The former global pandemic gave birth to a remote reality, now that reality continues to breathe life into A.I. Technologies
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TOPSHOT – Members of the media and passersby walk next to an unmanned robot as it crosses the street during a demonstration of a robot delivery service by Uber Eats Japan, Mitsubishi Electric and robot developer Cartken in downtown Tokyo on March 5, 2024. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RICHARD A. BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)
By Jade Lopez, CRDN
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Popular burger chain Shake Shack has announced a partnership with Serve Robotics, where they stated that compact sidewalk robots will now be used to deliver Uber Eats orders in specific areas throughout Los Angeles.
These autonomous robots are programmed to easily navigate sidewalks and deliver mobile orders to customers, allowing for a more swift and contactless delivery experience. In an effort to keep up with the growing demand for delivery services, this partnership utilizes modern technology and faceless food services to meet consumer needs, especially following the pandemic.
By employing this technology, Shake Shack has the opportunity to drastically cut delivery times and prioritize their resources efficiently, while still upholding customer convenience by providing quality services. The use of robotics eliminates the potential for human error and is said to be a more environmentally friendly option. With less congestion, emissions, and accidents, this approach may be the future of mobile ordering.
With 24/7 accessibility and operational times, robotic deliveries would provide customers with the flexibility to order at any time and to have a guaranteed driver within a shorter time frame. Consistency and reliability are other factors that enhance the want for robotics in food service, specifically about the precision and timeliness of an order. Robots are programmed to work at the same speed and efficacy each time, whereas humans adhere to their own rules.
On the contrary, however, potential flaws that exist alongside robotic food deliveries are the room for technical errors, distance, customer preferences, and job disparities. Navigational errors like the lack of precision when identifying roadblocks such as people, potholes, pets, closed streets, and other obstacles are likely to occur. Similar to times when mapping systems may glitch, causing you to miss an exit or guide you down a one-way street, these robots may not be developed enough to handle these malfunctions.
Additionally, inclement weather such as snow, sleet, ice, and extreme temperatures could affect the robot’s ability to safely get to its destination. Moreover, food exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures could result in the food order lacking the taste and quality that a temperature-controlled car would deliver. As robotic delivery becomes an increased demand, the need for human employees could decrease, resulting in fewer job opportunities or total job loss. Economic disparities may arise among delivery drivers, as robotic couriers are a more cost-effective alternative.
The impact of robotic delivery systems on human workers can be both positive and negative, depending on various factors such as the pace of technology adoption, regulatory responses, and the ability of the workforce to adapt. While there may be job losses in the short term, the long-term effects could lead to a transformation of roles and the emergence of new opportunities, provided that workers and employers are supported in the transition.
An estimated 2000 robots are projected to be rolled out in Los Angeles in 2025, and as technology is consistently developing, these methods of food delivery will likely expand into other metropolitan cities within the upcoming years.