The sweet smell of melted cheese, sizzling pepperoni, and garlic bread wafts through the neighbourhood. But there's no pizza delivery car in sight.
That's because Domino's sent its newest team member — an autonomous vehicle named DRU (Domino's Robotic Unit) — to do the job. At least, that's the scenario the restaurant chain envisions in Australia, where it has developed the compact four-wheeled prototype.
Reminiscent of trash collecting robot Wall-E, the friendly android can independently navigate from a starting point (the store) to its destination (your door) as on-board sensors help it avoid obstacles along the way. Plus, DRU has compartments to keep your pizza piping hot and your drinks chilled during the trip to your house.
Don't expect to welcome DRU to your third-floor apartment, though. It's currently relegated to sidewalks and footpaths, and moves at what Domino's called "a safe speed."
"This highlights what can happen when disruptive thinking is fostered—it turns into a commercially viable and revolutionary product," Domino's CEO Don Meij said in a statement. "It allows Domino's to explore new concepts and push the boundaries of what is possible for our customers.
"The DRU prototype is only the first step in our research and development as we continue to develop a range of innovations set to revolutionize the entire pizza-ordering experience," Meij added.
The mobile machine was developed at Domino's DLAB, and is powered by technology from Australia-based Marathon Robotics. The pizza chain has been working with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads to ensure its delivery droid meets local requirements for testing.
"With autonomous vehicles opening up possibilities for saving lives, saving time and moving goods more efficiently, we look forward to continuing our work in this field and leading the commercial trials so that customers can reap the benefits," Meij said.Don't expect to welcome DRU to your third-floor apartment, though. It's currently relegated to sidewalks and footpaths, and moves at what Domino's called "a safe speed."
"This highlights what can happen when disruptive thinking is fostered—it turns into a commercially viable and revolutionary product," Domino's CEO Don Meij said in a statement. "It allows Domino's to explore new concepts and push the boundaries of what is possible for our customers.
"The DRU prototype is only the first step in our research and development as we continue to develop a range of innovations set to revolutionize the entire pizza-ordering experience," Meij added.
The mobile machine was developed at Domino's DLAB, and is powered by technology from Australia-based Marathon Robotics. The pizza chain has been working with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads to ensure its delivery droid meets local requirements for testing.
"With autonomous vehicles opening up possibilities for saving lives, saving time and moving goods more efficiently, we look forward to continuing our work in this field and leading the commercial trials so that customers can reap the benefits," Meij said.
The company a few years ago teased the "DomiCopter" drone for pizza delivery—a project that turned out to be more of a PR stunt than a reality. DRU, however, looks like the real deal.
"DRU is cheeky and endearing and we are confident that one day he will become an integral part of the Domino's family," Meij said. "He's a road to the future and one that we are very excited about exploring further."
In October, Domino's unveiled the new DXP (Delivery Expert) vehicle—a revamped Chevy Spark with an illuminated warming over behind the driver's door and storage areas throughout.
Source: pcmag.com
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