The Gold Coast is making history today with the launch of the nation’s first-ever food-delivery robot.
Serve Robotics has teamed up with Door Dash to offer the high-tech service, which will begin deliveries in the Southport Health and Knowledge Precinct.
The robots are a familiar sight already in major US cities including Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas and Chicago.
The robots travel at walking pace and are designed to safely navigate footpaths while also giving way to pedestrians.
Trained remote supervisors keep an eye on their movements and can help out when needed.
“This is the first time we’ve taken Serve beyond the United States, and the Gold Coast is the right place to start,” Serve Robotics CEO Ali Kashani said.
“It has the walkable neighbourhoods this technology is built for and a city that has shown it welcomes innovation.
“After delivering for more than 4,500 restaurants at home, we’re here to give local restaurants a new way to reach customers and to earn community trust one delivery at a time.”
Southport’s popular Gnochi Gnochi restaurant is the first to pilot the new technology, with other local eateries set to join in coming weeks.
“At Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, we’ve always embraced technology and innovation to make great food more accessible and convenient for our customers,” Ben Cleary-Corradini, Co-founder of Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, said.
“We see this as an exciting glimpse into the future of food delivery and customer service, particularly for our Pronto takeaway-focused stores.”
Customers will be able to choose the robot delivery option in the Door Dash app where available.
The robot collects the order from the restaurant and travels along the footpath to the customer’s address.
Customers receive a notification when it arrives, along with a unique code to open the robot’s secure compartment and collect their order.
