Uber Eats launched its new autonomous delivery service in Philadelphia, introducing sidewalk robots that the company says will be bringing food orders directly to customers' doors.
Uber Eats launched its new autonomous delivery service in Philadelphia, introducing sidewalk robots that the company says will be bringing food orders directly to customers' doors. The company describes the robots as "the future of delivery," which are designed to offer a contactless, streamlined way to move meals from restaurants to customers in minutes.
At Carters Cheesesteaks by Garci in Chinatown, one of more than a dozen restaurants partnering with Uber Eats for the pilot, owner Garci Peterkin said the technology aligns with his priorities.Megan Jensen of Uber said the company is starting with a limited group of restaurants for the rollout and sees strong potential in dense cities. "Where sometimes traffic and congestion can be a problem, parking can be difficult, and so these sidewalk robots provide nice relief for parking pressures," she said.The bots use satellite connections similar to GPS."It has a LIDAR at the top that's almost like the robot's brain in a sense, and it kind of works together with other sensors on the robot's radar, and then also cameras that allow the robot to really sense and see the world around it," Jensen explained.Customers can opt in to autonomous delivery through the Uber Eats app, where they can track the robot as it travels to the restaurant and then to their home. "So you're able to see it get to the restaurant, picking up your order, and then also watch it navigate to you as well," Jensen said. When the robot arrives, customers receive a notification and unlock the insulated compartment by scanning their phone.For now, the autonomous deliveries are limited to select areas of Center City between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Uber Eats says current autonomous delivery boundaries are south of Race Street and north of Spruce Street, and east of S. 18th Street and west of S. Front Street. The company plans to expand the service with more restaurants and additional robots in the coming months.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Texas Eats NOW: Delectable Sweet Rolls and a Bountiful Chinese BuffetJoin David Elder at Cranky Granny’s in Pflugerville & Kumi in San Antonio.
Read more »
Two Teenagers Killed, Several Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash in PhiladelphiaA multi-vehicle crash in Philadelphia's Germantown section on Monday night resulted in the deaths of two teenagers and injuries to several others. Police found a gun at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Read more »
Philadelphia weather: Temperatures expected to reach 80 degrees on TuesdayAn encore performance of yesterday's unseasonably warm temperatures is on tap for the Philadelphia area on Tuesday.
Read more »
Restaurant offers game day eats that will make you the MVP of March MadnessSelection Sunday is coming up -- if you're searching for the perfect game day spread to kick off March Madness, look no further!
Read more »
Self-driving robots now rolling through Center City delivering Uber EatsUber Eats shared that residents of Center City can now have their orders delivered by Avride autonomous robots.
Read more »
Uber Eats robots are now rolling around Philly, delivering foodWheeled robots from Uber Eats may bring out your next food-delivery order. For this dinner by droid, there is no need to tip, either.
Read more »