Uber, alongside Mitsubishi Electric and autonomous robotics startup Cartken, is launching a service in Japan that utilizes self-driving sidewalk robots for food delivery to customers.
According to TechCrunch, the collaboration, announced by the companies, will introduce the service via the Uber Eats app in a specific area of Tokyo by the end of March.
“Details regarding operating hours will be revealed closer to the launch date, as mentioned by an Uber spokesperson.”
Uber and Cartken, known for their joint delivery service in Fairfax, Virginia, and Miami, have expanded their partnership internationally with this agreement, which includes Mitsubishi Electric overseeing operations in Tokyo.
The autonomous sidewalk robot, Model C, developed by Cartken, will be deployed for the delivery service.
Equipped with a 27-liter cargo bin and traveling at approximately 3.3 miles per hour, the robot utilizes advanced sensors and software for navigation and environmental detection.
Additionally, Cartken’s teleoperations interface enables remote monitoring and guidance by workers, including Mitsubishi Electric employees trained in the system.
Senior general manager at Mitsubishi Electric’s advanced application development center, Shoji Tanaka emphasized the significance of robot delivery as a solution to future logistics challenges.
Mr Tanaka expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage the adoption of robot delivery services in Japan and outlined plans to leverage Mitsubishi Electric’s expertise in building and factory infrastructure for further deployment of autonomous robots in various settings.