ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

Uber Eats Innovates With Food Deliveries by Introducing Self-Driving Robots in Japan

Uber Eats joined hands with Mitsubishi Electric and a robotics delivery company Cartken to initiate this model from Japan.
PUBLISHED FEB 21, 2024
Cover Image Source: A close up of an Uber Eats bag as a man prepares to deliver food | Getty Images | Photo by Nathan Stirk
Cover Image Source: A close up of an Uber Eats bag as a man prepares to deliver food | Getty Images | Photo by Nathan Stirk

With the emergence of digital apps and stores, the dining landscape has evolved. With the increasing and changing demands of the customers, restaurants are innovating new ways that can entice them and make them order from them regularly. Food delivery robots are a new concept that companies such as Starship, Bolt Food, and now Uber Eats are testing. The companies have the notion that a robot will deliver food orders to the customers' doors. Some robots can walk and others are even leveraging the technology of rolling on wheels or flying through the air. Smart technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, ultrasonic sensors, drones, and advanced logistics can make these fancy deliveries possible. Let's delve into the astonishing decision made by Uber Eats to start its food delivery robots in Japan.

Close-up of Kiwi autonomous food delivery robot the campus of UC Berkeley in downtown Berkeley, California, with a female student walking past, October 9, 2018. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Close-up of Kiwi autonomous food delivery robot on the campus of UC Berkeley in downtown Berkeley, California | Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Uber Eats, an app through which thousands of people order food and get it delivered, has made a huge announcement of introducing its self-delivery robots. Following the decision, the company joined hands with Mitsubishi Electric and a robotics delivery company Cartken to initiate this model from Japan. Uber Eats mentioned in a statement, "Japan will be the first international site of its autonomous delivery operations, which have so far been limited to a few cities in the United States." Its sidewalk robot deliveries are expected to commence by the end of March 2024 and they are experimenting in a small area of Tokyo. As a result of this collaboration, robots are completing their food deliveries in Miami and Fairfax, Virginia.



 

For Uber Eats, the company Cartken has developed a Model C robot using AI which can further figure out the directions and also complement the human walking speed. Additionally, Mitsubishi Electric will be supervising the operational business unit. Cartken's co-founder and COO, Anjali Jindal Naik made a strong statement by saying, “This collaboration signifies a leap forward in redefining the future of food delivery, making it more accessible and sustainable to consumers in Japan." Moreover, Uber Eats is focusing on transforming the delivery experience by introducing autonomous delivery in other US cities for which it is working with Motional, Nuro, and Serve Robotics.

Some of us have been to restaurants where food is served by robots, but have you ever thought about getting food delivered by robots on the streets? It is now possible and many companies are innovating their ways. A food delivery robot works on ultrasonic sensors and cameras. But how many and which technology to utilize depends upon the company making these robots. As far as the software is concerned, these robots are integrated with high-tech GPS which helps them to map out their routes and other information. The robots are designed in such a way that they understand basic human reflexes such as traffic signals and other motions. They also select the shortest routes, just like human delivery agents do. But there are some challenges to this, as after all, it is a robot. It can clash with barricades and face problems navigating crowded areas, construction, and potholes. For this, a human operator has to interfere and take control of the robot from a remote setting.

The intelligent distribution robot is sending packages contactlessly during the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia on 26th February, 2020 in Guiyang,Guizhou,China.|Getty Images|Photo by TPG
The intelligent distribution robot is sending packages contactless-ly during the pandemic | Getty Images | Photo by TPG

Some of the benefits of delivering food through robots are cost savings, eco-friendliness, augmented experience, and high speed and efficiency. Besides food delivery, the robots are being used to deliver other items as well. Many companies are making use of this technology to benefit their business as well as enhance the customer's experience, for example, Amazon, Eliport, FedEx, Kiwibot, Cleveron, Savioke, Boston Dynamics, Aethon, and Udelv.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The creator showed proof that the store jacked up the price of an item by $3 during a sale.
13 hours ago
The contestant, Linda Rivera failed to crack a seemingly easy phrase in the finale.
15 hours ago
Fans couldn't believe that the player chose to miss out on such a good opportunity.
16 hours ago
Host Drew Carey had to point out how loud the viewers were before the emotional victory.
1 day ago
While the guest got a massive appraisal for her grandma's ring, she was clear on her stand.
1 day ago
While some blamed the tough puzzle, a few were disappointed with the player, Rob Schwandt.
1 day ago
The player was a bit too excited for the trip and so was her husband in the audience.
2 days ago
The player, Ashton Hildebrand when on to win the showcase for prizes worth over $52,000.
2 days ago
The guest, Jad managed to bring a deal back from the dead and get exactly the amount he asked for.
2 days ago
While some players played it safe, others destroyed their marriages on the show.
2 days ago
Harvey was sure tha the player, Darren didn't want to be on the show at all.
3 days ago
The unexpected collaboration aims to solve a long-standing home surveillance issue.
3 days ago
The co-founders of Y'all Sweet Tea blew away the Sharks with their incredible numbers.
4 days ago
From his lips to his bald head, Harvey has to defends all sort of jabs.
4 days ago
The woman who gifted the painting to the owners had earlier sold it to another dealer as she couldnt sleep at night.
6 days ago
When it came to naming something of Harvey they would want to touch, the players didn't hold back
6 days ago
Rick Harrison's go to expert warned him not to touch it with a "10 foot pole."
6 days ago
The massive manufacturer has been operational for more than a hundred years now.
7 days ago
While the player was overwhelmed with emotion, host, Drew Carey was left hanging for a handshake.
Oct 3, 2025
Turns out, the guest's father was the renowned artist, Demetrios Jameson.
Oct 3, 2025