We've brought a fleet of Just Eat robots to Sunderland to deliver your hot food
A fleet of delivery robots has hit Sunderland’s streets for an autonomous delivery trial.
Sunderland is home to Just Eat’s operations in the north, with its customer service centre based in Maker, one of the two new office blocks on Riverside, after relocating from Rainton Meadows.
Now, the delivery company has partnered with Starship Technologies for a fleet of hi-tech delivery robots, who are already causing a stir after being spotted around the city.
Customers can select robot deliveries through the Just Eat app, where costs vary by distance but typically range from 50 pence to £3.
Restaurants and cafes using the delivery robots include Koji, Babaji, Crave, Cheeky Duck and Bobacat.
Autonomous deliveries have already proved popular elsewhere in the country, including Milton Keynes where they’ve been running for some time.
Starship is the global leader in autonomous delivery, with more than 2,700 robots, fitted with very loud anti-theft alarms, in 270 locations across eight countries.
Patrick Melia, Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council said: “Sunderland is already one of the UK’s most tech-forward and smart cities. It’s great to have a major local employer like Just Eat involved in this latest innovation.
"We're sure these robots will bring extra convenience for residents, especially people who are less mobile or unable to leave home. We look forward to seeing them supporting residents across Sunderland.”
Just Eat first located its Customer Service Centre to Sunderland in June 2021 and has become a major part of the city’s economy.
Research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research shows the company contributes £20.8m to the Sunderland economy through its city operations and supports a further £31.7m of value through supply chains and employee spending in the wider economy.