Domino’s new trial pizza delivery robot inNew Zealand is just under a metre (three
foot) high and contains a heated
compartment that can hold up to 10 pizzas.
(AFP Photo/)
Fast food giant Domino’s is to trial pizza
delivery robots in New Zealand, it said
Friday, describing the hi-tech, driverless
units as a world first.
In a move enthusiastically backed by the
New Zealand government, Domino’s said it
was working with authorities on plans to
roll out its DRU (Domino’s Robotic Unit).
The four-wheeler, developed in Australia, is
just under a metre (three foot) high and
contains a heated compartment that can
hold up to 10 pizzas.
It is battery powered and uses on-board
sensors to avoid obstacles, with Domino’s
saying it can deliver pizzas within a 20
kilometre (12.5 miles) radius of a store
before returning to recharge.
Customers are given a code when they
order, which they enter onto a keypad to
unlock the compartment containing their
pizza.
“DRU is cheeky and endearing and we are
confident that one day he will become an
integral part of the Domino’s family,” the
chain’s New Zealand general manager Scott
Bush said.
“He’s a road to the future and one that we
are very excited about exploring further.”
While a date for the trial is yet to be
finalised, Transport Minister Simon Bridges
said the government working with Domino’s
on the project and was keen for it to
proceed.
“This is an exciting opportunity for New
Zealand… over the last 12 months I’ve been
actively and aggressively promoting New
Zealand as a test bed for new transport
technology trials,” he said.
New Zealand is still working on regulations
relating to driverless vehicles such as the
DRU, which is designed to operate on both
roads and footpaths.