Uber Eats has started using self-driving robots to deliver orders in parts of Miami. The ride-hailing company will have autonomous robots on sidewalks Thursday in the Dadeland area of Miami-Dade County.
After Miami, there are plans to expand to additional cities in 2023.
The emission-free robots are made by Cartken, an Oakland-based AI company founded by a team of ex-Google engineers. The robots have been used mostly on college campuses until their newest Uber venture.
“We’re proud to be ground zero for this type of exciting and forward-thinking innovation that will help reduce congestion and carbon emissions–not just in Miami, but cities around the world,” Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said in April 2021.
The robots are AI-powered, have six wheels, and are equipped with multiple sensors and cameras that help them maneuver around to their destinations.
Restaurants use the robots by putting the food order inside a designated compartment that has a lock with a code to open it.
Cartken said it allows other companies to take on its robots and customize them for their business needs. The robots are manufactured by global mobility technology company Magna.
“Our robust and flexible system allows us to customize form factors and create operational tools that work in many different environments. We can operate outdoors as well as indoors and partner with you on your specific business need,” Cartken says on its website.
The robots can only travel a limited number of miles, move at a pace a bit slower than walking, and cannot climb stairs.
