With Uber Eats as a key partner, Serve Robotics is bringing AI-powered sidewalk delivery to one of the fastest-growing markets in the U.S.
Serve Robotics is scaling up its autonomous sidewalk delivery service, bringing its fleet to Miami in collaboration with Shake Shack and Mister O1. Backed by Uber Eats, the expansion aims to roll out 2,000 delivery robots by the end of the year, reshaping the future of urban food delivery.
In an exclusive interview with Robotics Business News, Aduke Thelwell, Head of Communications for Serve Robotics, delves into the company’s Miami expansion, the transformative role of robotics in last-mile delivery, and the broader vision for autonomous logistics.
Q: What motivated Serve Robotics to expand to Miami, and how were Shake Shack and Mister O1 selected as partners?
A: Miami is one of the fastest-growing markets in America and a great place to do business. Local officials have also been very supportive, helping ensure a smooth rollout.
In terms of partnerships, we already deliver for multiple Shake Shack locations in Los Angeles and are now expanding that partnership to Miami. Additionally, we’re excited to launch a new relationship with Mister O1, a beloved local favorite and one of the fastest-growing brands in the city.
Q: How does Uber Eats contribute to this expansion, and what role does it play in the deployment of autonomous delivery?
A: Uber Eats is our established partner and the platform on which we are planning to launch 2,000 robots by the end of the year. Customers place orders through Uber Eats, and our robots handle the deliveries. This means we work closely with Uber to coordinate our expansion plans, to onboard new partners like Mister O1, and to sign up new merchants in each new city and neighborhood we enter.
Q: What new technological advancements are being implemented in Serve’s robots for improved efficiency and safety in urban areas?
A: Our robots have been designed from day one to operate in complex urban environments. Our Gen3 robot features several advancements, including a larger beam, a longer drivetrain, and extended operating hours, all of which enhance efficiency and performance.
Q: How does Serve Robotics address potential challenges such as sidewalk congestion and pedestrian interactions?
A: Our robots are designed with autonomy that allows them to detect pedestrians and move gracefully alongside them. They always yield the right-of-way, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for everyone on the sidewalk.
Q: What feedback have restaurant partners and customers provided on autonomous delivery, and how does that influence your expansion strategy?
A: Our restaurant partners have loved the delivery experience, describing it as intuitive, seamless, and reliable. While customer feedback has not shifted our expansion strategy, it has influenced product improvements. For example, in our latest Gen3 robot, we expanded the bin size to fit up to 6 pizzas, allowing us to better serve businesses like Mister O1.
Q: What are Serve Robotics’ broader plans for further growth, and how do you envision the future of autonomous delivery?
A: We plan to continue to expand geographically as we scale. We will continue to advance our AI and algorithms to continually optimize our routing and operations to increase efficiency. Our goal is to have each robot perform as many deliveries per day as possible, moving toward full optimization.