Self-delivery robots are now on Japan's streets …….

'Uber Eats' has introduced self-delivery robots on the streets of Japan, started from March 6th, 2024. In light of the ongoing shortage of labour in the country, this new endeavour sought to improve the efficiency of the service. These robots are currently only available at two stores in Tokyo: Tonkatsu Aoki and Benihana Annex in the Nihonbashi area. However, the company has plans to expand its reach into many more areas. The delivery timings are set from 10am to 5pm on weekdays.

THE PURPOSE OF SELF-DELIVERY ROBOTS

Self-delivery robots are independent robots designed exclusively to move objects from one place to another, usually inside a specified region like a university campus, office complex, or local community. These robots have been equipped with a range of sensors, cameras, and navigation systems that enable them to safely traverse through pedestrian areas and evade obstacles.

Main features and elements of self-delivery robots:

- Autonomous navigation

- Payload capacity

- User interface

- Efficiency and cost-Effectiveness

- Environmental benefits

- Subject to regulatory and legal considerations

- Ensures security and safety

ABOUT 'UBER EATS' COMPANY

'Uber Eats' is owned by Uber Technologies, Inc., and its CEO is Dara Khosrowshahi. 'Uber Eats' is a digital platform that allows users to order meals from nearby restaurants and have them delivered to their location. The app is a subsidiary of Uber Technologies, Inc., the parent company of the world's largest ride-sharing app.

DESIGN

The delivery robots with six wheels are made by Cartken, an AI company based in Oakland. Mitsubishi Electric will be in-charge of operations. Even though delivery robots are becoming more famous, they still need a group of people to make them work. The boxy robots have square headlights that function as eyes and three wheels on each side to help them get around curbs as they figure out their own ways, using sensors to avoid people and other objects in their way. This six wheels boxy robot , can move at up to 5.4 km/h (3.4 mph). It is equipped with flashing lights that surround the lid. If any unforeseen issues arise, there is also a live operator to assist. Additionally , the robots use cameras to navigate pedestrian walkways without colliding with obstacles. The cameras make use of an automated process to obscure the faces of those seen in the recorded images, preserving their anonymity.

FUTURE PLAN

According to Shoji Tanaka, the head of Mitsubishi Electric's innovation centre, the company plans to innovate further so that autonomous robots can ultimately deliver things inside buildings. Nevertheless, the extensive implementation of these technologies could depend on overcoming technical obstacles, resolving regulatory issues, and receiving acceptance from the public.

MORE INFORMATION

Sources Referred : Uber Eats starts robot deliveries in Tokyo (techxplore.com) , Uber Eats Japan begins deliveries with self-driving robots - The Japan Times , Uber Eats Business Model (businessmodelanalyst.com) , How does Uber Eats work? | Business Strategy Hub (bstrategyhub.com) To access more information, you may refer to the listed sources.