Perth, Oct 29: Robots have started delivering takeaway on Gold Coast footpaths, in what Serve Robotics and DoorDash say is Australia’s first footpath robot delivery service.
The pilot launched today in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct. DoorDash customers ordering from Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers in Southport, the first restaurant taking part, can choose to have their order delivered by a Serve robot. More local restaurants will join in the coming weeks.
The robots travel at walking pace, give way to pedestrians and are backed by trained remote supervisors. Customers can opt in or out of robot delivery in the DoorDash app. When the robot arrives, the customer gets a notification and a unique code to open its secure compartment.
It is Serve’s first operation outside the United States. Its robots have already delivered for more than 4,500 restaurants in US cities including Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago.
“This is the first time we’ve taken Serve beyond the United States, and the Gold Coast is the right place to start. It has the walkable neighbourhoods this technology is built for and a city that has shown it welcomes innovation,” said Serve Robotics CEO and co-founder Ali Kashani.
“Having Serve Robotics choose the Gold Coast for its first operation outside the United States is a strong vote of confidence in our city and the innovation ecosystem we are building,” said City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
The robots are based at an operations depot at Griffith University. Serve and the university are exploring internships for students in robotics and autonomy operations.
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