Uber Eats rolls out self-driving delivery robots in Tokyo, a first for Japan. Following successful trials in the US, Uber Eats is bringing its autonomous food delivery service to Japan, marking its first international expansion. Partnering with Cartken, a robotics startup, and Mitsubishi Electric for local compliance, Uber Eats will deploy a fleet of Model C robots on Tokyo sidewalks starting in March.
This innovative approach addresses labor shortages while complementing delivery methods like bikes, motorbikes, and on-foot couriers.
What we know so far about the Model C robot
Equipped with six cameras and advanced AI, the six-wheeled Model C navigates sidewalks autonomously, detecting obstacles and allowing remote control. The Model C can reach six miles per hour and has a cargo capacity of 27 liters, likely due to additional thermal insulation. Uber Eats prioritizes privacy by automatically masking faces in footage captured by the robots.
Cartken is a familiar face in Japan
Uber Eats may be new to robot delivery in Japan, but Cartken is already a familiar face. Since 2022, they’ve partnered with Mitsubishi to deliver for Starbucks, Rakuten, and Seiyu in select areas. Cartken also brings robotic food delivery to college campuses in the US, partnering with Grubhub at Ohio State and the University of Arizona.
While specific restaurants haven’t been announced, Uber Eats likely won’t struggle to find partners thanks to Cartken’s existing network in Japan. However, don’t expect to see robots navigating the bustling crowds of Shibuya anytime soon.
