Have Just Eat robots changed the delivery industry forever? Probably not.
Residents might have seen the orange, four‐wheeled robots struggling to navigate the double‐ parked pavements of Filton, as Just Eat launched their new robotics trial in mid February.
The trial follows in the footsteps, or tyre marks, of Switzerland, where nearly 1,000 deliveries have already been completed, and Just Eat claims that robot and drone technology has significant advantages to delivering to remote areas.
Whilst I don’t consider Horfield to be a remote area, unless the bus has been diverted again, I thought I would personally test the new AI technology via a mid‐week chippie a mere mile and a half down the road.
What started as an optimistic six‐minute delivery estimation, painfully became 35 minutes as my stomach rumbled and my patience wore thin. I tracked my robot as it traversed junctions, pelican crossings and potholes, wondering what mayhem it might run into.
Just Eat launched their new trial of robotic delivery vehicles in February. Image: Just Eat
After waiting over an hour, I stared in disbelief and doubt as my phone lit up confirming my robot was nearby.
I watched the boxy machine judder down the pavement, and it quickly became apparent why my delivery had taken so long. Despite only witnessing a very small portion of its journey, it’s clear that these robots take extreme precaution when it comes to any potential obstructions, consequently manoeuvring at a snail’s pace.
As I saw my cod and chips inch closer to my front door, I gathered a small crowd of curious bystanders when it politely stopped at my feet and asked me to take my package from the compartment.
Unsurprisingly, the plastic, poorly insulated robot did not result in my dinner retaining much heat.
In fact, I suspect that it spent most of its journey fighting off e‐scooters, illegally parked cars and inquisitive pedestrians, but did I enjoy my experience? Yes, I would say so.
Perhaps it’s the novelty, or the strange personal attachment which grew as I monitored the robot’s every move, but I don’t often find myself enjoying the delivery period of a takeaway quite as much as I did this time.
I definitely wouldn’t suggest opting for a robotic delivery if you’re in a rush, but if you’re eager for a new experience, and lukewarm chips, I’d say it’s worth trying at least once.