How Just Eat Uses Physical AI-Powered Delivery Robots
Just Eat Takeaway.com has taken a futuristic step in food delivery by launching autonomous ground robots in Zurich, in collaboration with Swiss robotics innovator RIVR.
These cutting-edge robots are equipped with Physical AI, a sophisticated artificial intelligence system that enables them to navigate the complex terrains of urban environments.
Walking, wheeling and navigating the streets
These pioneering robots represent Europe's first implementation of a wheeled and legged hybrid system, designed to advance the mobility and capability of robotic delivery units.
Traditional delivery bots predominantly use wheels, however, the RIVR robot advances past these limitations by integrating legs.
This allows it to seamlessly transition from flat surfaces to challenging features such as kerbs and stairs, overcoming a significant challenge in densely constructed city areas without auxiliary aids such as ramps.
Guided by Physical AI, it processes environmental data in real-time, allowing it to efficiently circumnavigate common city barriers like bins, grass and uneven pathways while ensuring safe transit among pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
The RIVR robot travels at a functional speed of approximately 15km per hour and is fortified to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind and heat.
Its cargo space, which holds 40 litres, is partitioned to ensure stability, effectively preventing spillage during transit and accommodating both large and mixed orders without hassle.
Upon reaching its destination, the delivery process mimics traditional courier protocols. The meals are securely kept during transit with a reliable lock mechanism and, once at the delivery address, the customer is notified to unlock and access their food directly from the robot’s compartment.
Tech designed for city life
While the RIVR robot is independently operational, it remains under constant surveillance from a control centre, ensuring that each delivery is meticulously tracked.
In cases of emergency, the robot is capable of autonomously stopping or can be stopped remotely, enhancing its safety protocols.
Furthermore, it is equipped with lights and a flag for added visibility, ensuring it can be seen at all times of the day or night.
Joerg Gerbig, Chief Operating Officer at Just Eat Takeaway.com, explains: “At Just Eat Takeaway.com, 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.”
This commitment to automation is paralleled by concurrent trials, including drone deliveries in Ireland, fostering an expanding strategy addressing the trials in urban delivery domains.
Real deliveries, real customers, real streets
The initial deployments are taking place in Zurich with live orders from Zekis World, a local eatery.
This approach ensures that Just Eat Takeaway.com and RIVR receive vital feedback on the robotic performance in actual operating conditions, contrasting with controlled environment tests.
Marko Bjelonic, CEO at RIVR, says: “Our collaboration with Just Eat Takeaway.com 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.”
The pilot is anticipated to evolve, with aspirations to introduce similar facilities across additional European metropolitan regions.
Beyond restaurant delivery, Just Eat Takeaway.com is exploring broader applications for these robotic units across the retail and convenience sectors, signifying a transformative step forward.
This partnership with RIVR exemplifies the company's dedication to integrating innovative tech solutions with typical urban lifestyles, continually redefining the paradigm of modern urban delivery systems.
