The autonomous delivery robots operate at 15 km per hour, withstand varied weather conditions, and feature a 40-litre capacity with safety measures, including real-time monitoring and emergency stop controls.
Just Eat Takeaway.com is partnering with Swiss company RIVR to pilot doorstep delivery of food products with autonomous ground robots. The company aims to test out wheeled-legged hybrid robotics equipped with physical AI in Europe. The robot combines wheels for travel with legs for climbing stairs and curbs.
The robots travel at around 15 km per hour and are built to operate in varied weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and wind. Each robot has a 40-litre capacity with an internal divider to prevent spills, allowing it to carry larger orders.
The handover process is similar to a courier delivery. A secure locking mechanism enables the safe delivery of the order for both the partner and the user. The partner secures the order inside the robot, and the customer unlocks the cargo bin after being notified of its arrival.
The robot has been manufactured to cover long distances safely, and every delivery is monitored in real-time from a monitoring centre. It is programmed to instantly stop in emergencies, either automatically or via remote command, and is equipped with lights and a flag to stay noticeable during day and night.
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Initial deliveries will take place from restaurant Zekis World in Zurich. The company said it plans to extend the use of robotic delivery to other European cities later this year, with potential applications in retail and convenience stores.
Joerg Gerbig, Chief Operating Officer, Just Eat Takeaway, said, “Our vision is to empower everyday convenience, and we believe automation is an important driver in bringing that vision to life.”
“It drives our commitment to exploring, testing, and integrating innovations and technologies, all aimed at enhancing our service and driving an even better experience for our ecosystem.”
Marko Bjelonic, Chief Executive Officer, RIVR, said, “Our collaboration with Just Eat Takeaway is a glimpse into a future where automation blends naturally into our cities, helping people get what they need, when they need it.”
“Physical AI allows our robots to understand and adapt to the real world. It’s a step toward making autonomous delivery not only efficient, but intuitive, safe, and truly human-centred.”
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