Small robots have begun delivering meals in Markham, marking a pilot project launched by SkipTheDishes and Real Life Robotics, which signals the transformation of food delivery towards high technology.

Photo source: CityNews

Sharif Virani, the growth director of Real Life Robotics, said: "This is helpful in terms of sustainability and cost. Our goal is to enable Canadian families to obtain fresh goods from local businesses at more affordable prices, and robot delivery is a means to achieve this goal."

The entire process is similar to other online ordering systems. Customers place orders from their favorite restaurants through a mobile app. If they are within the specified two-kilometer range, they can choose one of four robot models, each about the size of a cooler.

Virani added: "This can help people avoid roads and obstacles. The robots are accompanied by guides at all times to monitor human-robot interactions."

Israruddin Attal, owner of Grande Burrito restaurant in Markham, highly praised this initiative and pointed out a significant increase in online orders.

He said: "This is very beneficial for our business. We receive nine to ten orders per day, sometimes even more. With the cooperation of robots and Skip, our business has become busier."

Photo source: CityNews

Concerns arise over whether robots will replace human delivery personnel

Some big cities like Toronto have already banned the use of delivery robots. Opponents argue that these robots pose potential threats to people with mobility issues, vision impairments, the elderly, and children. In December 2021, the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee recommended banning the use of Tiny Mile delivery robots. This robot, named Geoffrey and featuring a pink design with heart-shaped eyes, was once used by some restaurants for deliveries.

Photo source: CityNews

Bikers have long been dissatisfied with electric scooters invading bike lanes and do not want robots to enter these areas. There are also concerns that these automated robots or those remotely controlled by overseas employees may replace human delivery personnel.

Although this innovative plan has not been implemented in Toronto, many people in Markham believe that robot food delivery services are likely to exist in the long term.

A citizen said: "I would use robot delivery. I think it can reduce labor costs and make restaurant operations easier. Just put the food in and it will be delivered automatically."

Another Markham resident considered robots an "efficient tool": "It's better to pick up meals from it without having to interact with people."

Currently, Markham is the only city in Canada conducting such a pilot project. The program will last for 90 days, after which relevant officials will assess the effectiveness of robot delivery and consider whether to promote it to other regions.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7510359527524303387/

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