Jacob Brown
Uber Eats extends its autonomous food delivery service beyond the US to Japan, addressing labor shortages and enhancing delivery options.
Partnering with Cartken and Mitsubishi Electric, Uber Eats introduces Model C sidewalk delivery robots with advanced AI and local compliance modifications.
Adaptations for the Japanese Market:
Model C robots undergo adjustments to comply with Japanese regulations, including speed limitations and capacity modifications, ensuring seamless integration into Tokyo’s urban landscape.
Privacy Measures and Technical Specifications:
Uber Eats emphasizes privacy by automatically masking faces in robot-captured footage, while Model C’s technical features, such as six cameras and remote control capability, enhance autonomous operation.
Cartken’s existing partnerships in Japan, facilitated by Mitsubishi, bolster Uber Eats’ entry into the market, building on successful collaborations with Starbucks, Rakuten, and Seiyu.
Expansion Beyond Japan:
Beyond Japan, Cartken’s partnerships extend to autonomous food delivery services in the US, including collaborations with Grubhub on college campuses, showcasing a global footprint in food delivery innovation.
Future Prospects and Market Expansion:
While specific Tokyo restaurants partnering with Uber Eats’ robotic delivery service remain undisclosed, Cartken’s local experience and established partnerships suggest a promising market penetration and expansion outlook.
Despite growth opportunities, cautious approaches are warranted, as navigating crowded urban areas, such as Shibuya, presents challenges for robotic delivery trials.
