Just Eat to pilot AI-ground delivery robots in Europe

The robots can travel 15 km per hour.

Just Eat Takeaway.com has announced that it is partnering with Swiss robotics company RIVR to pilot doorstep delivery of food products with autonomous ground robots in Europe.

The RIVR ground robot is combines wheels for efficient travel with legs for climbing stairs and curbs. Functioning with Physical AI, the robot understands every space, avoiding obstacles like rubbish cans or grass, and safely moves around pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists.

It operates at approximately 15 km per hour, ensuring prompt delivery times. Its design allows it to operate reliably in diverse weather conditions, including rain, snow, high heat, and wind. The robot has a 40-litre capacity and an internal wall to prevent spillage.

The handover process is similar to a courier delivery. A secure locking mechanism guarantees 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 highly noticeable during day and night.

The RIVR robot will be piloted in Zurich, Switzerland, in partnership with local restaurant Zekis World.

Just Eat said it plans to introduce more robotic delivery solutions to other European cities later this year, with potential expansion into retail and convenience stores.

“This new ground robotics delivery, utilising Physical AI, complements our journey into innovative delivery options, following the previously announced drone-delivery service in Ireland, powered by Manna, to further boost operational efficiency,” the group said.