
The RIVR robots are ready to address a range of other urban issues. Their capacity to traverse stairs and various barriers puts them in a prime disruptive position to outplay their human delivery counterparts.
“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 has started trials across the UK. Beyond tablets, they are test driving delivery drones in Ireland, underlining their commitment to groundbreaking food delivery solutions.