If you’ve recently ordered from Uber Eats, you might have noticed a new kind of delivery service—robots instead of human delivery drivers. This shift is thanks to a collaboration between Uber and Avride, bringing autonomous robots to various streets across the U.S.
These robots, which resemble compact suitcases on wheels, are designed to take care of the last mile of food delivery. They move at a relatively slow pace of about five miles per hour and can carry up to 55 pounds—ideal for larger orders, like pizza or drinks. Equipped with lidar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors, they can spot obstacles from 200 feet away and navigate busy sidewalks with relative ease.
What’s particularly interesting? These delivery robots operate around the clock—rain or shine. Their secure cargo compartments can only be accessed once the customer unlocks them via the Uber Eats app. With swappable batteries that last up to 12 hours, they are built for continuous service.
As of now, these robots are already active in a number of cities like Austin, Texas, which launched a sidewalk robotics program, and Jersey City in New Jersey, with plans for expansion into Dallas and some cities in Ohio.
Looking ahead, Uber has ambitious plans to deploy hundreds more robots by the end of 2025, and maybe your city will be next on the list. If you’re curious about trying this service, you may be able to select the robot delivery option during your Uber Eats checkout, which would then send a robot to your location.
So, why is Uber leaning into robotics? With over 31 million active users in the U.S., these robots help reduce congestion, eliminate driver dependency, and are generally effective for short trips within urban areas. Sensors and traffic rule programming allow them to navigate smoothly, enhancing reliability and safety for customers.
When you think about it, it’s quite fascinating how swiftly these robots are integrating into our daily lives. Whether you’re a fan of emerging tech or just want your food delivered reliably, these little machines aim to simplify the process. What do you think—would you welcome a delivery robot at your doorstep, or do you still prefer a human touch? It’ll be interesting to see how this unfolds as Uber continues to innovate.
