Uber Eats has launched a new service that will allow autonomous robots to deliver food in the Center City area, writes Chris O’Connell for FOX 29.
Customers can now order from local restaurants and watch their robot courier travel to their door, and also track them in real time.
The robots are designed by Avride, use LIDAR sensors and cameras in order to navigate at approximately 5 miles per hour
As of now, the robot delivery service is available in Center City, Old City, and Chinatown from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reactions vary about this new service.
“I think more ability to deliver food is better for us.” said Jeff Newman, owner of Hi-Lo Taco Company, one of a dozen participating restaurants in Uber Eats’ pilot program.
Meanwhile, some residents are concerned that this new service will have a negative impact on the job force.
There are also others who are skeptical or curious about how the robots will fare in Philadelphia.
Uber Eats may expand the number of residents, as well as the robots’ delivery zone if the pilot proves successful.
Read more about Uber Eats’ new robot delivery service and what it will mean for Philadelphia residents at FOX 29.
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