Robo Dogs Powered by AI Kick Off Food Delivery Trials
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Artificial intelligence has quietly slipped into nearly every corner of our daily lives-from finance and healthcare to entertainment and even cooking. We’ve seen recipe apps that build meals from what’s left in your fridge and smart kitchen gadgets that churn out restaurant-worthy dishes at the press of a button. But Europe has taken things a step further-straight into the streets.
Dutch food delivery giant Just Eat Takeaway.com has partnered with Swiss robotics company RIVR to launch a unique pilot project in Zurich. Together, they have introduced AI-powered robo-delivery dogs-four-legged machines tasked with delivering fast food from local eatery Zekis World.
The experiment, though small in scale for now, signals how food tech is moving from novelty to reality.
These aren’t ordinary robots on wheels. Designed with Physical AI, the robo-dogs come with a set of advanced capabilities that make them ideal for navigating busy city life. They can:
Every delivery is tracked in real time, and operators can take control remotely whenever required. This blend of autonomy and human oversight ensures both safety and efficiency.
While the pilot is focused on fast food, RIVR has a bigger vision. The company plans to expand robo-dogs into delivering groceries, parcels, packages, and fresh meals. By the end of this year, more units are expected to appear at retail and convenience stores across Europe.
Why It Matters for Food Tech
For Just Eat Takeaway.com, the robo-dog trial is part of its broader strategy to push the boundaries of automation in food delivery . Zornitsa Chugreeva, Senior Global Innovation Director, explains:
"It drives our commitment to exploring, testing and integrating innovations and technologies, all aimed at enhancing our service and driving an even better experience for our ecosystem."
RIVR’s CEO, Marko Bjelonic, sees it as an important step toward normalizing robotics in urban life:
“This collaboration offers a glimpse into a future where automation blends naturally into cities, helping people get what they need, when they need it.”
The idea of food arriving at your doorstep courtesy of a four-legged robot may sound like science fiction-but in Zurich, it’s already happening. Whether it’s burgers today or groceries tomorrow, robo-dogs represent a future where speed, precision, and convenience come with a futuristic twist.
For now, Zurich residents can enjoy their meals with a side of sci-fi charm-delivered by man’s new best friend, the robo dog.
Just Eat and RIVR Team Up
Dutch food delivery giant Just Eat Takeaway.com has partnered with Swiss robotics company RIVR to launch a unique pilot project in Zurich. Together, they have introduced AI-powered robo-delivery dogs-four-legged machines tasked with delivering fast food from local eatery Zekis World.
The experiment, though small in scale for now, signals how food tech is moving from novelty to reality.
What Makes These Robo Dogs Special?
These aren’t ordinary robots on wheels. Designed with Physical AI, the robo-dogs come with a set of advanced capabilities that make them ideal for navigating busy city life. They can:
- Climb stairs with ease
- Avoid obstacles such as trash bins and parked cars
- Move safely around pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles
- Travel at speeds up to 15 km/h
- Handle varying weather conditions-heat, rain, snow, and wind
Every delivery is tracked in real time, and operators can take control remotely whenever required. This blend of autonomy and human oversight ensures both safety and efficiency.
Beyond Burgers and Fries
While the pilot is focused on fast food, RIVR has a bigger vision. The company plans to expand robo-dogs into delivering groceries, parcels, packages, and fresh meals. By the end of this year, more units are expected to appear at retail and convenience stores across Europe.
Why It Matters for Food Tech
For Just Eat Takeaway.com, the robo-dog trial is part of its broader strategy to push the boundaries of automation in food delivery . Zornitsa Chugreeva, Senior Global Innovation Director, explains:
"It drives our commitment to exploring, testing and integrating innovations and technologies, all aimed at enhancing our service and driving an even better experience for our ecosystem."
RIVR’s CEO, Marko Bjelonic, sees it as an important step toward normalizing robotics in urban life:
“This collaboration offers a glimpse into a future where automation blends naturally into cities, helping people get what they need, when they need it.”
The idea of food arriving at your doorstep courtesy of a four-legged robot may sound like science fiction-but in Zurich, it’s already happening. Whether it’s burgers today or groceries tomorrow, robo-dogs represent a future where speed, precision, and convenience come with a futuristic twist.
For now, Zurich residents can enjoy their meals with a side of sci-fi charm-delivered by man’s new best friend, the robo dog.
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