DC Trawler

Soon Robots Will Deliver Pizzas In Europe

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I used to hate robots, until I realized that they’re the key to utopia: A beautiful dreamworld where you can obtain a delicious, freshly cooked meal without ever having to deal with another human being. Sure, the increasing automation of the food industry is bad news for people who demand more money for their services than they’re worth. But it’ll give them more free time to think up awesome hashtags! #FightFor15

Welcome to the future, everybody. Jeremy Kahn, Bloomberg Technology:

Starship Technologies, the London-based company that has created six-wheeled self-driving delivery robots, will begin taking customers Domino’s pizzas in Germany and the Netherlands…

Starship’s battery-powered robot is designed to operate autonomously on sidewalks, not roads, and has a maximum speed of four miles per hour carrying loads up to 20 pounds. Its cargo hold, which customers unlock with a code sent to their mobile phones, is insulated and the pizzas will also be placed inside a special hot or cold bag similar to the ones used for motorcycle-based deliveries.

Here’s a look at one of the cute little fellows making a delivery:

Now that’s what I call service.

Seriously, though, I’m not sure how these delivery robots are supposed to work. So they just roll down the sidewalk, where anybody can pick them up and break them open to get the delicious pies inside? These little guys should have some sort of defensive capability to ward off thieves. Perhaps a non-lethal but memorable electric shock. Or maybe capsaicin spray. Pizza with hot sauce!

Well, it’s early days yet. They’ll work out the kinks eventually. Then it’ll be robots taking your order, robots cooking the food, and robots bringing it to your door. Paradise!