Uber Eats, Mitsubishi Electric, and Cartken Collaborate to Launch Autonomous Food Delivery Robots in Japan

In a pioneering move, Uber Eats has teamed up with Mitsubishi Electric and Cartken, a robotics venture founded by Google alumni, to introduce self-driving robots for food delivery in Japan. The futuristic endeavor marks Uber Eats' first venture into autonomous deliveries outside the United States, with the deployment set to commence as early as March this year.

Advanced Robotics for Urban Deliveries:

Cartken's innovative creation, the "Model C" robot, is set to revolutionize food delivery in Tokyo. This autonomous robot, designed for urban settings, boasts the ability to navigate bustling city streets at a brisk walking pace. The collaboration ensures that the technology adheres to Japan's stringent standards and intricate regulations, with Mitsubishi Electric overseeing the integration of the autonomous couriers into the country's tech landscape.

More Than Just a Gimmick: Addressing Labor Shortages and Sustainability

This initiative goes beyond novelty. It aims to address two key challenges:

• Labor shortages: The program seeks to alleviate pressure on human delivery drivers, a sector facing growing staffing issues.

• Sustainable deliveries: Autonomous robots offer the potential for greener deliveries, reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Addressing Modern Challenges:

Beyond the futuristic appeal, the partnership aims to address contemporary challenges such as labor shortages and the pursuit of eco-friendly and efficient delivery solutions. Uber Eats has previously ventured into robot deliveries, introducing sidewalk robots in various U.S. regions, including Miami and Fairfax, Virginia.

Key Quotes from Stakeholders:

• Shintaro Nakagawa, CEO of Uber Eats Japan: "Autonomous robots will not become widespread overnight, but amid concerns about labor shortages, including the 2024 problem, autonomous robots will be introduced over the medium to long term as an attempt to increase options for delivery methods."

• Shoji Tanaka, Director of Advanced Application Development Center, Mitsubishi Electric Development Division: "Robot delivery is considered to be an effective measure against the logistics crisis that will become more serious in the future."

• Anjali Jindal Naik, Co-Founder & COO of Cartken: "We are thrilled that through our business partnership with Uber Eats and Mitsubishi Electric, Cartken’s automated robot delivery technology will be used in the vibrant city of Tokyo."

Business Implications:

The collaboration is expected to revolutionize the food delivery landscape, providing Japanese consumers with more accessible and innovative delivery options. The introduction of autonomous robots aligns with the evolving dynamics of the food delivery industry.

A Glimpse into the Future of Food Delivery

While the initial rollout is localized, this venture represents a significant step towards robot-powered deliveries becoming a mainstream reality. As technology advances and regulations adapt, we can expect to see more widespread adoption of automated couriers in the food delivery industry and beyond.