Robots deliver food in US, Australia

Robotic technology is known to make certain tasks easier for many people, including getting food orders. Starship Technologies, a UK-based company that popularised electric-powered rovers that cruise sidewalks at pedestrian speed for short-range delivery, has penetrated more countries for its innovation.

Starship robots have recently been spotted in Redwood City, California, delivering food ordered by customers from restaurants. The same robots may be seen doing the same tasks in Washington, DC.

On-demand delivery service firm DoorDash and logistics company Postmates confirmed they use Starship robots to cater to their customers. These companies stated in interviews that they intend to use the delivery robots to enhance their respective fleets, and not really to replace human drivers, CNET reported.

The overall goal is to contribute to greater customer satisfaction through faster, more convenient deliveries. Founded by two Skype co-founders, Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, Starship Technologies has the thrust of reshaping how goods are shipped and delivered.

The company has tested and deployed robots in over 10 countries beyond its home country. The robotic technology is meant for delivering packages, food and groceries to consumers in a 2-3 mile radius. The robots can drive autonomously yet are monitored by human operators in control centres.

Organisations seeking to revolutionise delivery services to customers have sought to collaborate with developers of electric-powered rovers like Starship Technologies. By adding robots as a complement to people-powered delivery vehicles, these companies have been able to delight and satisfy customer requirements.

The robotic technology was recently showcased at the Mobile World Congress by Starship Technologies. Such developments signal how robotic technologies are increasingly being incorporated by companies alongside human personnel armed with manual tasks.

In other news, similar robotic technologies to deliver food have been utilised in Australia. Last year, pizza company Domino's used robots to deliver pizzas at a top speed of 12 miles per hour in Brisbane, the Washington Post reported.

“We have a relentless passion to push the boundaries of what’s possible with pizza delivery,” stated Michael Gillespie, chief digital officer for Domino’s Pizza Australia. Domino’s used a robotic cart it called Domino’s Robotic Unit or DRU to ferry its product offerings.

The prototype was developed by the Australian master franchiser with an Australian startup, Marathon Robotics. There were drawbacks encountered, including legal approval.

DRU -- powered by an electric motor that can traverse 12 miles -- gets to navigate bike paths and sidewalks. The robot also sends a text message to customers to notify them of its arrival. The robotic device complements car and bicycle deliveries of Domino's in Australia.