RIVR robots, shown here in Milton Keynes, are now being used to test autonomous delivery services across the UK, including in Milton Keynes and Bristol. These cutting-edge, robotic quadrupeds boast wheels on each paw. This intuitive design means they can freely explore the world around them as their confidence grows, from tackling steps to other more unforeseen obstacles.
The scheme is a collaboration between Just Eat UK and RIVR, with the trial concentrating on ten independent restaurants in both cities. In Bristol, eight restaurants have signed on, including neighborhood spots like Jolly Fryer, Chicken Mews, and Bishopston Fish Bar. Locally in Milton Keynes, two groundbreaking businesses are joining the effort. The fun continues with tasty cuisine found at 12th Street Burgers & Shakes and Moores Fish & Chips.
Marko Bjelonic, the chief executive of RIVR, included that fact to underscore the importance of this trial. He stated that the partnership represents “an important step in scaling autonomous delivery across European cities.” During this testing phase, they hope to determine just how efficient and practical RIVR robots will be in city environments.
The RIVR robots have an orange Just Eat box attached to their backs. This design allows for the safe handling and dispatching of food products. This new feature binds a standard, recognizable branding element to something and adds functionality to the robots. It was one of the most Cinimod features.
With current UK trials now underway, things have gotten even more exciting. A similar pilot program in Switzerland was able to claim success, with close to 1,000 autonomous deliveries performed. Lessons learned from these early trials will be useful for the current trials taking place in Milton Keynes and Bristol.
In line with a larger move towards automated delivery paradigms, delivery drones are being tested in Ireland. The combination of drone and robotic delivery systems shows a future landscape towards delivering food that is more technologically advanced and widespread throughout European streets.
Bjelonic pointed out that the launch in Milton Keynes represents something of a counterpoint to hype. This is a serious commitment to practical, automated delivery. He underscored the importance of these new technologies operating in concert with current operations rather than creating disruption.