Just Eat UK has kicked off an interesting new trial for delivery robots that can ascend stairs. This is one of the biggest leaps in autonomous delivery technology so far! These four-legged robots boast omnidirectional wheels on each appendage. They are seeing some of their first real-world tests today in cities around cities like Milton Keynes and Bristol. The project’s purpose is to address “complex urban challenges” that conventional delivery methods can’t efficiently maneuver through.
The robots are outfitted with large, flashing, goofily adorable bright orange Just Eat boxes on their backs. There are ten independent restaurants in both cities actively deploying them right now. The trial in Milton Keynes includes widely loved local locations. Indulge in the flavors at 12th Street Burgers & Shakes and Moores Fish & Chips! Alongside them, eight local restaurants in Bristol have joined, including Jolly Fryer, Chicken Mews, and Bishopston Fish Bar.
Marko Bjelonic, chief executive of RIVR, sounded the importance of this trial. His firm, 5D Robotics, is leading the charge in creating these robots. He stated that it represents an “important step in scaling autonomous delivery across European cities.” The robots are easy to deploy into current operations. Rather they are laser-focused on providing powerful and easy-to-use automated solutions.
“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
For the duration of the trial, human operators control the robots from remote locations in between deployments to the participating restaurants. We’ve already shown that the robots can climb exterior brick steps. These steps are a grassy bank, capped by a hedge. This functionality is extremely important for our urban environments where today’s last mile deliveries are often stopped by common challenges, including stairs.
This trial succeeds a successful first run, with a similar pilot in Switzerland leading to almost 1,000 successful autonomous deliveries. Just Eat UK has been upgrading its operations towards delivery as part of a wider UK strategy. The company is in the midst of running similar drone tests in Ireland, too.
Our cities are on the move, fast becoming new, different places. Technological innovations, like delivery robots, have the potential to reshape how food is delivered in cities. Just Eat UK and RIVR are partnering to develop more resilient delivery systems. Together their partnership holds the potential for faster, more nimble development and delivery of solutions our digitally driven consumers today demand.