Domino’s Pizza plans to deploy delivery robots from the American start-up Starships Technologies on the streets of Amsterdam. By introducing this new technology, Domino’s hopes to stay ahead of the looming shortage of delivery drivers.
As more and more companies work with delivery services, the demand for good staff is rising. In the Netherlands alone, the pizza chain is said to be looking for three thousand new delivery workers this year. Domino's pizza wants to fill the looming shortage of delivery workers with the robot DRU (Domino's Robotic Skype), which was developed last year by the people behind Skype.
Domino's has already tested the technology in several countries. This summer, the pizza chain hopes to run a trial in Amsterdam. It is currently in talks with the Dienst Wegverkeer (RWD) for the appropriate licence and exemption. Earlier today, Domino's pizza posted a video on Facebook showing the robot making its first meters in Amsterdam.
The robots, developed by the people behind Skype, can reach a maximum speed of 6 kilometres per hour. Furthermore, the robots will deliver no further than one to one-and-a-half kilometres from the branch. "We do want the pizzas to arrive fresh and hot to the customer," a spokesperson told the Parool.
Cameras and sensors ensure the robots avoid obstacles and people. Should an unexpected object pop up, such as a walker or roadworks, the route is adjusted. The robot does not yet manage to cross on its own. An employee has to control the robot remotely.
The robot features a compartment where the pizza is kept. An employee locks the compartment on departure. The customer receives a code by text message to open the compartment.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
