Just Eat trials AI food delivery robots in Zurich

Just Eat has become the first on-demand food delivery service in Europe to pilot wheeled-legged hybrid robots equipped with Physical AI, launching the initiative in Zurich, Switzerland.

The trial, in partnership with Swiss robotics company RIVR, will see the autonomous ground robots deliver orders from local restaurant Zekis World, marking a major step in the company’s drive to explore innovative delivery solutions.

Zornitsa Chugreeva, Senior Global Innovation Director at Just Eat, said:

At Just Eat Takeaway.com, our vision is to empower everyday convenience, and we believe innovation is an important driver in bringing that vision to life. It drives our commitment to exploring, testing and integrating new services and technologies, all aimed at enhancing our proposition and driving an even better experience for our ecosystem.”

Glimpse into the future

The RIVR robot combines wheels for fast travel with legs to climb stairs and curbs, while Physical AI enables it to navigate complex environments safely, avoiding obstacles such as pedestrians, vehicles, cyclists, rubbish bins and grassy areas. It can travel at up to 15 km per hour and operate reliably in rain, snow, high heat or wind, with a 40-litre capacity designed to prevent spillage, making it suitable for large orders.

The delivery handover mirrors a standard courier experience. Partners secure the order inside the robot, and customers unlock the cargo bin once notified of its arrival. Every delivery is monitored in real time, with the robot able to stop instantly in emergencies, either automatically or via remote control. Equipped with lights and a flag, it remains visible day and night.

Marko Bjelonic, CEO of RIVR, added:

Our collaboration with Just Eat Takeaway.com is a glimpse into a future where automation blends naturally into our cities, helping people get what they need, when they need it. Physical AI allows our robots to understand and adapt to the real world. It’s a step toward making autonomous delivery not only efficient, but intuitive, safe, and truly human-centred.”

Recent delivery innovations

The pilot comes amid a wave of delivery innovation and just months after Deliveroo tested drone delivery in Dublin. In Australia, Monash University recently unveiled Ari, a student-built autonomous robot that keeps meals hot and desserts frozen with temperature-controlled compartments.

Just Eat plans to roll out AI robotic food delivery to other European cities later this year, with possible applications in retail and convenience stores.