The service was launched this week on Uber Eats through a partnership with Austin-based autonomous vehicle startup Avride. The robots are delivering to addresses between Cesar Chavez and 15th streets and I-35 and West Avenue.Mai Thai and Maiko Sushi are participating in the service, but Yulia Shveyko, Avride’s head of communications, expects more restaurants to opt in.
Uber Eats patrons can decline the robot and have their order delivered by a courier instead. If you stick with the robot, you can watch it scuttle along Austin's sidewalks on your phone“Robots are really new,” Shveyko said. “They need to be comfortable to people and they need to look friendly. And these LED panels with different eye animations help them look cute and friendly.
The 50-square-foot Coffee Haus from Briggo offers made-to-order espressos, cappuccinos and other specialty brews from direct-trade beans. Like any good neighborhood barista, it will even remember your favorite order.