Domino’s Unveils “DRU” Unmanned Pizza Delivery Robot, On Trial In 7 Countries

Meet DRU, Domino’s (DPZ) Robotic Unit, your unmanned pizza delivery robot.

DRU1

DRU is not just conceptual. Trials went underway this week in Australia, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan and New Zealand.

Please consider Domino’s Unveils New Pizza Delivery Robot ‘DRU’.

Pizza delivered by a robot? It may seem out of this world, but for one pizza company, the idea may be closer to reality than ever.

The project is a collaborative effort from Domino’s and Australia-based robotic company Marathon Targets, which created the first autonomous robotics for the Australian defense force in the late 2000s.

DRU is made from water-tight, weather-proof acrylic plastic, with an aluminum and mild steer interior. The robot implements light sensors to help navigate through the streets — similar to the technology used by self-driving cars.

According to a video posted on Domino’s YouTube channel, DRU is expected to launch globally in March 2017.

DRU Deep Lab

An ARS Technica Report on Robots notes DRU uses software developed by the Australian military contractor Marathon, which manufactures autonomous robots with obstacle-avoidance capabilities.

The DRU is battery powered and has a range of about 20 kilometers (12 miles). It moves on footpaths and roads. Speed not designated.

I struggle to envision this on anything but neighborhood roads and sidewalks, in safe areas. The wheels do not look particularly robust. How long one would last on the streets of Chicago remains to be seen.

Regardless, DRU is the world’s first autonomous delivery vehicle. Others are sure to follow.

Disclaimer: The content on Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis site is provided as general information only and should not be taken as investment ...

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Gary Anderson 8 years ago Contributor's comment

I agree with you Mish, not so durable as to be on the roads. And this Domino Pizza robot will be on footpaths? Will it be on the ones banning skateboards? Where will the rule of law be when you need it?

As far as shifting away from workers, I plan to boycott any company in fast food that I see doing any of this. I will go to companies that employ humans.

Jason Green 8 years ago Member's comment
Leslie Miriam 8 years ago Member's comment

Good comment thread indeed and I have to agree with what many said such as @[Gary Anderson](user:4798) and @[Mohammed Anwar](user:29399).

Annalisa Christina Kraft 8 years ago Contributor's comment

VIdeo narrator has cool Aussie accent but this robot doesn't look as awesome as Amazon's.

Alexis Renault 8 years ago Member's comment

@[Annalisa Christina Kraft](user:4932), where can we see what #Amazon's #robot looks like?