How to order from new Just Eat robots now delivering in Sunderland
The new autonomous vehicles from Just Eat are out delivering hot food in Sunderland, after being rolled out elsewhere in the UK.
Orders can be placed through the firm’s app, where users will have the option to select delivery by robot.
Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland is already one of the UKβs most tech-forward and smart cities.
“Itβs great to have a major local employer like Just Eat involved in this latest innovation.
“We’re sure these robots will bring extra convenience for residents, especially people who are less mobile or unable to leave home.
“We look forward to seeing them supporting residents across Sunderland.”
The battery-powered robots use artificial intelligence and onboard cameras to navigate streets and operate autonomously.
They have already been deployed in Leeds, Wakefield, Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes, Greater Manchester, and parts of Northamptonshire, and are said to have proven popular with disabled and elderly residents.
They are capable of playing music and are equipped with loud anti-theft alarms to prevent your takeaway from being stolen.
Mert Γztekin, chief technology officer at Just Eat, said it had teamed up with a “diverse range of local independent restaurants” to trial the Starship robots.
Ahti Heinla, founder and chief executive of Starship Technologies, said: “Our robots are trained to think for themselves and learn their way around the local area with ease.
“The economics of robot delivery only work when the robots are truly smart: robots learn with every journey, and Starship robots have completed millions of journeys.”
Starship was co-founded by Mr Heinla and Janus Friis, who also co-founded Skype.
The robots are designed to operate in various conditions, and can continue deliveries even in heavy snow.
They can operate all day on a single charge and take two hours to fully recharge.
Would you get your food delivered by a robot? Or do you prefer the more human touch of a delivery driver? Let us know in the comments.
Video credit: BEXI JENKINS