Center City Philadelphia puts Uber’s delivery bot to the test

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Just a week after we told you about the new autonomous Uber Eats delivery bots, new video shows the robots being put to the test in the wild of Center City.

The video was captured last Saturday at 15th and Locust streets. In it, one couple casually walks by the small delivery bot, while another man gestures toward it. Right when it is time to cross, a man makes a playful kicking motion behind the bot, and another sits right on top of it.

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But the bot was able to make a quick break.

Uber says the bots are equipped with cameras and can send a signal if they need assistance.

The company has described the robots as “the future of delivery,” designed to provide a contactless, streamlined way to move meals from restaurants to customers in minutes.

The bots are operated by Avride, an autonomoustechnology company. The bots use satellite connections similar to GPS. Sensors help them navigate sidewalks while avoiding pedestrians and vehicles. Powered by lithium batteries, each robot can operate for about 12 hours on a single charge.

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For now, the autonomous deliveries are limited to select areas of Center City between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Uber Eats says current autonomous delivery boundaries are south of Race Street and north of Spruce Street, and east of S. 18th Street and west of S. Front Street.

Customers can opt in to autonomous delivery through the Uber Eats app, where they can track the robot as it travels to the restaurant and then to their home.